My dad didn’t fish or play golf. The standard Father’s Day card was not really meant for him. Instead, he played a mean game of bridge and did the Sunday Times crossword puzzle in ink. He learned Spanish, so he could relate to the people he worked with in the NYC garment district. And his views on justice made me consider my own obligation to make the world better.

This Father’s Day, I want to honor the lessons we learned from our fathers. Every day, my nonprofit colleagues work to make the world a better place, so I asked them: What did you learn from your father, that you apply today in your work?

Fear of change is often a fear that we will fail at whatever it is that is new. That’s a lesson that Dennis Fischman learned from his father, that he now applies as he teaches his clients new concepts in social media.

From Lynn Calder, “My dad was a master at reading people and assessing work situations. He would determine the best approach to working with each individual.”

Loretta Donovan’s Dad taught her to appreciate loyal, hardworking volunteers. “He painted my elementary school; he fundraised for his high school into his 80s. His time and talents were contributed with enthusiasm.
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Rebecca Henderson shared, “Most people do the best they can with what they have, and when someone does a good job, tell them.”

Annette Sandberg had a wealth of stories about learning to appreciate yourself, imperfections and all; and at the same time, to listen to those around you, because “you can’t harmonize if you listen only to yourself.”

Notice a theme? Reading each response, I was struck by how my colleagues and I, each with very different backgrounds, have each been taught by our fathers to value the individual. To see each person for who they are. It is a trait that I see throughout the nonprofit sector.

As Lynn said about her own father, “Dad was kind to everyone and treated them with respect–from the lowest paid position to the CEO…everyone, whatever their title or position, has something of value to contribute in the workplace.”

Our fathers taught us to value each individual for themselves, and to allow them to contribute their gifts as they are able. This Father’s Day is a good time to appreciate our fathers as individuals, not just as our dads, and to acknowledge their gifts to us.

Happy Father’s Day. If you can, thank your Dad for his gifts. If not, then may this Father’s Day be filled with good memories.