The last several months have been stressful with world, US and West Coast events. COVID, racial disparities and fires raging have caused me to reflect on my resilience as a leader and how I cope with devastating events. I’ve had colleagues who have been affected by tragedies, and their stories of how their communities have rallied around them have been heartwarming. Stories about healthcare workers who day in and day out have sacrificed their lives to care for others are inspiring. My oldest son graduated from college in 2020 and began a job in Wisconsin. He took his first paycheck to contribute to black lives matter. He is insistent his generation will be the vehicle for change.
Finally, I believe climate change, dry weather and human negligence in California have contributed to the massive fires. Yet, we have learned the importance of emergency management services and how we must be continually proactive with anticipating hazard vulnerabilities.
As leaders, we have a duty to model the behaviors we expect from others. As I pause to reflect on my own behaviors, I realize the importance of vulnerability, authenticity and empathy. Every night I think about all I am grateful. We were called to an incredible profession to serve others. We can affect change through relationships – one conversation at a time.
As Maya Angelou said:
“If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude”.
“Nothing will work unless you do”.
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage”.
Finally, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.
Words to live by….
Dr. Tricia Kassab, EdD., RN, FACHE, CPHQ, HACP
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