This week I had the opportunity to attend the Tech Council of Maryland’s Frederick County Tech Awards Celebration. The awards recognize local companies and people for their contributions to the community and the economy.
One of the benefits of attending this event was the opportunity to pick up some leadership tips from the leaders who accepted the awards.
I heard the common thread of relationships, teamwork, and shared credit from each of them.
Dr. Larry Arthur, CEO of SAIC-Frederick won “CEO of the Year.”
Dr. Arthur talked about his personal relationships with other Frederick leaders, and how interdependent Frederick’s business community is. He also praised Frederick as a great place to live.
Dr. Uplaksh Kumar, Site Leader and Director of Operations for Life Technologies Frederick Maryland facility, won “Executive of the Year.”
I appreciated the way that Dr. Kumar was quick to thank his wife for her support, allowing him to be able to excel, and recognized her contribution to their family as critical. I respect a man who praises his wife publicly. He also praised his team, saying “I’m getting this award for them.”
Steve and Arleen Chafitz, President and CEO respectively of E-End, accepted the award for E-End which won “Service Provider of the year.”
Steve was quick to share the praise with his team, and spoke of service as a key part of E-End. I loved the way that he made sure to include everyone on the team in the picture. That spirit of shared credit and inclusion is a powerful message about the value he places on his team members.
Sheila Buscemi, First Grade Teacher at Valley Elementary School won “STEM Educator of the Year.”
She thanked everyone for letting her do a job she loved. It’s obvious that she is passionate about her kids and the work she does.
Jim Racheff, Chairman and CEO of Data Management Services, Inc, accepted the award for “Firm of the Year”
Jim started out telling us that they were shocked at the untimely loss of their founder this year, but he would have been proud to see them there. He talked about how DMS is a tight-knit team that takes care of each other like a family.
Community, family, shared credit, value for others, passion for work, and teamwork.
All important parts of Raising Your Game.
Leave a Reply