This blog was also posted on The Compliance & Ethics Blog, the national compliance blog published by the Health Care Compliance Association and the Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics.
Jane Goodall is a British primatologist and anthropologist who is world renowned for her study of chimpanzees, and her commitment to conservation and animal welfare.
And, my kids are obsessed with her. They have picture books about her, t-shirts and jigsaw puzzles with her face on them. I’ve learned a lot about Jane Goodall this past year. It is because of my daughters’ heroine that I can share with you this quote from their dear Jane:
“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”
This insight is from Goodall’s book: With Love: Ten Heartwarming Stories of Chimpanzees in the Wild. It also appears on the website for Roots and Shoots, Goodall’s not-for-profit designed to help youth make a difference in their communities. So, when Goodall says “every individual has a role to play”, she is talking about chimpanzees – but she’s also talking about people (very much so).
After many months working at home in some degree of isolation due to the pandemic, this quote struck a chord with me. Disconnected from the usual flow of teamwork, meetings and conferences, the daily routine at home started with me, my to-do list, and the same question: What will I accomplish at home today?
Do you see how that question is all about me?