Comments on: Back to School: Teachers are Our Early Leaders-Have You Thanked The Ones that Made a Difference?

By: Ajo Cherian

Ajo Cherian — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:49:44 +0000

We shouldn’t forget that we are standing on the shoulders of giants. This is great advice and something sorely lacking in today’s high-paced society.
I agree that there will be internal smiles. In fact, getting a word like that from someone should easily qualify for a spot on your ‘most significant awards’ list.

By: Art Petty

Art Petty — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Bret, you are absolutely right. Teacher, leader, friend or otherwise. I’ve noticed a similar “surprised” reaction in the past. My own personal theory is that those that provide that support/leadership do it without actually expecting or needing the spoken gratitude. It may not cross their minds. Regardless of the “awkwardness,” I’m willing to bet that the thank-you drives an internal smile.

Thanks as always for your thoughts, Bret! -Art

By: Bret Simmons

Bret Simmons — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:26:26 +0000

Love this advice Art. But I would say not just teachers. ANYONE that has had a profound impact on your life, find them and thank them. I started doing this a few years ago. There are a few people that as I look in my rear view mirror really influenced or altered the trajectory of my life. They were the shoulder I leaned on when falling down and falling off would have been as easy as moving forward.

Oddly enough, the few I have done this with thought I was kind of nuts, or dying, or both. They never knew that they did had such a big effect on me. And we are just not used to having people say things like that to us.

Great stuff, Art!

By: Art Petty

Art Petty — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:08:30 +0000

Wally, a good reminder on why “now” is the time to reach out.

Mary Jo, thanks for sharing your great story! I wish you good luck in finding Mr. Millard. -Art

By: Mary Jo Asmus

Mary Jo Asmus — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:37:32 +0000

Mr.Millard encouraged me to step up to leadership at a time when I was extremely self-conscious (junior high). And he helped me to learn a lot about myself in the bargain.

We were heading into high school, the last couple of months of our junior high school years. Students were getting petitions signed to run for sophomore class officer positions at the high school in town. Mr.Millard encouraged me to run. I’d told him of my fear of embarassment of running and not winning the election.

Every time he saw me in the hall after that, he’d call out “Chicken!”. Some might see this as taunting or hurtful, but he had an easy and fun way about him, and I viewed it as a challenge.

I ran. I won. It was a huge personal victory in many ways – most importantly, I gained confidence that I lacked, and started high school with a aplomb. Those three years became some of my best and most memorable due to the encouragement of that teacher.

Thanks for the inspiration Art. I’m going to try to track down Mr. Millard.

By: Wally Bock

Wally Bock — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:22:06 +0000

Great suggestion, Art. I know because I did this about five years ago. It was a wonderful experience, but I second the advice not to wait. Several of the teachers I wanted to thank had already died. If I had started sooner, I could have thanked. Them.