Values

By Tracy Clark Executive Vice President, Corporate Development

As we prepare for 2005, let me take a moment to challenge you with the power of choice. This power of choice means that we are not merely a product of our environment, a product purely of our past, or of how people may treat us. They unquestionably influence us, but they do not DETERMINE us. We are self determining through our choices. I recently came across the phrase "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response." This is such a true statement. In those choices lie our growth, our success as a company and our personal happiness.

When you study the lives of all the great achievers of our time, those who have had the greatest influence on others, or simply "made things happen," you find a pattern. Through their persistent efforts and inner struggle, they greatly expanded their capabilities. They found Vision, Discipline, Passion and Conscience.

Vision is seeing with the minds eye what is possible in people, projects, and even your branch office! Author Stephen Covey writes that "vision results when our mind joins need and possibility." Vision is seeing outside the box of mediocrity. "Vision results when our mind joins need and possibility."

Discipline is paying the price to bring that vision to reality. It's dealing with the making the daily choice to succeed, to commit to excellence. Our employees, community, patients and referral sources deserve this commitment, and each of us should lead this effort. cold, brutal facts of reality and doing what it takes to make things happen, to implement change. Discipline arises when VISION joins COMMITMENT.

Passion is the fire, the desire, the strength of conviction. It is our overwhelming desire and commitment to excellence. It drives us to accomplish our goals.

Conscience is our compass of right and wrong. It stands in stark contrast to a life dominated by ego. Never let ego keep you from achievement. Take time to listen, to understand our customers and fellow employees. Be inquisitive and thoughtful in your approach to the challenges that are inevitable as we grow in 2005. "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." Don't allow someone else's emotional weaknesses rule your emotions - don't allow yesterday to hold today hostage! We as a company are always moving forward and our effectiveness at each branch depends completely on a small group of individuals.

The way home care should be...