Reader, have you ever felt so seen that it made you cry?

My youngest daughter is a high school senior.

We've done all the things--senior pictures, senior prom, college decision.

Last Friday was Senior Luncheon, a tradition where parents and students gather to hear school faculty members speak about the students.

Faculty members select the students for whom they speak.

Sports coaches often spoke for the members of the team they coach.

Extra-curricular and specialty subject teachers also choose students similarly.

Each student is honored in a four to five-minute speech that is a varying mix of a light roast, achievement, and character.

There are lots of inside jokes and many choked-up voices as the staff valiantly sum up the indelible impact of each student.

This ritual is possible for one reason.

At this school, community is given center stage and equal footing with academics.

It is more than words because it is woven into the fabric of daily life.

Every day begins with 30 minutes of community time connecting and celebrating, not just exchanging announcements, and students enjoy a shared free period when no classes are held so that students can socialize, work on projects, and interact with the faculty.

This adds to faculty roles greater than lesson plans, classroom management, and grading, plus unfailing belonging for angsty teens.

Students and faculty forge meaningful, undeniable bonds.

Hearing these educators celebrate the unique and beautiful attributes of the young men and women they've helped to grow and prepare for life is a gift for everyone in the room.

After those speeches, I felt like I knew all Sarah's classmates and was genuinely touched by the love spoken.

Reader I have two reasons for sharing this with you.

First, it is important to see an example of intentional culture in the wild that works. Francis Parker School of Louisville knows and lives its values.

Second, I am once again struck by the power of such significant words spoken at a terminus point.

I can't help but ask how much more valuable it could be to have these words and sentiments powering people during their journey.

Which is why pouring into one another in meaningful and celebratory ways is at the heart of my 5-point STAR TREATMENT💫 system, a set of operating norms designed to optimize individual fulfillment, team engagement, and organizational performance.

Friday brought tears to my eyes many times, but it also buoyed my spirits because I know that I am teaching businesses how to build beautiful communities like this and maybe in six years when Sarah emerges from graduate school to start her career she will be able to work for a company that has made STAR TREATMENT💫their everyday normal.

If you are ready to experience true community in your team, let's talk.

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