Grateful Leadership Book Club

I have the honor of facilitating the Emerging Leader’s Book Club series for SourceAmerica affiliates.  The series last for six months with a different book each month.  Each participant reads the same book and we have a monthly conference call to discuss comments, experiences and thoughts relevant to the book’s focus.  The book selection for February 2015 was The Power of Acknowledgment by Judith (Judy) Umlas.  The Emerging book club participants were treated to a great surprise…Judy Umlas, author of the book, joined us for the discussion call.  The discussion was quite engaging and lively with lots of stories of how the power of acknowledgment changed many participants’ approach to interacting with co-workers as well as family members.  Several participants commented that before reading the book, they thought they were giving acknowledgment but, in fact, they were giving praise.  We also learned that while praise is better than no comment, acknowledgment is a deeper, more connective act.  It is interesting that a short book with only seven principles could have such a profound impact on a group of people.  I am certainly grateful that Judy was willing to lend her perspective on the book club discussion call.  

 Sabrina Harmon

Book Club Facilitator

SourceAmerica

Vienna, VA