| If you were to stop by my house, you would notice an abundance of vases in my living room and dining room. Truthfully, it has gotten a bit out of hand. At times, my home has more of a gift shop atmosphere than I care to admit! Since I was 17, I have collected vases, bowls, and plates during my travels, visits to local craft fairs, and sometimes simply because something caught my eye. Each piece tells a story. Some remind me of places I have visited, others of people I have met, and still others of moments worth remembering. I have always loved the symbolism of a vase. Each is unique in its design, functional in its purpose, and created to hold and support something beyond itself. In many ways, that is how I have viewed my role in Head Start. Leadership is not about being the centerpiece. It is about creating the conditions for others to grow, flourish, and shine. Like a vase holding a beautiful arrangement, our role as leaders is to provide the support, stability, and encouragement that allow others to bring their gifts to life. This past week, during our Family Engagement Conference in Kona, Hawaii, several Head Start WEST Board members, sponsors, and friends gathered for an evening of friendship and celebration. What I did not fully anticipate was that our Board would also use the occasion to recognize my upcoming retirement from Head Start WEST. They presented me with an extraordinary handcrafted glass vase created by Richard Satava. It is a beautiful piece of art, and one I will treasure forever. But what made the evening truly memorable was not the vase itself. It was the kind words of appreciation, shared memories, and genuine expressions of friendship. The praise was perhaps more generous than I deserved, but I accepted it with a grateful heart—not simply for myself, but on behalf of the many people who have contributed to our work over the past ten years. Together, we have accomplished a great deal on behalf of the children, families, and communities served by Head Start throughout the western region. I have always believed that when we invest in developing knowledgeable, well-trained, and connected leaders, we strengthen the quality of services delivered in our communities. Recognition is a powerful act of leadership. In The Leadership Challenge, James Kouzes and Barry Posner identify Encourage the Heart as one of the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. They remind us that effective leaders do more than set expectations, solve problems, and achieve results. They recognize individual contributions and celebrate the values and victories that bring people together. I have taught this leadership principle for years. But this past week, I had the privilege of experiencing it in a deeply personal way. Kouzes and Posner emphasize that recognition is most meaningful when it is personal, authentic, and connected to shared values and accomplishments. It is not simply about saying “good job.” It is about helping people understand that their efforts matter and that their contributions make a difference. Our Board did exactly that. They recognized my contributions, but they also celebrated what we have accomplished together. In doing so, they reminded me of something I have always believed: Leadership is never a solo endeavor. Research reinforces this principle. A 2024 Gallup and Workhuman study found that employees receiving high-quality recognition were 45% less likely to leave their organizations over a two-year period. Yet only 22% of employees reported receiving the right amount of recognition for their work. Think about that. Something as simple as sincere appreciation can strengthen relationships, build commitment, and create a greater sense of belonging. In Head Start, we spend considerable time talking about relationships, belonging, and the value of every individual. These principles should be just as visible in how we lead our organizations as they are in how we serve children and families. Recognition need not be elaborate. A handwritten note, a sincere conversation, or publicly acknowledging someone’s contributions can have a lasting impact. What matters is that the recognition is genuine, specific, and meaningful to the person receiving it. My newest vase will have a special place in my home. But more importantly, it will remind me of the extraordinary people I have had the privilege to work alongside, the friendships we have built, and the difference we have made together. I suspect that years from now, I may forget some of the details of that evening in Kona. But I will never forget how those kind words made me feel. And perhaps that is the most important lesson of Encourage the Heart. Long after the celebration ends, people remember that their contributions mattered. My leadership challenge to you this week is simple: Who on your team needs to hear that their work matters? Who deserves recognition for a contribution that may have gone unnoticed? And what shared victory deserves to be celebrated? Don’t wait for a retirement celebration. Encourage the heart today. In Partnership. | 
