Today, I formally graduated the Leadership ICMA program.  Completing a two year schedule of meetings, conferences, phone calls, and programs, it has been one of the truly game changing experiences of my professional career.  But, while the instruction and case studies and development opportunities were phenomenal, I think the deeper takeaway for me was one of gratitude for those who care about me and my success.

One of those life lessons you start to figure out as you work your way through your fourth decade is that not everyone is invested in your success.  In grade school, your teachers, counselors, and principals were always personally involved in your life, and measure themselves, at least in part, by how well you do.  But as college gave way to the "real world," that pool of people became a lot smaller.  You find that those rare connections with people who sincerely want the best for you ought to be cherished and treasured.

Today, as I closed the Leadership ICMA chapter of my life, I am reminded of the support of my boss and mentor, Ron Whitehead, who encouraged my involvement in the program.  I am reminded of the support of Leadership ICMA program director Felicia Logan, who was always in my corner when I needed it most.  I am reminded of the thoughtfulness and quiet kindness of Bob O'Neill, who takes time out of his incredibly busy schedule to help shape the direction of my career.  I am reminded of my wonderful wife and partner Kelly, who is always there for me at the end of a crazy day with a smile and a pat on the back.

None of us are an island, and so much of our personal achievement comes with the assistance and support of those we are closest to.  It's worth the minute or two to take aside those people who have made an impact on your life and just tell them thank you.

Tomorrow morning, I get the chance to hear Dan Pink.  If you haven't circled 8:30 am on your Monday calendar, you really ought to.  Even though he'll never know it, even though we've never even met, Mr. Pink was one of those guys who dramatically impacted my life. 

I spent a portion of the early part of my career in a finance department, learning budgeting and procurement as a basis for a future as a manager.  While I was able to hack the work, and turn in a satisfactory performance, I never felt quite as comfortable as most of my co-workers.  It always felt like I was doing all of my work left handed, while everyone else seemed to float by with effortless grace.

In a way, that's exactly what was going on.

The first inkling that there might have been a reason why I thought and worked as I do came about at the 2007 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh.  Sitting in the audience, a younger Matt McCombs watched Daniel Pink expound on how some people simply thought with a different part of their brain than others.

In an instant, I realized that I wasn't stupid.  I wasn't worth less than others.  I simply thought a little bit differently.  And, not only was different okay, but it could also be even used to great advantage.  It was a pivotal, watershed moment in my life, and, even though I probably won't ever get the chance to thank him personally, I wanted to at least thank him here.

Good night all, and I hope to see you all tomorrow morning at 8:30 sharp.  It's worth every second of your time.

-mm