As founder and president of The Strategy Forums there are a few thoughts I’d like to share with you. Writing copy for the Forums has been fun and reminiscent of my advertising and marketing days.
This isn’t the glib stuff, this is from the heart.
I am forever appreciative of you as members of The Strategy Forums. You have shared your struggles and triumphs and I have had a seat on the 50-yard line of your lives. For many of you I have been a trusted advisor. We have shared treasured moments of professional intimacy that often change the course of how we operate. This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly.
As you continue to participate in the Forums there are six fundamentals that are the underpinning of our relationship to one another. These six words represent the values that bind us together.
1. Confidentiality.
2. Vulnerability.
3. Honesty.
4. Accountability.
5. Generosity.
6. Commitment.
Our ability to hold confidences is the most basic principle upon which The Strategy Forums stands. Without this commitment, on all of our parts, we are nothing. We are not a community. Without this pledge, we are a sham. Being vulnerable may not be easy. It is the place we come to when we admit we are not all-knowing or that there may be a better way. And, we whisper, “Ancora Imparo, I am still learning”.
Honesty and candor must be ever present. We must challenge one another in a frank and open manner. Not the type of honesty that leaves someone depleted but the type of frankness that inspires and encourages them to see things differently. We must hold ourselves and others accountable.
This is not about a “to do” list. That’s easy for most of us. This is about behaviors and paradigm shifts that we agree ought to take place. Moving mountains is not easy work. It is a give and take world. There will be times when you’re the trusted advisor and there will be times when you’re the recipient. That’s how it works. You have to be willing to be generous to others and to yourself.
Lastly, we must make a commitment to one another and to ourselves. We must commit to show up, physically and intellectually. We cannot exchange ideas, learn, teach or grow if we are not there. The word conversation comes from the Latin convertere, which means to turn around or transform.
When we come together and embed these values into our conversations we are laying the foundation for life changing work.
I can think of no greater honor.
Thank you,
Sally Tassani
