Greetings, all!
I recently attended a conference in Phoenix at the Arizona Biltmore hotel, which is one of my favorite buildings. Conferences are always well worth it, but by the time the third and last night rolled around I was spent. I’d planned to get up early for a walk before heading for my flight home the next morning but decided to skip it.
While packing up, I spotted something near my running shoes on the floor. It was a map of all the trails around the hotel area. The housekeeper taking care of my room had noticed the shoes and left the card for me. It inspired me to get up early for that walk after all.
The smallest and least expected acts often spur action. We can do a lot of big things, but it’s the things we do out of kindness or empathy that often mean the most. There’s no way that the Biltmore staff could have known I was wavering on a morning walk, but their thoughtfulness was enough to create change. That’s the same power we have every day in our jobs and lives. Taking the time to think of others can yield unanticipated actions. I encourage you to look for ways to impact others—even when nobody’s looking.
As 2019 winds down, I thank all of you again for your donations and support of the SMPS Foundation. We simply cannot exist without your help. If you’re looking for a year-end giving opportunity, I invite you to make a tax-deductible* donation. Your support will directly contribute to the development of future initiatives that support our industry and professionals like you.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Brad
SMPS Foundation President Brad Thurman, P.E., FSMPS, CPSM, is principal & chief marketing officer at Wallace Engineering in Tulsa, OK. He can be reached at bthurman@wallacesc.com.
*All donations to the SMPS Foundation are fully deductible as charitable contributions for U.S. Federal income tax purposes.
