drmikedaniels

Serving people means growing their capacity and implies that everyone can contribute. – Juana Bordas

In How to Become a Servant Leader, the following practices were cited by authors Bob Vanourek and Gregg Vanourek: Listening: acknowledging the viewpoint of followers and validating these perspectives. Empathy: standing in the shoes of others and seeing things from their point of view. Healing: in helping followers become whole, servant leaders are themselves healed. Awareness: understanding oneself and the impactContinue reading “Serving people means growing their capacity and implies that everyone can contribute. – Juana Bordas”

At God’s table of life, all peoples know peace and creation flourishes. – Leslie Penrose

Last night I came across the Westminster United Church on Twitter along with a recent prayer resource from its worship services. I am not familiar with this congregation although I was drawn to the readings and resources provided on-line. Their mission statement describes their community as “an inclusive church for Progressive Christians…Creating something beautiful forContinue reading “At God’s table of life, all peoples know peace and creation flourishes. – Leslie Penrose”

Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and test of our civilization. – Mahatma Gandhi

This Gandhi quote was shared during an evening Zoom last night, and I recently viewed this depicted prayer on Twitter. Again I find myself working from home, with in-person meetings and travel temporarily postponed for a few weeks. I give thanks for the privilege of my family, our health and my own ability to telecommute.Continue reading “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and test of our civilization. – Mahatma Gandhi”

The people we love are the foundation for all else. -Samantha Power

Over Christmas break, one of the books I enjoyed reading was The Education of An Idealist. The author Samantha Power served as UN Ambassador during the Obama administration, among other roles. Her powerful story of emigrating from Ireland, becoming involved in international humanitarian aid, and balancing the demands of parenthood, partnership and power was aContinue reading “The people we love are the foundation for all else. -Samantha Power”

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -Muhammad Ali

“On grace and gratitude” is how a recent meeting opened for me. The theme to this opening prayer compelled me to think in thanksgiving of all those working so diligently and thoughtfully to support my family and me. From the crossing guard, to the garbage collector, to the educational therapist, to the volunteer CYO basketballContinue reading “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -Muhammad Ali”

Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good, for God’s mercy endures forever. – Psalms 118

In recent weeks I have been privileged to enjoy multiple opportunities to reflect upon the significance of giving thanks. In community with family and friends, here in California and across the country in cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia, I have been blessed to safely gather with loved ones. This Advent especially, I am grateful forContinue reading “Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good, for God’s mercy endures forever. – Psalms 118”

There is always room for doubt. There is also room for faith and hope. This is the nature of mystery. -Martha Hickman

Recently I read this blog post on the importance of “transformational leadership.” I agree wholeheartedly with author George Couros and his assessment of the distinction between transactional and transformational leadership. I feel blessed to work alongside transformational leaders. The Danger of a Single Story also reminds us to utilize empathy as a basis for accompaniment,Continue reading “There is always room for doubt. There is also room for faith and hope. This is the nature of mystery. -Martha Hickman”

There is nowhere on earth filled with the pure magic that New Orleans has to offer. -David Grohl

Last week I returned to the “Big Easy” for work and I feel like I re-captured a part of my soul. The people, the customs, the music, and the food of New Orleans inspire me whenever I am there. I am grateful for my colleagues in Lasallian education, whose hospitality and welcome is always appreciated.Continue reading “There is nowhere on earth filled with the pure magic that New Orleans has to offer. -David Grohl”

Often recall to mind the purpose of your vocation, and let this [inspire] you to do your part to establish and maintain the kingdom of God in the hearts of your students. -John Baptist de La Salle

This week we are setting up our Day of the Dead altar at home. This altar will remain displayed until after Thanksgiving. I greatly appreciate this annual ritual of calling to mind those who have gone before us and their continued presence in our lives today. My mom, Joan, joins my dad, Al, and otherContinue reading “Often recall to mind the purpose of your vocation, and let this [inspire] you to do your part to establish and maintain the kingdom of God in the hearts of your students. -John Baptist de La Salle”

Be curious, not judgmental. -Walt Whitman

My wife and I have recently started watching Ted Lasso together, and last night’s episode included this quote from the poet Walt Whitman. Since we are both coaching CYO sports for our kids’ teams, the premise of this show, plus the personality and approach of the title character – who is coach of a professionalContinue reading “Be curious, not judgmental. -Walt Whitman”