Greetings.  It's not even the middle of March yet and Spring has already arrived in many parts of the U.S. and much of the northern hemisphere.  The first flowers are coming up from the ground, migratory birds are returning from journeys south, the pollen count is climbing fast and temperatures are rising more than enough to suggest that Winter is probably over.  Soon the remarkable cherry blossoms here in Washington will be in full bloom–almost two weeks early this year–marking their 100th anniversary as our semi-official start to the new season.

Spring is the season of new beginnings.  Of beautiful colors and delightful smells. Of animals returning after a Winter of rest and resuming their routines and cycles of life.  Of reacquainting ourselves with yard work, bicycle rides and walks in the park.  Of reconnecting with all of the friends and neighbors who have been hiding in the warmth of their homes.  Of enjoying longer days and the growing warmth of the sun before it gets too hot to be outside.  Of starting to think about summer vacations and of being reenergized.

And Spring is also a time of almost limitless possibilities.  And a great time to imagine how we might unlock new opportunities to energize and grow our companies and organizations.  By giving ourselves a fresh start and then thinking about all of the growth and possibilities unfolding around us.

So why not take the geniuses you work with out of the office for a few hours or a day in order to experience Spring as a team.  To notice and marvel collectively at the wonders all around you.  And then to imagine what new wonders you could create together for the customers and colleagues you have the privilege to serve.

We win in business and in life when we pause to be reenergized.  And when we discover, in the changing of the seasons, an opportunity to reinvent ourselves and our organizations.

Cheers!