As the sun sets on October 16th, I ponder the significance of Boss's Day and what it means for all of us, whether we're in leadership positions or not.

Boss's Day originated in 1958 when Patricia Bays Haroski, a secretary at State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Illinois, registered it with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

She chose October 16th because it was her father's birthday, who also happened to be her boss.

Haroski's intent was to improve relationships between managers and employees, recognizing the challenges faced by those in leadership roles.

Now, I'll let you in on a little secret - I'm not particularly fond of the term "boss." It feels a bit outdated and doesn't capture the essence of true leadership.

Today, I didn't receive any Boss's Day wishes (wink, wink), but that's perfectly okay. It got me thinking about something far more important.

Whether you're a business owner, a team leader, or an integral part of a larger organization, today serves as a reminder of the importance of recognition.

It's not about celebrating titles or hierarchies; it's about acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and impact that each person brings to the table.

For those of you who are business owners or in leadership positions, consider this: How can we foster an environment where recognition flows freely in all directions? Where appreciation isn't limited to a single day or dictated by org charts?

Let's use this day as a catalyst for creating a culture of ongoing appreciation. Here are a few ideas to get started:

1. Implement regular feedback sessions
2. Celebrate team and individual achievements
3. Encourage peer-to-peer recognition

Remember, true leadership isn't about being called a boss - it's about inspiring, empowering, and recognizing the potential in others.

As we close out this Boss's Day, I challenge each of you to think about someone who has made a positive impact on your professional journey.

Take a moment to let them know. It doesn't have to be grand; a simple, heartfelt message can go a long way.

Here's to building stronger, more appreciative professional relationships every day of the year.

Warm regards,
Steve Mickley, Executive Director

P.S. - To our wonderful AIBD Staff, board, council, chapter, and committee members - your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. Thank you for being an incredible team!