By Ann McGee-Cooper
I enjoy special memories of days in the early spring climbing as high as I could into neighborhood trees and imagining bold dreams as I looked out across the neighborhood (visioning the whole world stretched out before me.) What was also special were a small band of playmates who joined in as we built forts, tree houses, made up shows for a fantasy circus with trapeze acts, made picnics which we pulled up into our tree house with a special rope and pulley we found in the garage. And then as it began to get dark and the street lights would come on, one by one my friends would be called home and I too would go inside, savoring the delicious adventures we shared in our collective imagination.
A few days ago my Partner, Luis, climbed up into a tree to help me secure a hanging basket. I thought he would need a ladder but instead he just shimmied up the tree effortlessly and wedged himself so he could secure the basket, then swung down easily with a happy laugh. All this brought back these memories and I realized how fortunate I am to be surrounded by the most amazing band of playmates who are also very gifted technical geniuses, each with their own areas of expertise. Together we create exciting programs using experiential learning to engage business leaders in learning adventures opening doors of awareness in servant leadership. The sense of joy we experience as we challenge ourselves to live what we teach only grows more fascinating day by day. As an adult I have in my band of playmates police officers, airline pilots, a professor who lives in Phoenix, and a high tech guru in the Netherlands along with countless others who share their amazing talents.
Some time ago we created a shared vision at AMCA. To create EXTRAordinary Lives, Leaders, Teams, Service, and Results as Servant-Leaders. To be the change we want to see in the world. I was jolted awake to realize that this is exactly what is happening! And now reaching out into the vast talent pools of our Legacy Clients, there is literally nothing we can’t achieve together.
Ann, Andrea, Luis, Carol, Duane
It is almost 5:00PM on a Friday afternoon. I always have a bittersweet sadness when, one-by-one, my Partners (play mates) leave for the weekend and begin personal adventures of fun and renewal. A part of me is always sad to see them leave. But there will always be the fun of early Monday mornings when they return and we raise the bar, daring to dream bold dreams and then finding ways to make them come true together.
Several years ago I discovered that my work was my joy and that work had taken on a new refreshing meaning in my life. There are no more “have to’s”, “ought to’s” or “should’s” in my life. There is nothing I have to do except perhaps one day die. But until then I have so many goals and dreams and aspirations I want to contribute to and make happen. I know that I can be my best self when supported and surrounded by Partners who themselves have the courage to live into their boldest dreams and live from their special genius. There is something contagious when a group of special friends gather to commit themselves to achieving a compelling vision.
This is what my days are about. I notice that my energy is different now that I have freed myself to surrender all worries and fears and trust that every problem can become an opportunity/gift.
So now I climb down the red spiral stairs from my TreeHouse office and go searching for my beloved, Larry. We’ll enjoy an evening of ballroom dancing and rekindle our love for each other in a weekend of private time together. Who says one can’t stay young forever? At least in our hearts and imaginations.
“We asked AMCA to help us with our servant leadership development strategy. They did more than nudge us along. They instilled a discipline we needed to hold ourselves accountable and to stay true to our beliefs and values during the hard times, as well as the good. They are not cheerleaders. They are wise sages and counsel, as well as friends.”