Charity involves understanding and a high level of empathy. We all have our favorite charities. I personally like friends who look charitably at TCL. In turn, TCL and its committed employees look charitably at other worthwhile community projects and organizations. It’s an extension of outreach and a commitment we make to our overall pledge to serve the public. I encourage benevolence to others, and I believe we collectively display that mindset to our students through a meaningful “pay it forward” attitude.
This past week I had a delightful conversation with two dear friends who truly know what it is to be charitable. They are very generous with their time and their charitable contributions. What got my attention during this conversation was their expectation of receiving notes and letters of appreciation for their donations. Their comments reinforced what the literature describes. Donors truly want to be recognized and thanked for their charitable contributions.
It is important to develop a benevolent mindset and to always remember to be thankful in everything we do. The simple act of being gracious by offering thanks goes a long way and sends a powerful message to the giver. Offering a heartfelt thank you goes far toward establishing a genuine long-term relationship. It is so easy to do. It is a good lesson for us to habitually practice the attitude of gratitude in all of our daily doings.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Social Media Protocol.
Is there anyone who does not have a mobile phone? I have a very good friend who uses the ringtone that speaks the word “RING” for an incoming call. The tone becomes more intense with each passing second until he answers the phone. It’s quite amusing. This is the same friend who was the first one I knew to purchase a cell phone. That was 20 years ago.
I have this uncanny ability to always sit or stand next to the individual who forgets to turn off her or his mobile device during quiet times, like in church or in meetings or other public gatherings. The phone rings and the person ignores it, and people look at me like it’s my phone. It’s embarrassing.
One time, a friend handed me his belongings and said, “I’ll be right back.” Naturally I held his items. Guess what? Yes, during a very quiet time at an important public gathering, his phone rang and people looked at me. While this could be a great practical joke, it was not intended as such. I felt stupid. I didn't want to answer his phone, and I didn't know how to mute it.
It’s interesting that technology requires us to consider new sets of protocols. I have trouble sitting next to someone in the airport who is having a private conversation. Do people really have to talk so loud so that everyone is involved in the conversation? Why do we have this desire to be connected to each other constantly? The supermarket checkout line is no time to talk about your social life. At least wait until you are in the car. Is there any such thing as private time anymore?
I think it’s time to write the book on electronic manners and appropriate social technological protocol. Don’t get me started on Facebook and the postings people make. It’s so easy to gripe, but remember, the world is watching.
So what’s my point? Let’s approach our technology with courtesy, always remembering that others are watching or listening. Most of all, be respectful in your communication – all forms of it – always.
I have this uncanny ability to always sit or stand next to the individual who forgets to turn off her or his mobile device during quiet times, like in church or in meetings or other public gatherings. The phone rings and the person ignores it, and people look at me like it’s my phone. It’s embarrassing.
One time, a friend handed me his belongings and said, “I’ll be right back.” Naturally I held his items. Guess what? Yes, during a very quiet time at an important public gathering, his phone rang and people looked at me. While this could be a great practical joke, it was not intended as such. I felt stupid. I didn't want to answer his phone, and I didn't know how to mute it.
It’s interesting that technology requires us to consider new sets of protocols. I have trouble sitting next to someone in the airport who is having a private conversation. Do people really have to talk so loud so that everyone is involved in the conversation? Why do we have this desire to be connected to each other constantly? The supermarket checkout line is no time to talk about your social life. At least wait until you are in the car. Is there any such thing as private time anymore?
I think it’s time to write the book on electronic manners and appropriate social technological protocol. Don’t get me started on Facebook and the postings people make. It’s so easy to gripe, but remember, the world is watching.
So what’s my point? Let’s approach our technology with courtesy, always remembering that others are watching or listening. Most of all, be respectful in your communication – all forms of it – always.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Our Heritage.
Many reflect on history and heritage during the month of February with themed events including Black History Month and President’s Day. February is also an important month in the life of TCL. Each February we celebrate our heritage with a day where we reflect on the importance of our founding. There are few community and technical colleges in our nation that have a rich heritage like ours. It began in 1868 when our hero and founder, Rachel Crane Mather, ventured south to formally educate the daughters of freed slaves right here in the Lowcountry. The Mather School preceded the present day TCL, and each February alumni from the Mather School gather on TCL’s campus to celebrate their heritage.
This past week, a dear friend of the College and a member of the TCL Foundation sent me a link to a website from the Friends of Heritage Preservation. It contained several meaningful quotes about the importance of heritage. One was:
“The past informs who we are and inspires who we are capable of becoming.”
Think about this powerful statement. Think about this statement in the context of the past and the struggles of others who made life simpler and abundant for us. How cannot one be grateful?
That is the importance of heritage, as we look back with an inspired and grateful heart. Each of us has a personal heritage that may have been influenced or inspired by our own heroes. To TCL, our heritage was formed by an individual with the heart of a servant who sacrificed so others could prosper. Unequivocally, our Mather School past provides a grounding so we can make a difference and inspire others to make a difference. To the beautiful women of the Mather School, I thank you for inspiring us to become better through a platform of learning and caring. I will always treasure our heritage and hope that we use our capabilities to achieve new levels of inspired greatness.
TCL will celebrate its founding with the annual Mather School Alumni Celebration and Bell ringing Ceremony Friday, February 25 at 1:30 p.m. Please contact the TCL Foundation at 843.525.8294 for more information or visit http://www.tcl.edu/About_Us/News/news_detail.asp?id=401.
This past week, a dear friend of the College and a member of the TCL Foundation sent me a link to a website from the Friends of Heritage Preservation. It contained several meaningful quotes about the importance of heritage. One was:
“The past informs who we are and inspires who we are capable of becoming.”
Think about this powerful statement. Think about this statement in the context of the past and the struggles of others who made life simpler and abundant for us. How cannot one be grateful?
That is the importance of heritage, as we look back with an inspired and grateful heart. Each of us has a personal heritage that may have been influenced or inspired by our own heroes. To TCL, our heritage was formed by an individual with the heart of a servant who sacrificed so others could prosper. Unequivocally, our Mather School past provides a grounding so we can make a difference and inspire others to make a difference. To the beautiful women of the Mather School, I thank you for inspiring us to become better through a platform of learning and caring. I will always treasure our heritage and hope that we use our capabilities to achieve new levels of inspired greatness.
TCL will celebrate its founding with the annual Mather School Alumni Celebration and Bell ringing Ceremony Friday, February 25 at 1:30 p.m. Please contact the TCL Foundation at 843.525.8294 for more information or visit http://www.tcl.edu/About_Us/News/news_detail.asp?id=401.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Prepared.
Did you ever walk out of your residence in the morning and forget to grab your PDA from the charging station? What’s your first reaction? My reaction is how fast can I make the turnaround to retrieve it. It’s gotten to the point where I’m not complete without my PDA, and isn’t that tragic? What has happened?
Our expectations for immediate information are slightly skewed these days. We expect to get and receive responses almost immediately. That expectation applies to our students as well. We try very hard to respond promptly. Again, what has happened? I guess we live life in an instant message environment.
TCL’s enrollment grew 65% in the recent six years, which made us the fastest growing Technical College in South Carolina and number 26 of the fastest growing colleges in the nation among community colleges our same size. During those same six years, TCL had no increases in staff positions. The severe budget cuts did not allow us to expand in the same proportions for support staff positions. That simply means that everyone is working harder serving more students – and at the same time – working smarter. Technology helps us accomplish smarter working habits; yet, it’s difficult to provide that instant response that clients demand especially during peak times. We try hard to please, and we’re getting better.
New technology will be added very soon in the form of software upgrades to improve TCL’s voice mail system. The upgrade is needed and should help us collect and coordinate our responses to incoming phone calls, thanks to economic stimulus dollars provided through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). We believe this is a wise investment. Still, there are other forms of inquiry that fly at us from every direction, and we are giving it our best to respond.
Technology offers solutions. It also creates new pressures and new expectations. For me, only when there is a device that sounds a warning signal when I leave my house in the morning without my PDA will the technology circle be complete. For now I guess I’ll have to revert to tying the string around my finger. Now there’s another form of technology – the string. Remember when string was the connective device we once tied between tin cans to experiment sound wave communication?
Our expectations for immediate information are slightly skewed these days. We expect to get and receive responses almost immediately. That expectation applies to our students as well. We try very hard to respond promptly. Again, what has happened? I guess we live life in an instant message environment.
TCL’s enrollment grew 65% in the recent six years, which made us the fastest growing Technical College in South Carolina and number 26 of the fastest growing colleges in the nation among community colleges our same size. During those same six years, TCL had no increases in staff positions. The severe budget cuts did not allow us to expand in the same proportions for support staff positions. That simply means that everyone is working harder serving more students – and at the same time – working smarter. Technology helps us accomplish smarter working habits; yet, it’s difficult to provide that instant response that clients demand especially during peak times. We try hard to please, and we’re getting better.
New technology will be added very soon in the form of software upgrades to improve TCL’s voice mail system. The upgrade is needed and should help us collect and coordinate our responses to incoming phone calls, thanks to economic stimulus dollars provided through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). We believe this is a wise investment. Still, there are other forms of inquiry that fly at us from every direction, and we are giving it our best to respond.
Technology offers solutions. It also creates new pressures and new expectations. For me, only when there is a device that sounds a warning signal when I leave my house in the morning without my PDA will the technology circle be complete. For now I guess I’ll have to revert to tying the string around my finger. Now there’s another form of technology – the string. Remember when string was the connective device we once tied between tin cans to experiment sound wave communication?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Hope.
On January 12, I had the privilege to attend and participate in the inauguration ceremony of Nikki Haley. One of the speakers who preceded Governor Haley mentioned the State’s motto. When I looked carefully, South Carolina has two mottos on its official state seal: animis opibusque parati and dum spiro spero. Translated, these slogans are “Prepared In Mind and Resources,” and “While I Breathe I Hope.” It was this latter motto that was used in an introductory speech by Senator Glen McConnell, President Pro Tempore.
While I Breathe I Hope. That’s powerful. It’s optimistic and future oriented. It sends a message of a better day ahead. Leaders, many of whom heard these words spoken from the podium in Columbia are optimistic and filled with hope. In a general sense, I truly believe that people are optimistic and we all have a natural inclination toward a bright future. In our present struggles, whatever they may be, we must remain hopeful and focused on a brighter future. I know that’s the position of our Governor, and we need to unite in a spirit of optimistic cooperation to solve our present day challenges and achieve a prosperous future. It can be done, I hope. I really do hope.
On January 17, we pause to recognize the efforts of a great leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. This man was filled with hope. He breathed hope. He said, in one of his famous quotes, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
I hope we all use the day and the season to reflect on hope. Visionary leaders keep focused on a better day, and they are relentless in making sure their hopes and dreams become realized. It’s a good model for all of us. Dedicate your efforts to noble causes that build better and stronger communities for all. Dream big and remain hopeful.
While I Breathe I Hope. That’s powerful. It’s optimistic and future oriented. It sends a message of a better day ahead. Leaders, many of whom heard these words spoken from the podium in Columbia are optimistic and filled with hope. In a general sense, I truly believe that people are optimistic and we all have a natural inclination toward a bright future. In our present struggles, whatever they may be, we must remain hopeful and focused on a brighter future. I know that’s the position of our Governor, and we need to unite in a spirit of optimistic cooperation to solve our present day challenges and achieve a prosperous future. It can be done, I hope. I really do hope.
On January 17, we pause to recognize the efforts of a great leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. This man was filled with hope. He breathed hope. He said, in one of his famous quotes, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
I hope we all use the day and the season to reflect on hope. Visionary leaders keep focused on a better day, and they are relentless in making sure their hopes and dreams become realized. It’s a good model for all of us. Dedicate your efforts to noble causes that build better and stronger communities for all. Dream big and remain hopeful.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Renewed Optimism.
It has become seemingly trite to reflect on resolutions at this time in our calendar year. The rhetoric abounds with resolution trends, some picking on personal vulnerabilities. While the marketing side of me expects this, every day brings opportunity for new resolve. We’re fortunate to have the advantage of seeing promising opportunities, and I contend the gateway for advancement goes back to the fundamentals – none more essential than a solid educational grounding.
In this coming year, the opportunities to advance are unprecedented. I feel the climate, I see the potential, and I know there will be major gains. In other words, I believe. Yes, I’m optimistic. To me, it’s all about attitude. In this world we have choices. In this country we have the freedom to capitalize on opportunity for real gain.
As a graduate student, I had a wonderful and privileged opportunity to live and study in full-time residence at a land grant institution, and when walking my dog, we would sometimes take a path that took us by the massive livestock research centers and the sheep farm. I took some time to observe sheep. Strange, I know, but there is one observation I found to be interesting. In a group, the watchful and ever mindful sheep seemed to have one eye on each other and the other eye on a distant spot. Therein lies an important example or analogy of watching or protecting each other while looking toward our future. To be sure, we are dependent on each other, and there is comfort or perhaps a mandate to look out for each other, but we cannot dismiss the future. We can gauge our potential by keeping a close watch on each other, but where we’re going is critical, so let’s make sure we’re keenly focused on where we want to go. Although it has built in uncertainly, the future demands our sharp focus.
As we begin the New Year, our hope is high, our spirits are committed, and our resolve is to make a discernable difference through learning and applying the new knowledge, skills and affect intentionally toward building a better community for all. The essence of this is rooted in a “can do” style of optimism as good things will happen in 2011. Believe.
In this coming year, the opportunities to advance are unprecedented. I feel the climate, I see the potential, and I know there will be major gains. In other words, I believe. Yes, I’m optimistic. To me, it’s all about attitude. In this world we have choices. In this country we have the freedom to capitalize on opportunity for real gain.
As a graduate student, I had a wonderful and privileged opportunity to live and study in full-time residence at a land grant institution, and when walking my dog, we would sometimes take a path that took us by the massive livestock research centers and the sheep farm. I took some time to observe sheep. Strange, I know, but there is one observation I found to be interesting. In a group, the watchful and ever mindful sheep seemed to have one eye on each other and the other eye on a distant spot. Therein lies an important example or analogy of watching or protecting each other while looking toward our future. To be sure, we are dependent on each other, and there is comfort or perhaps a mandate to look out for each other, but we cannot dismiss the future. We can gauge our potential by keeping a close watch on each other, but where we’re going is critical, so let’s make sure we’re keenly focused on where we want to go. Although it has built in uncertainly, the future demands our sharp focus.
As we begin the New Year, our hope is high, our spirits are committed, and our resolve is to make a discernable difference through learning and applying the new knowledge, skills and affect intentionally toward building a better community for all. The essence of this is rooted in a “can do” style of optimism as good things will happen in 2011. Believe.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
It’s the Holiday Season
I’m a Christmas music junkie, and the moment Thanksgiving ends, I crank up the Christmas tunes. The day “Holly” pops up on XM radio, I begin to phone or text my friends. In my family, we have this silly contest where the winner is the first one to verify that “Holly” has gone live in the XM lineup. In case you wondered, I’m the undefeated reigning champion.
As I write this note, my office is filled with a variety of Christmas tunes. It puts me in a good mood. For those who find this behavior strange, well I guess I’ll go down on record as being strange. It’s just me. The other day a local TV station had a Facebook question that asked listeners to write in and list the holiday song they disliked the most. As for me, I like them all, even that annoying barking dog song.
What is it that puts us in a special good mood or creates the spirit of holiday benevolence in us? Is it inspired by music? Further, why do we behave differently at Christmas? Is it truly the most wonderful time of the year?
I’m somewhat reflective because I’m mindful of the beautiful lyrics that accompany the Christmas tunes. There is a richness in the lyrics that speaks differently to each one of us. Treasure the beautiful music and use the power of the season to refresh and restore joy in your heart and in your deeds.
The Christmas Story, like the music, is rooted in anticipation, hope and belief. I like tradition and I especially like Christmas Eve, when all the retail establishments close, and it’s quiet. The air is calm and fresh, and there is a deeper feeling that gets to the core of life. This is the time that Silent Night takes on real meaning for me, with hundreds of reflective moments of the wonder of the season. It’s an opportunity to reflect and be thankful.
I’m thankful for many things. The ability to serve is a gift, and at this special time of year when the holiday pressures mount, take time to listen and enjoy the unique blessings around us, and know that there can be peace on earth and in our hearts.
Last, here is one more holiday tune. Relax and enjoy TCL’s 2010 Holiday Greeting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoCipNvIVms
Joy and peace, today and always.
TCL
As I write this note, my office is filled with a variety of Christmas tunes. It puts me in a good mood. For those who find this behavior strange, well I guess I’ll go down on record as being strange. It’s just me. The other day a local TV station had a Facebook question that asked listeners to write in and list the holiday song they disliked the most. As for me, I like them all, even that annoying barking dog song.
What is it that puts us in a special good mood or creates the spirit of holiday benevolence in us? Is it inspired by music? Further, why do we behave differently at Christmas? Is it truly the most wonderful time of the year?
I’m somewhat reflective because I’m mindful of the beautiful lyrics that accompany the Christmas tunes. There is a richness in the lyrics that speaks differently to each one of us. Treasure the beautiful music and use the power of the season to refresh and restore joy in your heart and in your deeds.
The Christmas Story, like the music, is rooted in anticipation, hope and belief. I like tradition and I especially like Christmas Eve, when all the retail establishments close, and it’s quiet. The air is calm and fresh, and there is a deeper feeling that gets to the core of life. This is the time that Silent Night takes on real meaning for me, with hundreds of reflective moments of the wonder of the season. It’s an opportunity to reflect and be thankful.
I’m thankful for many things. The ability to serve is a gift, and at this special time of year when the holiday pressures mount, take time to listen and enjoy the unique blessings around us, and know that there can be peace on earth and in our hearts.
Last, here is one more holiday tune. Relax and enjoy TCL’s 2010 Holiday Greeting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoCipNvIVms
Joy and peace, today and always.
TCL
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