By Jason Sweet, Guest Contributor
SAME is a family. I’ve heard Joe Schroedel say that many times and I could not agree more. We greet each other with a hug and know way more about each other than typical work stuff. This is true whether we’re teaming partners, competitors, clients, or consultants.
SAME is our professional family. I did not understand that at my first JETC in 2012. I was there to perform my job responsibilities and get out. All business. That was a mistake that I encourage any 2018 JETC first-timers to learn from. The real value in SAME, and especially JETC, is the bonds that are continually being built. As humans, we’re much more likely to work with and for people we have relationships with.
The real value in SAME, and especially JETC, is the bonds that are continually being built. As humans, we’re much more likely to work with and for people we have relationships with.
I don’t want to take away from the many training and learning opportunities SAME has lined up for JETC attendees this year. The team has put together a phenomenal program. I’m looking forward to those also. The technical tours being offered on Wednesday will be very informative.
The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts tour, opened in 2011, is a visually extraordinary building. Even more impressive is the detail that went into it’s design: geotechnical, structural, architectural, mechanical, and especially acoustic. You will be amazed by the seating in the Helzberg Hall. 1,600 seats with the furthest being just 100 feet from the stage. The Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ in the Helzberg Hall has over 5,000 pipes many of which were hand built. It is a beautiful room that all works together perfectly. This is a world-class facility that has quickly become a key element of Kansas City’s skyline.
The JETC team, recognizing that SAME is full of leaders, has lined up a number of breakout sessions taking advantage of that resource. Check out the titles of some of these sessions- “Advice for My Younger Self About Leadership”, “The Art of Leadership in Successful Projects”, “Planning for Success by Knowing Your Vulnerabilities”, “Managing High-Performing Remote Employees”, “Suitability vs Eligibility: 12 Paradoxes of Leadership”, and “One Team. Same Page. Maximum Value.” This stuff is gold.
Families like to have fun, and we will definitely be doing that at JETC. The Opening Reception at KC Live will be a lot of fun. We’ll have a chance to experience some of KC’s Jazz history through a live performance by a local band. This year will be my first time attending the Society Ball. Greatly looking forward to that.
Whatever activities you find during JETC, remember to focus on the relationships. Relationship maintenance is the reason the Society was created in the first place. Following the interactions between industry and the military during World War I, key to the Allied success, SAME was established to sustain that connection.
To make the most of JETC, I encourage you to focus on the relationships, new and old. Embrace the family element SAME creates at 2018’s JETC in Kansas City.
