What We're Thankful For: 2017

Pile of leaves with word gratitude over it

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A growing trend in the workplace is the importance of creating a culture of gratitude. Studies have shown that, more than anywhere else, people are less likely to say “thanks” at work, which in turn hurts productivity and happiness. But saying “thank you” doesn't cost a dime and has measurably beneficial effects, such as increased trust between coworkers, higher feelings of self-worth, and more likelihood of helping one another.

At CS&A, we make a conscious effort to foster a culture of gratitude, whether through taking time in our weekly staff meetings to share reasons why we're grateful for our colleagues or by sending a quick note letting someone know their contributions to a project are appreciated.

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, we like to use this time to express what we're thankful for. From the passionate and driven educators we work with who are changing the lives of students each day in their classrooms, to the incredible schools whose environments reflect missions to shape the minds and hearts of children, to the organizations and higher education institutions who we partner with to recruit the nation's best teachers and administrators, we are so grateful to be able to do the work that we do.

Some of our staff members took a moment to practice and share their gratitude:

Ben Bolté, Senior Consultant

I am thankful for good health, warm hearth, my kids’ happy hearts, friends, faith, and a loving, supportive spouse.

Art Charles, Managing Associate, International Search

I'm grateful to my colleagues in “Team International”and the support staff in Boston for their hard work, which has enabled CS&A to become a driving force in the international school marketplace.

Jennifer Christensen, Search Consultant

I’m thankful that we escaped harm in the recent fires in Northern California—I live in Sonoma County. And, I’m infinitely grateful for the work of the first responders who fought the fires and cared for the injured and touched by the local community that generously supported and cared for those who were and have been displaced. If you would like to help the area recover, please serve/order/buy wine from Sonoma and Napa counties, and visit when you can!

Ralph Davison, Senior Consultant

As one gets on in life, one ends up getting lots of diagnostic tests to see how we are doing health-wise. I am very grateful that my friends, my family members, and myself all are very healthy these days—nothing that one can take for granted…this is a true gift. I’m also grateful for the fact that my life is delightfully full of family members, friends, and colleagues who are a blessing to me. I hope that I can be that for them too. And finally, I continue to be grateful for the challenging and very meaningful work that we all get to do for CS&A and our clients. Our firm truly helps to make the world a better place, and it makes us better people in the process.

Todd Gochman, Placement Associate

I'm thankful for my excellent colleagues, who work with purpose and positivity that is inspiring.

Skip Kotkins, Senior Consultant

Speed. I am thankful for the speed with which we react and get most things done at CS&A. Whether it is Albina, Julie, Lauren, and others in the Boston Office, or Aggie or my wonderful colleagues who seem to always be on email ready to respond in an instant (especially you, John Chandler…. do you ever sleep?), I know that I can promise my client schools that they will never have to wait for us.

Devereaux McClatchey, President

I’m thankful for all the musicians in the world who lift our spirits and stir our souls. Thank you, all you wonderful music-makers!

Alex McLean, Placement Associate

I’m thankful for my great coworkers, and the opportunity to meet with different schools throughout the fall.

Haley Middlebrook, Operations Associate

I’m thankful for my exciting new job and incredible coworkers! I have had so much luck in my move to Boston, and I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my wonderful family, friends, and loved ones.

The Puzzle: Blog

11/21/2017 by Carney Sandoe Staff | CS&A News