Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston.
As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is.
Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.
At birth, we are bestowed with the greatest gift, the eyes of a Mother, whose promise and blessing to nurture, shelter, love and foster a life of happiness for us is written in the stars
On this, our Mother’s Day, we remember the times, we embrace you
The butterfly kisses
Stories at night
“I loves you’s” just before bed
Hugs so close, so safe, so warm
The tears of joy
The gentle touch to wipe away the sadness
The gleaming eye at times of celebration
My biggest fan
There you are mom
Always and forever
My guiding light
Unconditional and without regret
You put your dreams on hold, so I may see mine through this glimmer of innocence and awakening
Holding me in your arms, my fears turned to hope
A new world unwrapped and you my first vision
My first steps, you were there holding my tiny fingers just before you let go
My first day of school, you held my hand all the way to the steps of the bus
My first scraped knee, you kissed it and healed it back to health The first heartbreak, you shared stories until the sun rose to the sky
In school, I aspired by your example
In love, I sought the goodness of the heart
In life, I journey for happiness for me and you
On this, our Mother’s Day, I celebrate you
A woman of sacrifice
Unconditional and selfless love
A force of nature with a gentle breeze
I look back on the memories and see a future so clear
A home, a family, a place where fantasies come true
Just like you gave to me
Mother, a part of your soul remains in my heart all my days
I love you always and forever
My shining star
On this, our Mother’s Day, I am reminded of purpose, a gift given by you
A blessing, a protector, a friend and my mother
The spirited sounds of R&B and Blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Samantha Fish are coming to the Charleston Pour House this Saturday. Earning the #1 Blues Album the Billboard Blues Chart, putting out her sixth and seventh studio albums in 2017, and bringing a unique rock and roll style stage show to fans around the world, Samantha has only begun to see the potential of her talents. Shortly after checking into her hotel somewhere in the rolling mountains of Western Virginia, I spend some time on the phone talking about her tour, roots and her civic responsibility as a visible and powerful female ambassador.
With the heart pounding rock style, reminiscent of legends Pat Benatar and Joan Jett and the deep soulful voice channeling the likes of Amy Winehouse, Samantha has been winning fans since she set out to pursue her musical dreams as a teenager. Scoring a VMA, Number 1 Billboard Album and 8 albums, Samantha has been so busy, she may not even realize the success that is right in front of her.
From shy beginnings to an evolutionary change that has resulted in a retro look, short hair and vocals that can blow through a concert hall, this small-town Kansas City area girl has come a long way. Now based in New Orleans, Samantha is fueling off the inspiration of a city with a long history of great musicians.
CD: You first picked up first guitar when you were 15. Was there a defining moment when you knew?
SF: “I started on drums and then guitar, but I couldn’t sing. My first ever time on stage was my defining moment. I was so shy growing up. I was a shy kid. I could hardly talk, but loved music. I was forced on stage at 17 and that changed me. I changed my plans and at that point, I wanted to be a live performer. Every record put out feels like a turning point and every album is a defining piece of my musical legacy.”
One of Samantha’s biggest breaks occurred when she landed on the Girls with Guitars Tour running dates through the United States and Europe. This gave her exposure to much bigger and often sold out audiences and let her spread her wings and experiment with new sounds. It also awakened her to the power of the audience and the fan base.
CD: With a VMA, #1 Billboard Blues Album, 7 Studio Albums and 1 Live Album since 2011, are you where you want to be at this point?
SF: “You have to get out of your head a little bit and see the progress sometimes. Being on the road, you don’t often have time to stop and see what is around you. I need to slow down and see what I have accomplished. I am blessed. You get stuck in the day to day sometimes.”
CD: Your clothing is an important part of your image: Is it an extension of yourself or the sound?
SF: “I feel like having a whole package. Everything needs to come together, the music, the style and the stage presence. I always appreciated vintage style. I didn’t know how to
SAMANTHA FISH
dress when I was younger, so now, committing to something more iconic is important to me. I make a statement with my music, so I should with my make-up and clothes as well.”
CD: Who is Samantha Fish beyond the stage presence and the guitar? What is the personal side of you?
SF: “That is a complicated question. I am reserved in my personal life. I have a few personal friends. I am close with my family. We are so active on tour so when we get off the road, I try to do remove myself, but being in New Orleans there is so much to do making that difficult. Now I am working to put down roots and focus on what I want to say in my next album. Music is my life. I want to stay inspired. Also, I like girl stuff like shopping and I have a cat.”
CD: What inspires your sound?
SF: Traveling inspires me. I spend a lot of time starring at the highway driving between shows. When you are a traveling musician, you have a bubble you live in and that becomes your universe and that is inspiring as well. I like to write about feelings a lot.”
CD: What is your pre-concert routine, if you have one?
SF: “Yeah, yeah, yeah definitely. When I was a teen I started on drums and then guitar. That is also when I started singing. It wasn’t a natural thing for me and I took lessons for years and years. I do these annoying abrasive vocal warmups before a show. It bothers everyone, but often, we have so little time before a show when we arrive at the venue, that the routine is short.”
CD: Nina Simone seems to a quite an influence on you, can you expand?
SF: “She is one of the deepest musical artists to come out of the United States. She is deep. Her lyrics, her fashion. She is iconic.”
CD: You speak so complimentary about your fans and I love that. What do you want new fans that have never seen you live to take away from your shows?
SF” “When I was a teenager playing clubs, I remember how other artists and fans treated me. They support me and stood by me. Sometimes their dedication is more important than the music. It is their kindness that keeps me going. Music is a great connector. We are all going through something in our lives. If I can connect with people, then that is my job”
CD: Have you always been an old soul?
SF: (Laughing) “Some say I am immature. It depends how well you know me. Growing up, I didn’t connect to people my age as much as I should have. I grew up hanging with my dad’s drinking buddies. Their stories were so much better and they played music and instruments too. They were a big influence for me.”
CD: What is Samantha Fish’s big dream?
SF: “When I started playing, I never imagined going this far. Now that I am here, now that I got from A to B, the impossible is now possible. You can’t settle for being content. Once you are content you stop moving forward. I still have that desire to go forward.”
SF: “I love rocking out” The core that got me into music in the first place is rock and roll and while I still have the energy to do it, I am going to. I see the new album being tougher. I will know more when I get to the studio and start playing. I am with a newer and bigger band. With a bigger band, it is more challenging than the trio I played with in the past. In this new band, we are mixing horn and fiddle and this was a newer concept. They are two spectrum instruments. The first album in 2017 was R&B and the second Americana, so we needed to figure a way to make this all happen together. Making the sounds fit was fun for us. That is part of the reason I moved to New Orleans because of the wealth of musical talent.”
CD: Being a powerful leading female vocalist in this current social climate, do you feel you have an obligation to your fans and the music industry to represent empowerment?
SF: I have gone through phases in my life as I began to play music. When I started, I didn’t want people to see me just as a woman. A female playing guitar was like a gimmick or novelty. It happens to women in all kinds of industries. I wanted it to be about the music. In the last couple of years, with all that is changed socially and politically, I have felt the sting in the industry.
I feel a responsibility to the female fans who are rocking out in front of us when we play.”
Music truly is the soundtrack of our lives. It lends poetry to the moments that define us and adds drama to those who need it in their lives. If not already, Samantha Fish should be a part of your personal soundtrack. So, do yourself a favor and make it out to the Pour House tonight and let her music surround you and lead you to where you need to be, even if only for a couple of hours.
Community dialogue highlights education, affordable housing and transportation
Charleston, S.C. (May 7, 2018) – Lowcountry on the Table, a community-wide conversation about issues that matter in the Lowcountry, is pleased to share findings from a successful pilot program launched on May 1. The initiative drew a variety of civic discussions from over 400 Lowcountry residents across 63 tables in private residences, local restaurants and workplaces.
“One of our main goals is to engage people in conversation with those they would not otherwise meet,” said Library Foundation President George Stevens. “After analyzing the surveys, we were delighted to see that 87 percent of participants met someone new while candidly sharing ideas on how to improve our community.”
Initial analysis of social media responses and online questionnaires indicate that 99 percent of participants were satisfied with the quality of the conversations while 75 percent personally committed to taking action to improve the community as a result of the program. The most frequent issues included education, followed by transportation, affordable housing, traffic, flooding and growth. Survey demographics represented residents a mix of ethnicities from rural, suburban and downtown areas in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties.
Janet Segal, Chair of the Library Foundation of the Lowcountry said, “We look forward to expanding the program’s diversity and carrying this momentum into September’s public-facing event.”
Lowcountry On the Table continues this September and is open to all Charleston residents. For more information visit www.lowcountryonthetable.org, call (843) 608-1223 and follow updates on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
About The Library Foundation’s Lowcountry on the Table
Lowcountry On the Table is a region-wide initiative to explore the ways in which we have the power to collaborate in order to make our communities stronger, safer, and more dynamic The initiative allows community members to come together, collaborate and to become more involved and committed to our community. While we know that there’s no “quick fix” to the issues facing the Lowcountry, progress will result from residents and organizations listening to each other and working together to create changes that will add up to help unite the place we call home. For more information, visit www.lowcountryonthetable.org.
Reflections of Graduation 2018: All the buzz is in the air this brisk morning as the soon to be graduates of the College of Charleston prepare for the honorary ceremony that will beckon their call to the trials and tribulations of life’s journey: professional achievement or personal failure. Gowned in white dresses and tuxedos, these bright eyed and bushy tailed students are ready for the next stop.
Some biking to the ceremony, others, walking alone and in groups and some crawling recovering from an evening of celebration. One student may have truly summed up the package in one permanent visionary memory. A long white gown with a dozen red roses and Red Bull in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Promise, gluttony, and addiction all wrapped up in one.
Today is a day of family and a day where we leave social status and prejudice behind and reflect on academic achievement. This is the moment when our youth steps out of the Utopian society of college and into the melting pot of life.
Happy Hour is replaced by staff meetings, fraternity parties by the Tonight Show and all-nighters, well they never go away.
With career planning books shelved at the bookstore and cases of champagne waiting to be uncorked it is a blend of pure emotion ranging from exuberance to fear. What is going through the minds of students at this defining stage? Post graduate studies, travel abroad, career, unemployment, following in their parents footsteps, continuing the same lifestyle, athletics or living for the next sunrise. So many questions without answers, so many decisions with lifetime repercussions.
This is a time of discovery; a time of judgement.
Last week, the United States Unemployment rate hit a low of 3.9%. This can send shivers down the spines, but that is when you dig deep into your heart, into the trenches of life’s greatest challenges and find the passion to change lives, to change the world and to leave a legacy burning along the way. This is your time.
There are hundreds of thousands of articles written about you, the Millennials. Some call you the creative renaissance; others the lazy generation where every moment is defined by a SnapChat or a 140 character observation, Some say you are focused; while many claim you lack direction. At the end of the day, you are not a defined as a group. You are not a collective new generation, but the individual person you see on the other side of the mirror. You define you.
When you look back fondly on those walks down Calhoun Street, late nights at Addlestone Library, dreaming on Cistern Yard or lazy days tanning at Marion Square, know you did something great in life.
To you, the college graduate, your time is now.
This is your chance to take your education and make a difference.
We salute you, wish you luck and thank you in advance for the impact you will make in the future.
Folly Association of Business Donates $25,000 From Festivals to Local Charities and the City of Folly Beach
Proceeds from the three 2018 Folly events will go to city beautification and charity organizations
Folly Beach, SC – The Folly Association of Business (FAB) is honored to donate $25,000 in proceeds from the three FAB hosted events that have taken place so far this year: the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge, January’s Taste of Folly and February’s Folly Gras. A total of $10,000 was donated to the City of Folly Beach last night at the City Council meeting held at City Hall. This donation was for the beautification of Folly Beach and island assets. An additional $15,000 will be donated to local civic and charity organizations.
The $10,000 that was donated to the City of Folly Beach is designated for the following projects; $1,500 – City of Folly Beach Beautification; $500 – Center Street Holiday Decorations; $1,500 – New Year’s Eve Clean-Up; $5,000 – Water Fountain at Folly River Park; and $1,500 – Beach Renourishment.
On Thursday, May 10 at 6:30, FAB will host a check presentation ceremony at the Tides Hotel to award $15,000 in donations to several local civic organizations and charity groups: $3,000 – Folly Anglers; $3,000 – Warrior Surf Foundation; $3,000 – Surfer’s Healing; $3,000 – Folly Beach Exchange Club; $1,000 – Folly Civic Club’s Halloween Carnival; and $2,000 – Big Brothers Big Sisters / Warrior Surf Camp.
FAB president, Lewis Dodson says, “It’s humbling to be able to offer such a substantial amount of money to these charities who do such amazing work and to city projects that elevate our quality of life and our visitor experience.”
FAB is a non-profit organization made up of Folly business owners who are dedicated to the community in which they live and work. FAB works closely with Folly Beach residents and City Hall to help make Folly Beach a thriving beach community that is a comfortable home for residents and a welcome respite for visitors. The next FAB hosted event is the annual Sea and Sand Festival which is scheduled for September 22, 2018.
To all the educators, parents, friends, mentors and visionaries that teach us each and every day, we honor you. Without your insightful view of the world, the innocence of youth will never see the full potential of their greatness.
Ode to the Teachers:
Time changes all of us. We are and will always be a product of our surroundings. The lessons taught by our parents, our religion, friends, home town, region, news, teachers and even the imaginary friends we create. As a sponge, we soak in all things, good and bad and through the eyes of innocence, we often as children are unable to filter the information.
What ultimately gives the child a fighting chance to become the adult of virtue?
The beauty of a child is simplicity and wholesomeness. The daughter of a close friend of mine still tells her mother I am the “bestest and she should marry me” Who could argue that logic and this coming from an adorable young girl that made me a Rutgers fan made out of paper and a Popsicle stick. As adults, we look at the whole situation, the challenges, the consequences and the responsibilities. She sees it as a nightly sleep over, movies and popcorn and outings to the zoo. That sounds like the perfect relationship to me.
Because I see the world as a daily challenge, am I to say this idea of marriage because they want their mother to be happy and she knows a fun, caring guy is wrong? I don’t think so. I think she is right but as much as women and men at metaphysically different, so are children and adults.
It’s a shame. How often to we wish to do it all again. For some the pursuit of eternal youth is a deeply rooted fear of death but the thought of a life of simplicity and innocence forever is utopia.
I want to play on the swings and look up at the clouds
I want to play hide and seek all around the neighborhood
I want to play baseball until it is so dark we can’t even see the ball
I want to imagine being in space and touching all the stars
I want to hug a complete stranger just because they look sad
I want cuddle with all my friends in the middle of the day
I want to sing songs while skipping down the road
I want to make believe I am someone different
I want to be your friend because you are silly
I want to kiss you and then giggle about it
I want to slide down the mountain in the snow and scream just because
I want to build a tree house and make it my mansion where I will live forever
I want own the beach and become the King and make it free for everyone
I want a puppy that will be my best friend
I want to wear 500 silly bands and cover my hand with the rainbow
I want to touch a rainbow
Who is to say we cannot return to innocence. We are adults. We are well educated individuals that has experienced all of life’s offerings and can now see the difference between right and wrong. Morals have been fortified and a foundation is set. If we embrace the memories of childhood, know good and bad, why then is there still prejudice, hate, greed, gluttony and all the other morally corrupt feelings and behaviors around us?
In the eyes of a child, “I don’t know”
I know I am wishing for something that is unattainable and no single person can define a movement that will set the bricks for this new world but so many have tried
John Lennon with his words
Martin Luther King Jr. with his vision
Gandhi with his presence
Jim Henson with his Muppets
Abraham Lincoln with his fortitude for equality
Steve Jobs with his brilliance
Bill Gates with his generosity
Mother Theresa with her heart
Princess Diana with her beauty and warmth
All shared a vision of a better world and took the next step to allow their hearts to guide their path.
We all have the capability to be the children we once knew. We all have the strength to make this world a better place. I am not looking to change everyone, but asking you to look inside yourself, find that inner child that never left and start seeing the world the way it was meant to be.
I am sure many have become disillusioned by humanity, emotionally void of connection and in a way losing the battle in the pursuit of a better world. It isn’t hard to lose faith when we are hit from all directions with endless negative media dropping on us like anvils from the sky.
Maybe there is a way, that each one of us, if we make some small adjustments, can truly change the world for the better.
I believe we have the capability to defy the odds and re-create a world fueled by love, not hate, sharing not greed, hope not despair, peace not war and faith over darkness.
Here are 10 ways, each of us can change the world.
Spread positive – We are surrounded by terror, murder, prejudice and hate. We are demoralized by the death of innocent people throughout the world and close to home. It is time, we channeled our pain and start spreading some good positive energy. Bring sunshine on a day of rain, give a hug to someone in need, share a story of success to drown the failure and helped change the mood of society by showing that a positive attitude can change a behavior and a life.
Plant a garden or participate in a community garden – One of my favorite things to do in Charleston is to go to the MUSC Urban Farm. I love that great escape right in the heart of the city. When I arrive, the first thing I do, is brush my hands against the rosemary. I love the smell of that herb on my skin. It is like a beautiful natural cologne. Flowers, plant and herbs bring a calming balance to our lives. They provide us with healthy food, fresh scents and a reminder of the natural wonder of Earth. Don’t let Earth Day be but just one day. Make it a part of your everyday life.
Meditation – We often get lost in the translation of meditation. Many see it as yoga or something similar, but meditation can take on many forms. In essence it a recharge or the mental release of stress or pressure. However you define it or choose to exercise it, meditation takes you to a place of peace and tranquility. In a day and age where everything is moving faster than the speed of light, we all need to step back, shut down the mechanism and just let life happen in a way that calms us from life’s pressures.
Clean up and recycle – Our planet is a precious gift that is becoming a giant garbage can. We can’t just get up, get in a rocket and leave our planet (at least not yet), and therefore have a duty and obligation to treat our home with the same respect we must treat each other. There is no way to change the behavior of everyone. There are those that will throw garbage or cigarettes out of their moving car on the highway, folks that will leave garbage on our beaches and those that don’t recycle reusable items, but if each of us does our part, perhaps a domino effect will happen and others will follow. A cultural or behavioral change can only happen if ambassadors lead the way.
Take action / Get Involved – History has proven that peaceful organized protest and standing in solidarity can affect change. Great men and women have taken center stage to motivate, organize and demonstrate the awesome power of protest. Change can happen, but we must get involved and be part of the movement that ignites the flame of change.
Practice wellness in your diet and exercise habits – The greatest gift we can give to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren is to be there for them. To watch them grow and blossom cannot be measured in dollars. Lasting memories are made and cherished when shared with others. Treat your body right and live a long and healthy life. That will certainly make around you happy.
Volunteer – Give back to something you are passionate about; something you believe in and something you hold close to your heart. So many organizations and causes need the support of the kindness and generosity of others. Give of your time.
Be Kind – Sometimes we are hurt, physically or emotionally. Whether it is digital bullying, caustic words on the street, physical violence or losing a loved one, we all feel pain. Step up with kindness and be there. It is easier to walk away than step to the plate, but the lasting effect is so much greater than you can ever imagine.
Learn about where you clothes and products are made – Bargain shopping embedded into our thinking. We naturally progress to the ways we can save money and cut corners, but do we see the big picture. Where are our products made and by what means. Is it from forced labor, overworked labor, child labor? Do research and learn if ethical practices are involved in where you materials items are made and fight back by not purchasing them.
Make a real friend – We are all connected today, but never before have we been so disconnected. The socially advanced digital world of social media has made every human being on Earth (and some animals) connected in some way, but how many true friends do we really have? It seems that number is dwindling. Make a determined effort to add one more close reliable friend to your circle. If each of us adds one, think about how large that number will be and how much trust will grow.
There it is, the 10 way you can change the world.
We would love if you commented and shared your personal stories.
Discover the Lowcountry Paintings of William R. Beebe
The magic of the Lowcountry has grabbed a hold of me and filled me with inspiration. I seek to infuse my paintings with that magic! One of the joys of being an artist is having the freedom to follow my passion. That freedom has recently brought me to Charleston. I am passionate about capturing the essence of Charleston, as it is today, whether it’s painting iconic scenes, historic architecture or indigenous shorebirds.
William R. Beebe bio:
William is a graduate of the University of Maryland in Fine Art. For close to three decades William has developed his recognizable painting style of Realism with touches of Impressionism, producing original oil paintings found in many private and corporate collections throughout the country. William’s paintings have been exhibited in numerous gallery and museum shows throughout the years. They have often been referred to as “museum quality”.
For William, achieving a painterly work is a high priority. He approaches each new work with fresh eyes, allowing himself moments of spontaneity in the painting process and appreciating it when the paint surprises him. His new series of Lowcountry paintings are uniquely his own. William has partnered with a local printer to produce fine art paper and canvas giclées of his Charleston paintings, which are very true representations of his original oil paintings.
I drive by Cannon Green all the time and always thought it was just a fancy restaurant, but I’m happy to report that they have a killer happy hour! On Tuesdays, they have $5 margs and $2 tacos that change each week, so you get a different experience every time. The rest of the week, they have $3 beer, $5 house wine & well liquor, and $8 specialty cocktails.
the happiest hour
In addition to discounted drinks, everyone who attends happy hour gets to play Plinko for a chance to win: a $5 mimosa carafe, free dessert, a $5 burger, or a complimentary cocktail. I got to try several of their happy hour drinks and bites with my fellow #TastemakersCHS and by the end of the night we all had a nice buzz and satisfied appetites!
We started the night by sampling some signature cocktails. I tried the spicy marg (obvi I can’t resist) and the “Wise Spaniard.” The Wise Spaniard is my cocktail of the week because of its complex flavor. It was composed of gin, sage syrup, grapefruit juice, and Cava (a Spanish sparkling wine). The sage complemented the floral notes of the gin and the grapefruit juice and bubbly wine brightened it up. It was garnished with a fresh sprig of sage, which I accidentally almost choked on and said out loud “wow I almost choked on a sage leaf,” which might’ve been the most bougie thing I’ve ever said in my life.
queso, this is all mine, right?
To complement the cocktails, we sampled some of their apps that were great for sharing. We started with queso and guac, and it was tough for me to share the queso with others, but I tried my best not to give any death glares. We were also treated to their fresh ceviche, which was a refreshing switch from the rich queso.
The main dish of the night was the tacos ($2 during happy hour on Taco Tuesday). The tacos were filled with shredded chicken, fresh mango, crunchy radishes, and drizzled with sour cream. They could’ve packed more of a punch in the spice department for me, but overall they were satisfying.
The local shrimp and Brussels sprouts were the other stars of the show. I feel like every restaurant in Charleston has some variation on Brussels sprouts, and for that I am eternally grateful. Cannon Green’s version spices it up with gochujang (red chile paste), sesame seeds, and a garlic aioli. I couldn’t really taste the gochujang, but the garlic aioli added a nice creamy contrast to the crispy sprouts.
The shrimp was seasoned so well on the shrimp toast that a few of us took to eating the heads. It might’ve been the cocktails that made us do this, but I honestly have no regrets. I’ve heard on Food Network for many years that shrimp heads are the most flavorful part and I can’t say I disagree. It was a crunchy delicacy.
i’ll be back!
Photo by @hangry.mess
We finished off the night by playing Plinko and I went home with a voucher for a $5 mimosa carafe! I’m glad the Tastemakers introduced me to this new happy hour spot and it’s certainly #BoozeApproved.
Great leaders are not born, nor invented, but are harnessed through experiences, learning, environmental exposure and ideals of excellence. These men and women that invoke respect and admiration from their colleagues and peers have earned this through success, respect, loyalty and the ability to inspire.
What sets these individuals apart from the rest? What truly defines a great leader in an age where ethics and values too often get compromised?
These qualities will paint a very visual picture and as the colors blend together, a creation will form laying the masterpiece of the core values of great leadership.
If you can achieve these five core qualities/traits of a great leader, your future will be paved with achievement.
Great Leadership Traits
Be Yourself: Your True Self – Too often, we feel we need to wear two hats, personal and professional. The perception that the life outside of work must remain isolated from the life inside the office is one that clouds the ability to create loyalty, partnership and trust in an organization. A truly inspiring leader is a person that lets his people know all he/she is. From the great to the bad, transparency builds trust. It is that ability to open yourself up as a human being with emotion, harnessed and raw, that provides others with the feeling of community. No team will ever succeed without collaboration, innovation and trust. Being yourself is the first step to an open environment of sharing and teamwork.
Challenge your people – Human behavior is teased with routine and addiction. We are surrounded by binge TV, apps, games, addictive behavior and the comfort of doing what we know repeatedly. It is often our downfall. When a new processes or technology is introduced, getting the masses to take on a new way of thinking can be the most difficult act of a leader, but a necessary one. A great leader will continuously challenge and promote change. Change is constant and necessary. It is the foundation of growth. Without it, others take over the reign and you soon become a forgotten commodity.
Be open to failure – Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos recently said, “our company is the greatest company in the world at failure”. A CEO of one of the largest brands on the planet was bragging about failure. Brilliant leadership. The ability to fail means you are willing to take risk. If you focus on the great design and brand heavy companies; Apple, Google, McDonald’s, Samsung, IBM and more, you will see a common trend: failure. At Google, they may test 1000 products before hitting a home run and they are okay with that. The ability to accept and “promote” failure is a sign of great leadership, because you are putting the future in the hands of those you trust and are willing to take accountability for their risks.
Solicit Feedback – in one way or another, we all go through performance assessments. Some formal, some informal. Some annual, some quarterly. They are a necessary evil, but do serve value. A strong leader takes the next step. He/she will constantly look to those in the heart of a project and learn from them. Leaders cannot be in every place at every time, so they must rely on honest evaluation from their teams to help understand what changes and adjustments need to be made.
Trust your team – Trust is earned. Trust is an element of a much greater good. The greatest leaders will do the follow:
Build a team of diverse thoughts and ideas
Welcome open and constant feedback
Let teams take risks and be open to failure
Trust in their skills and abilities
Be there for advice and counsel
Take pride in their team’s successes
Reward and recognize excellence
All these things build trust. Trust leads to loyalty. Loyalty leads to strength of team. A strong team drives results.
There you have it, the traits of a great leader. Where do you stand?
by 
The first heartbreak, you shared stories until the sun rose to the sky
When you look back fondly on those walks down Calhoun Street, late nights at Addlestone Library, dreaming on Cistern Yard or lazy days tanning at Marion Square, know you did something great in life.
the support of the kindness and generosity of others. Give of your time.
