Page 17 - The EDGE Winter 2025
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their team to motivate them to work diligently towards
the desired outcome. They set ambitious goals and
provide a clear vision of what they want to achieve
while at the same time inspiring their team to strive
for heights that are beyond what they have already
achieved. They recognize that each journey will
contain roadblocks and bumps along the way, and
they trust and encourage their team to find solutions
together, unleashing them to reach these new heights.
-Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M.Ed.
"It has been my honor to know Brian for many
years. I served as AEDG Chair during the year that
Brian was ASBO International President, so I had Ref lections on Leadership
the opportunity to observe and interact with him
during our mutual time on the ASBO International January 8, 2024
Board. When he became Executive Director of Creating a Secure Environment for Your Team
"When people feel safe enough to raise their hands and
Arizona ASBO, it was wonderful to welcome him as say, "I made a mistake" or "I need some help" the leader
a colleague. Brian was such a kind, thoughtful, and has created an environment where people feel safe to be
wonderful man. His sense of faith was evident. He themselves." -Simon Sinek
was a true gentleman. His passing is a terrible loss to Creating an environment where people feel secure
his family, colleagues, and all who loved him." expressing themselves is essential for any leader.
-Sharon S. Bruce, CAE, Connecticut ASBO By fostering a secure work environment, people
become more open to problem-solving, are willing
to take appropriate risks, and develop relationships
based on understanding and mutual respect. In such
an encouraging atmosphere, people are comfortable
engaging in dialogue, and dialogue can help generate
new ideas, address existing challenges, and help the
leader make better decisions. Additionally, creating
an environment where people feel secure enough to
admit mistakes and ask for help encourages creativity,
boosts morale, and builds a culture of collaboration.
Ultimately, when people feel secure enough to be
themselves without fear of retribution, it creates
"One of my most cherished memories of Brian is a team culture of understanding, support, and
from ASBO International in Cincinnati in the early responsibility. It reflects a level of trust and builds
1990’s. I, along with a couple of other ladies on the loyalty through understanding each other’s strengths
AASBO Board, were in line for a bus tour. They only and weaknesses. By creating this environment, a
had two seats left. Brian and Colleen volunteered to leader will have team members who freely engage,
take a later tour so we could go together. That touched find innovative solutions, have the confidence to take
my heart then and has stayed with me since!" risks, push boundaries, and unleash their creative and
-Kathy Glindmeier, AZ Food Bank Network, innovative potential.
retired CN Director -Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M.Ed.
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