The enemy of generosity can be greed, but there is another enemy of generosity, and that is good intentions. Good intentions not carried out have the same end result as not sharing for a more selfish reason. As I had this thought it spoke volumes to me, knowing how often I have good intentions...
Strata Leadership defines Wisdom as making practical application of what is learned. After trying to explain wisdom to my two young grandkids, age 7 and 10, I defined wisdom as taking what you know and using it to make your choices. Life presents us with many learning opportunities, but what we...
I was recently reading an article on kindness and the simple ways we could show kindness toward others throughout the day. The article did not identify anything new and groundbreaking, but it did include some great reminders. Afterward I started thinking about kindness in relation to...
This month’s character trait of dependability, fulfilling commitments even in the face of difficulty, lines up well with 2020. In a year filled with unknowns and controversy, it is good to stop and reflect on how our daily lives are affected by the dependability of others. During a time when...
You may be familiar with the popular leadership book Good to Great by Jim Collins. As we reflect on the character trait of Resilience, I would like to share a story from Good to Great (2001) about Admiral Jim Stockdale and the Stockdale Paradox. Admiral Jim Stockdale was the highest-ranking...
Punctuality is commonly understood as being on time. However, there are many facets to this trait, if used consistently that can make a vast difference in how you spend your daily 24 hours. Keep track of time. It’s easy to get caught up in an activity and lose track of time. Set limits for...
Does it ever seem like there are not enough hours in the day? And if so, why is that? With the invention of automatic washers and dryers, dishwashers, automatic bill pay, automobiles, airplanes, and devices we carry in our pocket that are more powerful than the computers that put Neil Armstrong on...
The City implemented the character initiative with city employees and the community in 2002. Over the past 15 years each month’s focus has impacted me in different ways, some big and some small, but one thing I have discovered is there is always something to learn. The character trait of Boldness...
On what started out as a typical Thursday evening, Lori Lane, with the City’s Owasso Strong Neighborhoods department, observed someone unzipping a jeep top while the alarm was going off and contacted the police. The police arrived and were able to apprehend the suspects. Once the jeep owners...
The character trait of Enthusiasm may bring to mind someone you know, that person who is always full of energy and excitement. Or it may bring to mind someone who is extremely passionate about their interest, whether it is a sport, a hobby, or a pet. However, not everyone has a high-energy...
Endurance. The inner strength to withstand stress and do my best. Endurance is often associated with athletics and physical stamina, climbing mountains, or running marathons. But endurance is more than physical. The character trait of endurance is what moves each of us forward when things get...
Strata Leadership materials define patience as taking the time necessary to work through a difficult situation. Google defines patience as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. Wikipedia goes more in-depth and describes patience as the...
