If you recognize that flow of words (and we know who you are), you are likely a Monty Python fan.
Over the years as my children (thoroughly indoctrinated – my wife says brain washed – in the ways of the Monty) brought home dates, and eventually spouses, I always found it amusing to watch our guests become stumped when the simple mention of the word “apple” unleashed streams of quotes from the movie Holy Grail.
My assumption was that my kids were testing the mettle of their dates to see if they were really up to the mental challenges of joining the family.
Yet there is a little more to the story of small rocks.
You see, years back our pastor gave out small pebbles and asked us to carry the stone with us. When we were inclined to react negatively to a situation or person, he asked us to grasp the small stone in our pocket and think it through before we acted. Not that we shouldn’t act – even Christ got upset at the Temple. No, he asked us to stop, think, and maybe even pray, before acting (throwing the stone).
During these very hard times there are so many things that could agitate us. If you are a mom, I am especially sympathetic to your plight as you are trying to work, fearful for your kids safety, having any type of schedule completely disrupted. Life is not easy for moms now.
As a CEO of a company whose predominate workforce are women, I am especially attuned to this. I think of the rock in my pocket before I act when challenges arise for my Bank Family.
While our Bank is not perfect, and we too have our “bad hair days,” when it comes to dealing with employee matters, we are committed to not throwing the first stone. To putting ourselves in the other person’s position. To separating the stress of COVID from a normal work environment as we work to get through these times.
Well, I have got to run. Looking for a shrubbery.
Stay safe. Get vaccinated if you haven’t.
– Leton
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“Letters From Leton” is a blog series comprised of the weekly updates that Leton Harding – President, Chairman, and CEO of Powell Valley National Bank, shares with the Bank’s team members. These newsletters are full of uplifting anecdotes and intriguing insights that are applicable beyond the Bank, so we want to share them with you.
