Acknowledging (Intern Edition)
On December 12th, Intern Management: Principles for Designing an Exceptional Internship, the second book in the Agile Internship Book Series, will be released in the Amazon. So today we share from its Acknowledgments section. Esteemed Japanese author Ryunosuke Satoro said, “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” That ocean is bound together by kindness and acknowledgment.
Recognitions
It really takes many extraordinary people contributing their time and effort to this internship series to have it be impactful.
First and foremost, I acknowledge my wife, Mary. She reviewed every word and made suggestions that improved the quality and focus of the book. I cherish her time, attention and loving perspective. Thank you, Mary, for being my full partner and champion. I love you.
I thank Agile Rainmakers’ Assistant Manager Arden Berlinger for her tireless effort reviewing and editing. She is a tremendous contributor. Ann Brownell provided worthwhile and interesting insights that went well above and beyond what I could have asked for.
There has to be a first, and once again I thank Sharad Kumar, my very first intern in 2004, for his friendship and support. He embodies what is possible in a professional relationship over decades, starting with an internship.
Fellow Princeton alumnus Sean Green opened my eyes to the value this perspective can bring to technology firms. I thank innovation guru Jonathan Sutter for being so brilliant in his curiosity and interest in figuring out how to share with employers what makes internships successful. And I thank Alison Fitzgerald for her time, attention, support and friendship.
I thank Michael Lattner for his confidence in my ability to have a team of interns make a difference with various businesses, as well as his trust in my support of his extraordinary son Tommy. I appreciate financial technology entrepreneur and business leader Mike Cavanaugh for his consistently optimistic and inventive attitude which inspired me to stay focused and motivated. His affable style is unmatched…
Reflections
Who are the drops of water in your life that make you great at what you do? When is the last time you acknowledged them publicly? If it has been a while, see if you can take a small step. It will make your ocean deeper.
I know acknowledgment makes a difference. How do I know? Because whenever I get acknowledged, I never forget how good it makes me feel. Is that so for you? If it is, please make that your gift to others today. It won’t cost you a penny – so you won’t be spending money like water. And, it will move you.
Ripples
South African anti-apartheid activist and Episcopal Church priest Robert V. Taylor said, “A simple act of kindness enlivens you, creating ripple effects that you might never know about.” Funny, you might never know the difference acknowledging others makes, isn’t it?
Here's to you and your awesome future.
Until then, keep your feet on the board and keep riding your wave!
Robert J. Khoury
CEO Agile Rainmakers