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Marching Ahead
By Lana Walker-Helmuth, Managing Editor

Author Bio

"Most Americans do not know what their strengths are. When you ask them, they look at you with a blank stare, or they respond in terms of subject knowledge, which is the wrong answer." —Peter Drucker

March 1: Friend's baby shower. March 3: Welcome lunch for new staff member. March 8-9: Getaway weekend in Borrego Springs. March 11: My wedding anniversary. March 12: STC chapter meeting. March 17: Wear green. March 20: Celebrate spring; STC Council meeting. Throughout March: Work on Signature newsletter. March 22: Dental appointment. March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Golf or driving range (I hope). March ?: My nephew goes to Kuwait (I hope not).

A hodge-podge of personal and professional activities and reminders dot my calendar. Yet when my mom, a sibling or faraway friend asks, "What's up?" I usually reply, "Not much." Why? Probably because my life is fairly routine and I don't give it much thought.

Our chapter president often has trouble coming up with ideas for President's Podium. But I love what he wrote this month: he simply listed a potpourri of "what's up" with the chapter. There is constant activity, but because it's routine, we may not give it much thought. And without that recognition, we may not give it much appreciation. Join me in thanking all those who help make our chapter strong and relevant to member needs.

Too good a reminder to pass up

Last week I had my first performance review at my five-month-old job. It was interesting to hear my supervisor describe certain strengths, because I hadn't recognized them. They are things I do without thinking.

I was reminded to reread Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton. The inside cover starts out: "Unfortunately, most of us have little sense of our talents and strengths, much less the ability to build our lives around them. Instead, guided by our parents, by our teachers, by our managers, and by psychology's fascination with pathology, we become experts in our weaknesses and spend our lives trying to repair these flaws, while our strengths lie dormant and neglected."

I highly recommend the book and its accompanying StrengthsFinder Profile (on the Web). If anyone is interested in writing a review of the book for this newsletter, let me know! (The chapter will reimburse you for the book if you buy it for the chapter library.)