One Word
This isn’t about Todd, but I do have to start there…
We were going for the cake and a handshake, but I ended up leaving with a lump in my throat.
Todd and I have gotten to know each other over the years, but we would never have met without our wives going to high school together.
Yesterday was his retirement reception. A “come-and-go” type thing that, quite frankly, I hope I never forget.
One word kept coming back to my mind and heart.
Todd is retiring after 34 years of doing something incredible.
He is a true master of his craft. An artisan. A fanatic. A perfectionist. A passionate lover and fighter. A creator. A performer. A rare icon for those within his sphere of influence.
A sphere that is incredible, really.
Maybe you have been to a similar event, but rarely have I seen such attention to detail.
As we entered the space, I was struck first by the panels of pictures. Similar to a large funeral, I guess, but not at all the same.
Then I started seeing the t-shirts, the flags, the trophies, and the line of people – young and old – awaiting a moment to shake his hand and, for most, to say a word of thanks.
Here’s the kicker.
Though Todd has been in the game for a while and is retiring at the very top of his field, he didn’t accomplish any of this alone.
He is the quintessential team leader, and his teams have absolutely killed it – year after year after year.
The t-shirts, the flags, and the trophies around this room represent the top-tier accomplishments of our friend Todd and his leadership of the Eureka High School Band.
For 34 years Todd has been, quite literally, The Music Man.
Again, one word kept coming back to my mind and heart.
With direct influence on generations of kids beginning in their Kindergarten year (as General Music teacher for K – 6) and extending well beyond their high school journey (teaching Music Appreciation for ICC and instilling a legacy at ISU and beyond through his work as a composer), Todd’s impact is practically immeasurable.
That’s the one word. Impact.
But remember…this isn’t about Todd.
It’s about you.
Never underestimate the extent of your impact.
The extended network connected to you through multiple degrees of separation, particularly as a senior business leader, is practically immeasurable.
Todd is in a unique environment that tracks each student’s progress, each year’s t-shirts, each win’s trophies, each performance’s program, and each creative work’s final product (music he has personally composed).
All that makes for an incredible highlight reel – one that left a lump in my throat.
Your work environment is likely much different.
But your impact as a senior leader is still significant.
And for the Christian business leader, eternally so.
Never forget that.
In fact, consider reminding yourself every day of this reality.
That awareness may even put a lump in your throat.
Which is good, because that means you’ve just connected your work to your heart.
Blessings to you, my friends!
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This Week’s Resource Recommendation:
“Everybody's Got a Story Band Edition: Eureka”
- CIPROUD.com (feat. Todd Stalter)
Our resource recommendation is a little different this week.
But do yourself a favor. Click the link.
Take three minutes. Be inspired.
Then let’s do our part and seek to inspire the people within our spheres of influence.
MMS 25-18
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Blessings to you, my friend!
