Three recent conversations reminded me of something really important.

In our recruiting and hiring we have always sought people who are intelligent and analytically-inclined, who think and speak and write well, and who have an instinct for client service. All of these characteristics are essential for success here. But more than anything we have sought colleagues who by all indication are themselves inspired, enthusiastic, eager to learn and grow professionally in the work that we do, willing to push their own boundaries, and capable over time to help us push our boundaries as a company.

These three recent conversations involved separate instances of staff members voicing their interest in particular areas of our work that aren't necessarily part of their written job descriptions. Our response: Yes, of course, absolutely.

But then I thought: Have we stopped communicating (and delivering on) the notion that everyone in this company has always been encouraged to "create a position for themselves," to take the initiative to expand their involvement and responsibilities here, to apply a personal interest of theirs to the work we do, all as a way to help move the company forward?

I hope not. When people join our team, it becomes our responsibility as a company to create the kind of environment that allows each of our colleagues to flourish, the kind of environment that further inspires the already inspired to carve out a special place for themselves here, to create a position of their own.

We have internal goal discussions coming up in the next month. I hope each member of our staff will take some time between now and then to think about where they want to go and what they want to do in this company--what kind of position they want to begin (or continue) to carve out for themselves. And then it will be up to everyone--and up to me--to do the things that need to be done to make it happen. That's how we will move this company forward together.