Making a Difference One Step at a Time

Before an offer is made to bring a prospective employee into the Operations group, I have a brief introductory phone call to explain the expectations to be part of our team. The 30 minute conversation comes down to this: we want you to work with us, but only if you are committed to making a difference.
It’s that simple. If they can make a difference in their job and then their team, they will impact our customers and the industry. If they can make a difference at work, they can make a difference in their family and the community.  The ripple effect of making that difference, that little stone in the pond, is what leads to the ability to change the world. 
On September 11th, 2020, the Phelps County Focus published an article recognizing our very own Able Delagarza for his patriotic runs on Saturday mornings through the Rolla community carrying a large American flag. He did this to honor those who have served and are currently serving but also as a way to help unite our community in hopes of uniting a country. In challenging times, with divisiveness on every channel and seemingly every social media post, Able chose to be a Person of Impact and stand up for what he believes; To make a difference.
This past weekend, on July 4th, Able decided to “step” up his game and brought out a much larger flag to carry in honor of our Nation’s Birthday. Despite the burning in his arms from the larger flag and the rising humidity during the day, Able continued on his mission of making a difference along his route, stopping to talk with people about his Why and to share his story of support and pride.
I came across an article in the Fort Hood Sentinel from 2017 which talked about then Staff Sgt Able Delagarza who won the Military Police Brigades NCO of the Year at the Annual Griffin Challenge. It was a three day event that stretched him both physically and mentally, but Able, as we all know, was more than ready for the challenge.  He stated that he took his motivation from the other NCO’s that competed. Not in a combative way, but a shared motivation to push each other, to make each other better. It seems that all participants were making a difference to each other.

How are you making a difference today? In your job? In the jobs of those you work with? In your homes and your community? My question is what are you going to do today to be a Person of Impact - an Impact that lasts Beyond Today.

---