Volume XXII, Number 34 (Issue 1090) August 19, 2024
Handprints – Evidence of the Things We Have Touched
Do your memories of your childhood include making handprint art for someone special? While I cannot specifically recall placing my hand in plaster or scribing my name below, I do remember my mother proudly displaying that bit of art in our home for many years. If your memories of creating that type of “hand”iwork (pun intended) have, like mine, faded a bit, perhaps in more recent times someone near and dear has gifted you with a set of brightly colored handprints. Whether that memento was set to paper and stylized as a turkey at Thanksgiving, memorialized on a plate, or pressed into plaster or concrete, each little handprint conveyed a precious message. More importantly, those little impressions meant something special for both the gift giver and the recipient.
Because no two persons’ fingerprints are the same, I am thinking our handprints are even more unique. As such, anytime you and I touch something we leave behind evidence of our presence. Subject to the nature of our actions, we also may leave solid evidence of our impact.
For example, when leaders make a sincere effort to listen to and incorporate their team members’ input when contemplating a change, be it directed at process or policy, they are affording their people the opportunity to leave their fingerprints and handprints on the finished product. Actions of that sort yield multiple benefits. First, the input of those who are close to the work provide a perspective that leadership may lack. Next, the leaders who take that step are demonstrating they care about and value what their people think and know. Best of all, they are creating buy-in as well as a sense of widespread ownership in the outcome. In essence, they are moving from a command and control (father knows best) model to one that is based on the wisdom of the team. When individuals can contribute their thoughts and their input is given due weight, the sense of ownership that is felt gives rise to wholehearted commitment. As a leader dare you ask for anything more?
Soli Deo Gloria
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Romans 8:16
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210)260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
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