314: For Father's Day—Maybe the Best Gift Ever
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That’s me looking up at my dad with his ever-present cigar, along with my old brother (far left) and older sister. Colorado circa the early 1950s.
Summary
No guest today. Just me musing on the upcoming Father’s Day celebration. Given that my father passed away almost forty years ago, I get reflective as the holiday approaches and, more so, as the years between his passing and my age increase. In this episode, I explore why I’ve been thinking about him more, what I remember about him, why there are gaps in my knowledge, and what I would ask him if I could.
My dad was a complex man—perhaps all fathers are—because he was a product of a generation he understood and one that he didn’t always.
Over the years, I celebrated Father’s Day by giving my dad traditional gifts, such as a circular saw, barbecue equipment, or a history book. He always appreciated the gifts, but I wonder if he might have appreciated a conversation more, the result of me asking him questions in an attempt to understand him better.
I’d like to think he would hear my questions as caring on my part. His responses, in turn, would be a gift to me.
About Jeff
Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.
Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.
Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.
Show Credits
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"Getting Unstuck" theme music: Original composition of "Allegro ben ritmato e deciso" by George Gershwin. Arrangement and recording courtesy of Bruno Lecoeur.