Shared Stories and TED Prep in December with LDP

Through nine months of the Leadership Development Program, the thing I’m continually most impressed by is the (often subtle) references to leadership qualities.

As the program’s name implies, there are typically very direct and pointed leadership lessons to be taken from each session. However, it’s the stories shared in each class that I find most interesting and filled with valuable takeaways.

In December’s session, we began hearing how our two program directors, Steve and Leigh, each had very unique and fulfilling weeks, far outside of what their normal day-to-day generally entails. Steve, with eight other Markon employees, generously donated their time and skills to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Houston. Steve described it as a very rewarding experience giving back to the ravaged community, getting homes back in livable condition while forming strong bonds with fellow Markon employees.

Leigh went on to share his experience serving on a jury for a major case that had just wrapped up the day before. He was thoroughly impressed by the structure of the justice system, the professionalism of the prosecuting and defense attorneys, and the overall process.

The ability for strangers to come together and arrive at a unified decision is truly special. The takeaway that brought the two stories together for me was whether called upon voluntarily or involuntarily, leave a positive lasting impression on the people and organizations that you touch.

Continuing with the LDP’s theme of getting to know Markon’s executive team, we had the pleasure of hearing from Leigh. It was fascinating to hear how the events of 9/11 helped to shape his career. The people, memories, and work from that tragic day continue to follow him.

We were told early in the program that at the culmination of the twelve sessions, each participant would be giving a Ted Talk. We went over the nine principles of what makes for a quality Talk, reinforcing the necessity to properly prepare. With three months to go until those are presented, I could look around the room and see everyone deep in thought mulling over their topics with a bit of unease.

To conclude an eventful day, we all met for a glass of wine at a local establishment. With snow beginning to fall outside just as we arrived, it was the perfect way to cheerfully end 2017 as we enter the holidays.