WF Pride Integrity Chad Cottingham “I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” – a mantra recited dozens of times a week in TV shows and movies. It’s so familiar that its significance can be overlooked. But, when sworn in a court or other official proceeding, it makes everything said afterward either the truth or …
WF Pride: Recognition and Respect of Others
WF Pride Recognition and Respect of Others Chad Cottingham When reading and preparing for this week’s writing, I came across this little story and couldn’t help but share it. A burnt toast When I was a little one, my mom liked to occasionally make breakfast for dinner. I remember one night in particular when she cooked after a long, hard day …
WF Pride: Positive Attitude and Passion for Life and Work
WF Pride Positive Attitude and Passion for Life and Work Chad Cottingham In November, 2014 Lauren Hill played in her first college basketball game for Mount St. Joseph College in Ohio. She scored two points. It was the only game and points she would ever record for her school. The 19 year old freshman passed away on Friday, April 10th after …
WF Pride: Focus on Unity and Humility
WF Pride Focus on Unity and Humility Johnny Honaker I’ve seen countless examples relating to Unity and Humility over the past few weeks. First, we completed the annual review process and I’ve seen firsthand how our team demonstrates the willingness to accept feedback that will make the entire team grow closer, improve relationships and increase our operational capability. It takes a …
WF Pride: Willingness and Desire to Sacrifice and Serve
WF Pride Willingness and Desire to Sacrifice and Serve Chad Cottingham Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always admired and respected policemen and firemen. Their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis takes a special kind of courage and determination. Never has this been more evident than on September 11, 2001 – the day of the …
WF Pride: Excel in Communication
WF Pride Excel in Communication Chad Cottingham One of my favorite commercials took place about eight years ago. A German Coast Guard trainee sits behind a display of computers, gadgets and a big communications radio. I assume it’s his first day alone behind the control panel. A distress call from German waters comes across the airwaves in English. “Mayday! Mayday! We …
WF Pride: Discipline and Accountability
WF Pride Discipline and Accountability Chad Cottingham Larry Bird is one of my favorite basketball players of all time. He was a 12 time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA Champion and three-time NBA MVP. He was a two-time Finals MVP, All-Star Game MVP, NBA Rookie of the Year, three-time Three Point Shootout Champion. Larry Bird was part of the 1992 Dream Team, …
WF Pride: Integrity
WF Pride Integrity Chad Cottingham My mother pulled into the garage and headed inside the house. I was fearful and worried that I was going to be in trouble for breaking the lamp in the living room. Being a normal 14 year old, I stayed in the basement and didn’t come upstairs when she walked in. A few minutes later I …
WF Pride: Recognition and Respect of Others
WF Pride Recognition and Respect of Others Chad Cottingham I can remember sitting in the principal’s office for the first time. Not as a student, but as a teacher, going over my year-end evaluation. It was nerve wracking for someone just out of college and trying to make a mark on the world. What was he going to say? What did …
WF Pride: Positive Attitude and Passion for Life & Work
WF Pride Positive Attitude and Passion for Life & Work Chad Cottingham We all want to be happy in life, and we all know that having a positive attitude feels better than a negative one. But for some reason, we’re all attracted to and can be easily drawn to the negative side – the comments, the snide remarks, the gossiping and …