Celebrations Every year at Christmas, my employer goes to great lengths to bring everyone together for a formal dinner and party to celebrate the values ​​and victories of our organization (Johnson , 2014, slide 6) throughout the year. This tradition began in 1960, when my employer, North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue, was founded. The core values ​​of our founding members were simplicity, service before self and humility at all times. Over time, these traditions and values ​​have been passed down from generation to generation of career employees and volunteers. As we continue to celebrate these core values ​​and the many positive changes occurring in our profession, we take time to recognize challenges and failures so that we can learn and change. This gathering is truly not just a celebration, but a time of reflection; Although this celebration focuses on the overall achievements of the company, personal achievements are not overlooked and are still recognized. Ask anyone in my profession and they will flat out tell you that they are overworked and underpaid, that our jobs are difficult, but most don't do it for the money, they see it as a true calling. My employer is aware of this difficulty, and in its efforts to stay on track and achieve organizational goals (Johnson, 2014, slide 5), personal recognition from others is also a priority. What is unique about our celebration is that it takes place in a spirit of community (Johnson, 2014, slide 6) and is open to all. Our celebration also brings together other public safety professionals and elected officials, this serves to expose them to our difficulties, and to present them as a credible organization...... middle of paper ...... eat +vision+shaping+values+and+empowering+changeGino, F. and Pisano, G. (2011). Why leaders don't learn from success. Retrieved from http://hbr.org/2011/04/why-leaders-dont-learn-from-success/ar/1Hsieh, T., and Ratner, R. (2009). Cultural Lessons from Zappos.com Executives (Samantha Whitehorne, interviewer) [Print]. Available from the Center For Association Leadership.Ice. (2008, February). Is there a famous leader who used the situational approach to leadership [Yahoo responds to comment]. Retrieved from http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080623145538AAcbOp4Johnson, S. (2014). Encouraging the Heart [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from http://carolinabiblecollege.mrooms3.net/mod/resource/view.php?id=3732Kouzes, JM and Posner, BZ (2008). The challenge of student leadership: five practices for exemplary leaders. [To light up]. Taken from www.josseybass.com