11/06/2025
In the fall of 2023, I was invited to serve as an Executive CliftonStrengths Coach for a cohort of six senior-level student affairs members. Initially planned for one year, this engagement extended to two, and then three, with some members changing along the way. We meet monthly via Zoom, often discussing work, team dynamics, and campus-specific issues...even though I always send Strengths or leadership-related homework ahead of our meetings.
It eventually dawned on me that something was missing: the face-to-face interaction. I realized the importance of direct, personal engagement, so I sought approval to hold our November meetings in person and on campus!
I booked my flight from Florida to Clarksville, Tennessee, home of Austin Peay State University. Over two fantastic days on campus, I met with my cohort in person. The experience was wonderful...complete with hugs, campus tours, and deeply meaningful conversations that were unfiltered by a screen. I gained invaluable insights, reaffirming that there is no substitute for the in-person experience. While Zoom has been a valuable addition to our lives, nothing compares to the personal connection of sitting with someone in their own space.
I also enjoyed observing the personal items in their office spaces, each telling its own story—no blurred backgrounds or virtual office screens. This visit provided me with a better understanding of their work environment and the people they collaborate with every day, enhancing my ability to coach them effectively. This experience underscored the significance of personal interaction, and I am confident that I will return, better equipped to support them on their leadership journeys.
And Go Govs! ❤️🖤
