ENDNOTES
Admittedly, I am a daily user of clichés.
The ISPA staff framed many of these sayings into a collage that
hangs on the wall near my desk. I love, love it! Here are a few of
STYLING & PHOTO BY ECHOSTARMAKER.COM
my favorites:
“You don’t know what you don’t know.”
“Just sayin’….”
“How do you eat an elephant?”
“I don’t love, love it.”
“Good idea, not perfect.”
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But my favorite? “Expect the unexpected.” This cliché is regularly
stated on a current favorite television show, Big Brother. While
you may not expect it, I love reality TV shows. Well, actually,
only two: Big Brother and Survivor. I am absolutely fascinated by
group dynamics and how people behave and evolve over time in
“I am absolutely
fascinated by
group dynamics
and how people
behave and
evolve over
time in different
situations.”
different situations. Oftentimes, people behave and react—whether on a reality show or in
real life—in ways we wouldn’t expect, but perhaps that’s the best part of reality TV, and
what makes us watch week after week.
Reality shows remind me of the many years I spent working alongside The White House
Fellows—a non-partisan, highly competitive program that began in 1964 which unites professionals from vastly diverse backgrounds and experiences to work toward a common goal
within the executive branch of the Federal government. I was so fortunate to have a front
row seat to observe young professionals develop skills around conflict resolution, compromise and teamwork. It truly was a reality show every day as they learned to expect the
unexpected.
The White House Fellowships program is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year while
ISPA celebrates its 25th year. As you prepare to attend the 2015 ISPA Conference & Expo,
I will throw out my favorite cliché: Expect the unexpected. As we celebrate this big year for
us, there will be no holding back. How are you prepared for the unexpected?
—LYNNE McNEES, ISPA PRESIDENT
92 PULSE
n
August 2015