Good Afternoon,

 

Next week, we will be celebrating Employee Appreciation Week. In fact, the celebrations will begin with a few events this week. In previous years, I have been able to get out to many celebrations. This year, issues in Columbia will keep me on a shorter leash, but I will get out as much as possible.

 

For almost five years, I have spoken to each orientation class for new employees. Recently, I have spoken about the “language” of this agency: that is, the tendency of employees of this agency to say thank to each other through the use of food. While not unique to the south, this tradition is certainly strong in the south. And, while the tradition is fine, it should not be an excuse for leaders to fail to say the words: Thank You.

 

Our more recent generations of employees may not be as clear about the language of food, picnics, games and prizes. People want to be a part of a team that appreciates their contributions. Tell your people thank you…then invite them to gain a few pounds!

 

I recently finished Jeff Shaara’s first book in his new trilogy about WW II. The book, The Rising Tide, is about the war in North Africa and Italy. Shaara tells his story through the eyes of various players in that theater of operations, from foot soldiers, to company level officers, to Rommel, to Eisenhower, to Roosevelt and Churchill. These players all brought different skills, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses into that operation. They almost never achieved unanimity on roles and strategy. Yet, enough of them set aside those differences and subordinated themselves to achieve the goal of victory in North Africa and Italy.

 

On a far smaller scale, this agency is like that. We are a broad and diverse group of people, not always in perfect agreement on methods or strategy, but when decisions are made, most of our folks put those differences aside to accomplish our goals.

 

To my executive staff, thank you.

 

To all of you, thank you as well.

 

Thank you for focusing on our mission and our goals. The state of South Carolina is a better place to live, because of your efforts.