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“..and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. ” Hebrews 10:24

When my boss approached me a few years ago about coloring on a white board for all to see, my first thought was “is this really in my job description?” But after holding my tongue (rare I know), I decided to just give it my best and what I discovered was that I really enjoy creating the messages that rally our team together day after day. 

The white board is posted in the break room where everyone can easily see it when they walk in. It’s in the perfect spot for all to read, so I make sure to include both information about what’s happening within the company (such as the recent harvesting transition back to Salinas), new products that we are promoting (let’s go RSS Wild Arugula!), congratulations to employees that have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and perhaps most important—a positive aphorism or quote to encourage our employees that may be going through a difficult time. 

Being the town crier, so to speak, has become a job I love—it gives me a chance to make my own reflections as well. What’s important to Markon that very day? For the week? Long-term? What are my personal goals? How do they tie in to those at my job? These are the sorts of things that I think about while deciding what to post on the white board, and the kinds of questions I hope the team is asking as well.

What initially started as a puzzling assignment has now become a source of pride. I feel that I get as much out of the board’s messages as I give. So if you see an opportunity to lift someone up with encouragement, even if it’s not in your job description, I say just go for it—chances are it will lift your spirits as well.