Teleios Blog

You may have seen our tribute to Dr. Lee Thayer several weeks back. We were honored to give an ode to him and his work as he passed on from this world. For many of us in TCN, Dr. Thayer had a great impact on our lives and our learning and development as leaders.

NEWS ALERT!: COVID 19 lives for 3 days on surfaces! COVID 19 can spread 30 feet with a cough outdoors! Social distancing of 6 feet is not safe enough! COVID 19 can be left for miles in the wake of a runner in the park! COVID 19 droplets can escape the sides and top of surgical masks.

Over the years, I have spoken with many people including foundation directors, development directors, CEOs and board members who have said that they have a difficult time helping people understand the importance of philanthropy. In fact, they share countless stories of others asking them how in the world they raise money as part of their roles?

While shopping at Lowe’s this weekend I noticed something I had looked over many times before. I was shopping for blueberry and raspberry bushes for our farm. Have you ever noticed the tags on the bushes depicting the fruit growing on the tree? This is brilliant marketing.

I write this post somewhat reluctantly, but I feel compelled to do so because it is such a challenging time for our country. I am not reluctant out of lack of heartbreak for what happened in Minneapolis. The family of George Floyd watched their loved one die at the hands of someone who is supposed to be in a position of trust. It is unacceptable, and wrong on so many levels. My reluctance in writing this post is not because I do not want to speak to the wrong, but rather that I don’t want to jump on a bandwagon and simply repeat what is in the echo chamber. Many authentically want change but some are joining the echo chamber because of peer pressure, I don’t want to be one of the later just offering up platitudes.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

What in the world is going on?  I am sure you have said those words these past two weeks, I know I have.  Two weeks ago, my family and I were on Spring Break in Florida when all this hit.  We cut our trip short and came back early.

Today, in the midst of the chaos and unpredictability we’re all experiencing, a friend shared an idea with me that impacted me deeply. He said that now is a great time to challenge our families, especially our children, to begin journaling. Why, you ask? Because 25 years from now we will look back on these times and realize that history was being written and defined during the day-to-day lives we led and the choices we made during this time. Much like other historical times have shown us, we’ll be marked and changed by these events.

What is the difference between a $2.2 million settlement, and a 110k fine? The answer is: an effective compliance program.  

I recently did a webinar on the topic of email: how we use it, and how to use it better.