Time the Revelator

 

            Revelator – Noun – One who reveals, especially one who reveals divine will.

 

They say Time reveals all things.  Gillian Welch wrote a song called Time (the Revelator).  If you aren’t familiar with Welch you should check her out – she is in company with country/folk greats such as Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams.  I have no idea why Welch wrote the song, but to me it speaks to how Time is the great revealer of all things in life, especially who you are. Time will tell your story, and not only reveal that story to you, but to others.

As mentioned in my first post, I am unable to attend this year’s conference. I always enjoy the annual conference because it allows you an opportunity to learn more about current issues, new books,  management, but it also allows learning about oneself.  What did your time at the conference reveal about you to yourself and to others? Perhaps it taught you about a health care savings option that saves your organization dollars and keeps you from laying off an employee. Perhaps the Conference taught you that you really don’t understand Gen-X’ers and Y, but you’re willing to listen to what they bring to the table. Or, perhaps you discovered that you need more balance in your life…to spend that extra time with your spouse and kids rather than in the office. 

One of the “Ah Ha” moments I had in my life several years ago is that you can never go back – you have to make each day count.  It seems like a ridiculous light bulb moment because it is so obvious, and yet many of us punch our timecard without realizing that you’re punching the timecard of life.  I encourage you to make each day count – be better than the day before. LBJ use to ask his staff at the end of the day “What could we have done better?”  Decide to work each day at being a better spouse and parent, a better boss, a better son or daughter, take a class you’ve always wanted to like painting, guitar, or photography.  You hold the keys to what Time will reveal.

Go here to listen to Gillian Welch and David Rawlings perform the song:

Looking forward from today

As we each enjoy our own slice of Montreal, I have to admit to being a bit distracted; I am the “logistics” guy from the Host Committee for next year’s conference in San Jose, CA.  This means I’m paying much too much attention to the details and looking for lessons learned, including a meeting today with other future host committees.  For those who haven’t had the pleasure of participating in the organization of an ICMA conference, there are two annual committees – planning and host – that support the ICMA staff and leadership in putting together the event.  The Host Committee is responsible for local arrangements, including field demos, athletic and social events.

Montreal is a beautiful City and a great place to learn from.  If you also are making observations that you’d like to share for next year’s host committee, please stop by the San Jose booth outside the exhibit hall.  We have a hardcopy survey available there as well as online at the following address: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=qTZA6gqXS05y7RL2_2bbyTMQ_3d_3d

If you have suggestions, please feel free to comment on the survey, this post, or send me an email at ed.shikada@sanjoseca.gov.  We’d love to hear your ideas.