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Facilities Manager | january/february 2015 | 15 expressions of gratitude go a long way. Authentic leaders give credit where credit is due. David was intentional about spreading any praise. He thanked people individu- ally—sometimes privately, sometimes publically. What really stood out, how- ever, was his willingness to praise his em- ployees to others, I will always remember hearing him tell others, "I've got good people." That was his response to every successful project or initiative. Employees really get a boost when they hear that said about them. Now that's authentic. INVEST IN YOUR PEOPLE David believed in providing training opportunities for his employees. He would talk about the value he'd always received, and wanted others to benefit as he had. The educational benefits from quality training are obvious. David also understood that training is also an op- portunity to say "yes" to people. Giving people a break from the routine along with some quality Quadrant II time to think and network can be a real energy booster. New knowledge is great. New knowledge and motivation is greater. Of course there is a financial cost for training and professional development that has to be evaluated. Similarly, there can also be a potential risk of attrition for employees with better expertise or credentials. David's perspective on this was simple: What if I train them and they leave? What if I don't train them and they stay? Now that's authentic. HUMILITY OVER HUBRIS Over the years, I have had a unique opportunity to work with David on proj- ects and initiatives of all types. No mat- ter the challenge, we always evaluated the need and determined what outcome would qualify as a success. We have experienced several periods of change and challenges. We have had our share of successful projects. We have also had a few that weren't perfect. The trick is to build on successes and to learn from the mistakes. Humility and self-awareness keep you grounded. I have been involved in many working sessions where David would say, "Remember, one of us may have to say we're sorry." What a valuable perspective. Now that's authentic. I have worked for several excellent people throughout my career. I put David Gray at the top of the list. While he possesses so many of the qualities and skills that make a strong leader, the one I value the most is his David-ness. He is an authentic person—and that makes him a strong leader. Thanks, David! Joe Whitefield is assistant vice president at Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN. He can be reached at joe.whitefield@mtsu.edu. Stop Replacing the Auxiliary Drains that Freeze and Break with Auxiliary Drains that Freeze and Break Stop Replacing the Auxiliary Drains that Freeze and Break with Auxiliary Drains that Freeze and Break www.testandrain.com *Actual photo of ice breaking the valve of an auxiliary drain taken in a parking garage during the winter of 2014. The COLLECTANDRAIN ® Model 5400A provides a temperature controlled environment for the sprinkler system auxiliary drain so freeze-ups are a thing of the past. This winter stop the cycle of replacing drains and install the only auxiliary drain with superior freeze protection. DRAIN ® Model 5400A