<em><b>"</b>No man is an island,</em>
<em> Entire of itself,</em>
<em> Every man is a piece of the continent,</em>
<em> A part of the main.</em>
<em> If a clod be washed away by the sea,</em>
<em> Europe is the less.</em>
<em> As well as if a promontory were.</em>
<em> As well as if a manor of thy friend's</em>
<em> Or of thine own were:</em>
<em> Any man's death diminishes me,</em>
<em> Because I am involved in mankind,</em>
<em> And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; </em>
<em> It tolls for thee."</em> - John Donne

I never really read this poem in its entirety until today.  Why today?  I received a motivational email suggesting I write my own “acknowledgements.”  You know, like when an author writes a book and thanks everyone who made it possible.  It brought to mind, "No Man is an Island."

If I am truly grateful for my lot, the challenges and the blessings, (one <i>could</i> say they are the same thing…), who would I acknowledge?  In particular, who would I acknowledge that helped me along my leadership journey, because “No Leader is an Island.”
<h2>“I’d like to thank the Academy…”</h2>
For me, my acknowledgements for my leadership journey would include:
<ul>
	<li>A colleague who early in my career went out of his way encourage me to get into management because he thought I had a way with people.</li>
	<li>The women who had the courage to ask me, “Who do you think you are?” when they thought I was acting like I was better than them.</li>
	<li>The mentor who taught me to create my opportunities for “do-overs,” and how to rescue or strengthen a working relationship.</li>
	<li>The employee who taught me to be aware of how my harsh words can feel like a threat simply because of my title and perceived authority.</li>
	<li>The supervisor who supported me when I wanted to go against the grain and challenge standard ways HR and management treat people.</li>
</ul>
<h2>No clod left behind.</h2>
One more thing.  As I acquainted myself with this poem, this line struck me, “If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less.”  It took me a minute to grasp the meaning, but this too is integral to the thought, “No Leader is an Island.”

I might be missing out because I’m judging someone as too "different."  There may be someone in my community who has a lot to offer, but may be holding back for any number of reasons.   And just as important, where am I holding back, because the world needs this clod too.
<h2>Indeed, no leader is an island.</h2>
Today, Leader, where are you going to make your move?
<ul>
	<li>Who do you need to acknowledge or encourage?</li>
	<li>Who can you reach out to, to expand your horizons?</li>
	<li>Where do you need to challenge yourself so the world benefits even more by your potential?</li>
</ul>
Image: Pixabay member geralt