A Friday Farewell

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end” -Closing Time; Semisonic

Today marks my last day at my current position and I can say with honesty that it’s been a hell of a ride. Two years ago I was selected to lead a large group of wonderful professionals doing great works on a daily basis. I knew then it wouldn’t be easy, taking the helm from my old boss and smack dab in the middle of the Covid pandemic.

Over the last two years, while there have been a lot of ups and downs, and both were extreme at times, I can walk away knowing that I made a difference in at least a few of my people’s lives, having helped them grow and become better leaders. They, in turn, have given me much, not just in level of effort to complete our missions, but lessons on how I can improve and grow.

See, leadership should be a two way exchange. We all can learn for leading and following. We help each other become a better whole when we can truly, and I mean truly, embrace open communications, honesty, safety in being vulnerable, and open minded.

Give your people a mission, some parameters, the freedom to make mistakes and watch them go do things. Not hard is it?

On the other side, I’m leaving for a lot of reasons, mostly personal due to my health. For as good as a Leader as I try and hope to be, I’m not perfect and I let the stress and pressure (some external but a lot internal) take a hold of me and let myself spiral into a health situation. Stress and the mismanagement of it can kill you folks, I ain’t kidding.

But, I’m off to another challenge and opportunity Monday, a fresh team and a new perspective and a chance to start again. I’ll take my lessons learned and apply them and stand ready to take on new lessons. In the end, the goal is to always be improving.

For my team I’m leaving, thank you so much for your support, friendship and hard work that made a difference on the world stage. I love you all.

For my new team, I’m excited to be coming onboard and I look forward to being a part of your rich history and a part of the important work that you all are doing. I know we’ll do great things.

For the rest of you, take care of yourselves, manage stress and truly balance your lives and most importantly, hold your leaders accountable to helping you do that. It’s a part of the process of great leadership.

Lead Forward

Semper Fortis

Chief Chuck