Good morning,

 

I was recently reminded of a wonderful story.

 

The newly installed president of a large religious university was becoming frustrated that much of his day was spent with a steady stream of senior staffers and others, coming into his office, calling, or e-mailing questions, issues or concerns. On one especially exasperating day, he received a call from an old friend, a successful and well respected leader. The friend had called just to check up on the new president.

 

The friend asked how the new president was progressing in his new job. Frustrated, the university president complained that he felt unable to accomplish his ministry and mission of moving the university forward, because of all the interruptions. The wise friend asked for an explanation and listened patiently as the president explained about the constant interruptions in his already busy days.

 

At the conclusion of the conversation, the wise friend had correctly deduced that the university leadership and staff were making great effort to move the school forward in accordance with the wishes of the new president: their questions, issues and concerns were a reflection of those efforts. He politely but firmly gave the new president only one short response: “Your perspective is flawed. The unending stream of people, issues, questions, and e-mails are not interruptions in your ministry and mission, they are your ministry and mission.”

 

This week I want to single out another group of folks who go the extra mile to make our agency successful. Our recruiting and human resources personnel do an excellent job in scheduling and coordinating job fairs. Their efforts are critical to reducing our vacancy rates across the state. Like many in our agency, much of their work must be done during off hours and on weekends. I am grateful for their efforts to assist our institutions in filling vacancies.

 

Have a great week.