The InVisionary

I grew up in a society that was heavy on ensuring that respect was taught to all children. There were rules and protocols in place which were to be adhered to; some of which made sense, while others frankly we just did whether they made sense or not. We stood up when elders entered or needed a seat, bowed when needed, avoided eye contact, did not answer back even when we really wanted to, and so forth. These were some of the physical manifestations we grew up with to prove that were respectful to our elders and peers. 

We were taught that those who respected their elders paved their own road to success. We learned to hold anyone older than ourselves with high regard and carefully thought through what we did and said in their presence. When I think of then and now, there is not much difference to that expectation. I don’t bow anymore, and my kids don’t bow to me. But the tenet of paying special attention to and holding others in high regard despite age, education, or status is deeply engrained in me, and it’s why I love working at InVision.

At InVision, we are called to hold others in high regard; to be kind and respectful to each other. Respect and kindness can only be manifested by how we see each other and what we do with what we see. There is an African proverb I heard many times growing up that I have come to love and live by: “a person is a person through other people.” The respect we have for all people and how we treat each other at InVision is transformative. 

Each morning when I get to the office, I receive a warm welcome right at the door – ‘good morning Ms. Sarah; drive safe, Ms. Sarah.” Such kind words set the tone for a better day. It makes me pause and appreciate my colleagues and reminds me to brighten someone else’s day. Life can get busy, and sometimes we forget to see people through all the things we need to do. 

Culture-building efforts at InVision, such as February Kindness Month, remind us of small things we can do every day to appreciate each other; to pause and appreciate where we are and who we have around us. I am humbled by all the small notes, emails, and chat messages sent to me from different groups. These messages make me smile, pause, and want to pay it back. Kindness is truly contagious. Let’s continue to hold everyone in high regard and to be kind to ourselves and each other at InVision. 

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca