Origins of things are sometimes assumed to emanate from people or places or sources simply go unresearched. Sometimes the significance or the intention or the outcome of whatever it is outshines, outlasts, and outlives the true originator even.
In moments like these that are at times confusing, chaotic, challenging or lending towards people sprinting to opposite corners of the ring, a welcome respite is the last segment of the NBC nightly national news that usually is prefaced with “there’s good news tonight”. This segment is actually long running and been uplifting long before many were in the need for uplift the way so many are now. The actual preface of “there’s good news tonight” goes even further back to WWII when a radio commentator named Gabriel Heatter used it as his sign on. Many needed good news then, as many do now, and we must find ways to not just believe, but to ensure good times will not just avail, but will prevail. Let’s search for the good news tonight.
When a young hippie Rockstar bought a ranch, caretaker Louis Avila and his wife came along with it as part of the deal. The story goes that Louis took the young man for a ride in his old jeep to the highest part of the property where all the grounds could be seen and asked him how someone so young could afford such a place. The young man replied; “Well, just lucky Louis, just real lucky”, to which Louis responded; “Well that’s the darndest thing I ever heard”! In response, the young Neil Young wrote the song “Old Man” in honor and about Louis Avila with the great “I’m a lot like you were” line. Great reminder that despite our differences in age, wealth, possessions, or persona, hopefully we all go back to the well of realizing we have been or are a lot more alike than we are dissimilar. Let’s find and drink from that well.
The second Red Scare in this country was greatly fueled by a loud, boisterous, attention craving politician named Joseph McCarthy. Ultimately it waned following the bolstering of civil rights and political rights rulings of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Earl Warren and then McCarthy being censured by the Senate. However, a monumental turning point to those in a return to decency and civility if not sanity was the conduct and commentary of attorney Joseph Welch representing the US Army versus McCarthy’s accusations. Welch’s calm, concise and conviction filled crossing of McCarthy was seen by many as being the voice that led towards bring the country back together. Words and the way they are used matter. Let’s be the right Joseph.
Rob Hyman might not be a very recognizable name for especially those not following the music scene in the early ‘80s. Rob was one of the founding members and lead singer of the great band celebrating their 45th reunion tour this year, The Hooters. The Hooters had about five or so mega hits and songs that were both sentimental ballads and dance tunes as well. “Where Do the Children Go” was one great hit bemoaning the loss of innocence and wondering “Who’s that deadly piper who leads them away”. In the past few weeks I’ve had multiple opportunities to observe young people of all ages in action. Hustle and bustle of students as Harwood Union High School down the road prepares for the end of the school year with promises lived and promises being made for how they will live. I’ve seen youth soccer and lacrosse enjoyed with great energy despite the endless rain. I also witnessed an amazing young professional, Sammy Baker, address a crowd of about 200 of us at event held at her employer Burton Snowboards. Sammy spoke of her incredible education at Champlain College, her internship at Burton, and then about the opportunity she’s had since being part of the Burton team in the years post-graduation. Clear evidence that with collaboration with the right “pipers”, not only do we know where the children go, but we can rest assured they are going great places, doing great things, and will help us get not just back to where we want to be, but to where we should be going forward as well. Let’s be the right type of pipers.
Finally, to give one more shout out to Rob Hyman and his crew, another song from the same year of 1985 actually, was “And We Danced”. A truly remarkable line in it states “like a wave on the ocean romanced” followed shortly by “swept away for a moment by chance”. You can easily visualize those whimsical pictures. The picture attached, in the same light, shows my wife being her ever hilarious, ever beautiful, and ever young self. We must show others and ourselves that we raise, grow, teach, lead, mentor, or partner with that it is okay to demonstrate that sometimes where the children go is forward to become still youthful acting and still enjoying life to the fullest grown children. Remembering that the last lines of And We Danced is “Yeah, we danced and danced and danced.” May all of you enjoy not just once dance, but at least three. Thanks to Gabriel, Louis, Joseph, and Rob for leading. We’ll remember you! Let’s keep dancing! #leadership #mentoring #dancing #goodnews #itmatters
Leadership Lessons Learned 
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