Many years ago, while living in California, our family passed through Orange County Airport (SNA) for the trip back home to the San Francisco/Bay Area. At the time of this visit, a prominent bronze statue of the actor John Wayne, fondly known as "the Duke", had been erected near the main entrance of the terminal building - the airport was renamed to “John Wayne Airport” back in 1979.
As we walked past this statue, my daughter – who at the time was quite young – looked up and said, “Good job, cowboy!” It was a spontaneous comment that seemed to come out of nowhere. Little did I know how much I would use that phrase over the years to offer up appreciation or praise for the work of others.
It came forward in my mind the other morning, pre-dawn I might add, as I crafted a brief email to someone in order to show my appreciation for their effort. I had witnessed qualities of leadership and style, in their words and actions, that often seems rare in our ‘hurry up and get it done’ way of life. I was careful in my choice of words, pondering how they may be taken by the recipient. That is the downside to email; you only see one side of the response.
Many situations pass our way each day. But, how often do we take a minute to acknowledge the positive brought upon us by others? Not just in those instances where we stand to gain some ground. There are many situations or acts that we bear witness to where we can learn how to handle something better, or grow in our character and well-being.
This is not limited to co-workers and friends. Keep in mind, your boss might appreciate a little praise once in awhile, too. So, the next time you see or feel the positive effect of someone else, take a moment to say, “Good job, cowboy!”
Photo Credit: John Wayne Airport - owned and operated by the County of Orange.
“The John Wayne Associates commissioned sculptor Robert Summers to create a bronze statue of "the Duke" in commemoration of the late actor and true American patriot John Wayne.
The nine-foot statue was dedicated to the County on November 4, 1982 and placed outside, in front of the Eddie Martin Terminal. After the Thomas F. Riley Terminal was built, the refinished and restored statue was placed in the lobby of the new Terminal.”
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