January is a time when we usually cycle between feeling invigorated, hopeful and a little bit downtrodden. There’s pressure to ride the momentum of the new year by immediately putting our resolutions into practice. All the while, wintry weather and short days tend to make running out of steam a common occurrence. Not to mention, we occasionally miss those well-intended resolutions by the end of the first week.
While we push through the coldest months, I like to focus on consistent, methodical and long-term goal-setting. What value propositions and practices can we explore and implement that will ensure the whole of 2023 is an enriching and rewarding year? How can AME help?
I always welcome this feedback and invite you to reach out to me directly or leave a note in the comments on LinkedIn. How we can help you achieve your goals this year?
We already have several opportunities in store. Consider attending our upcoming virtual webinar, “Cultural diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility insights while using the Baldrige framework.” We know that diverse, equitable and inclusive organizations do better. The relevancy of this topic to successful enterprises is only growing. This webinar will provide valuable insights on how both DEIA, AME and Baldrige principles intersect and can be operationalized to improve the performance excellence of our organizations. Registration is free for AME members and non-members alike.
You may also consider attending our AME Lean Sensei® event on January 18th, presented by Michael Bremer, Vice President of AME Awards. The AME Lean Sensei® tool allows AME members to benchmark their organization against top companies. Together, we’ll dive into the many ways the tool can be utilized to assess an organization’s current level of lean use and develop improvement practices to achieve long-term operational excellence. Registration is free for AME members and $50 for non-members.
I look forward to seeing you all at the exciting events AME hosts in 2023. One of the brightest starts to my new year was the reminder that I get to work with those enthusiastic about cultivating workplaces characteristic of integrity, operational excellence and respect for the people who make our processes flow.
On Monday, many of us, including the AME home team, will close our laptops and home offices in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. But as the saying goes, MLK Day is "a day on, not a day off." Did you know that this is the only federal holiday designated as a day of service? Whether you spend the day volunteering at a nonprofit, lifting others, volunteering your expertise, or offering a kind word of encouragement, I hope you find opportunities for you and your team to make an impact in your community.
Of course, the practice and celebration of service is not something we should commit to on a single day but rather year-round. There are countless ways to embody Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision for the future in your organization throughout the year. Make time for your teams to volunteer and give back, and call out small acts of service where and when you see them. Elevate diverse voices in your organization. Even one improvement idea unspoken is a loss to the entire organization. Give your people the encouragement and opportunity to speak up.
I will leave you this week with one of my favorite quotes from Martin Luther King Jr., “Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.”
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
