We generally think of generosity when we hear of someone giving millions for a new college stadium or of a billionaire donating a wing to a hospital. Those are fine examples of generosity and their impact is significant. But maybe that makes the rest of us think generosity isn’t an important...
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...
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...
Not long ago I heard a speaker summarize 10 characteristics that require zero talent: Being on time Work ethic Effort Body language Energy Attitude Passion Being coachable Doing extra Being prepared For the sake of time, I am only going to focus on the very first characteristic, “Being On Time”....
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...
Flexibility can be defined simply as adjusting to change with a good attitude. Change is always challenging, even in the best of times, but we now have an opportunity for an attitude check, a progress report on our flexibility, if you will. A crisis has a way of revealing who you really are and...
In January when I volunteered to write the blog for FLEXIBILITY, little did I know it would be one of the hottest topics of conversation beginning in March with the COVID-19 pandemic. Flexibility is a character trait that describes the extent to which a person can cope with changes in...
Alertness – Being aware of what is taking place around me so I can respond appropriately. Each of our areas of responsibility requires that we be alert to warnings, whether it is equipment, processes, or situations. Some rely on systems to help stay alert, and others rely on their senses to remain...
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...
When I was asked to write an article on humility, my first thought was, “They absolutely chose the right person to write this article.” Obviously, I’m joking. I’ll never forget a conversation I had with my mother years ago when I was just entering my teenage years. Our family was heavily involved...
