Agile has not only changed the way that the world approaches work, but it has changed me personally. On this US Thanksgiving holiday, I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to express the top three things that I am grateful for this holiday season:
3) My Team: At AgileDad we really do take precious care to hire only the very best Agilists to coach, train, and mentor your organization. Often times I forget to publicly acknowledge that they are all also AMAZING people to work with. I am humbled to surround myself with people who I look up to as examples everyday of how I should be living my life. It is truly a privilege to be in your association and for that I am grateful!
2) My Students: I cannot begin to express how much I learn from each person i have come in contact with. Someone once asked Richard Branson how he became the individual he was today. He was happy to share that he may never in a lifetime remember the name of each person that he meets, but he could easily search for one positive behavior or character trait from that individual that he would like to emulate. As he meets new people he repeats this process and makes himself more caring, compassionate and understanding. Thereby, making him an individual that is well-rounded and a person that people just enjoy being around. I share this vision and do my best to learn from each of you as I impart the knowledge that I have been blessed with.
1) My Family: I cannot even begin to express the love I have for my Savior for blessing me with the opportunity to be surrounded by the most perfect family for all eternity! I have the most AMAZING wife a man could ever hope for! She strives each day to do what is right and make each of us as happy and healthy both spiritually and mentally! She is my rock and I would be incomplete without her. Each of my children have taught me perfect love and have shared of their time, talent, and everything they have to remind me each day why it is so special to be alive. I truly love them all and do not have words to express just how ineffable they are.
You may be asking what does this have to do with Agile? Life is all about how you prioritize things in your personal backlog. You are the product owner and you have been blessed with a world of infinite decisions. Each decision you make can draw you closer to the eternity you hope for or tear you away from the things that mean the most to you. Do not let a day go by that you do not build someone else up and let those closest to you know how much you love them. An Attitude of Gratitude goes a long way!
May you and all you love be blessed this holiday season.