How to Remember a Cherished Employee

Beverly Flaxington is a practice management consultant. She answers questions from advisors facing human resource issues. To submit yours, email us here.

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Dear Bev,

With the anniversary of 9/11 next week I get the sense that I’m not doing enough to contribute to the world. One of my very close colleagues was on one of the planes that hit the World Trade Towers. The week before he and I had been out for drinks. He had such an enthusiastic and optimistic view of the world and would often nudge me on what a curmudgeon I tended to be.

Since his death and dealing with the trauma, I have done much soul searching and have become less negative and more positive. But every time the date rolls around, realizing how hard hit our industry was with so many financial services executives lost, I want to do something. It’s not enough to donate money or try and keep his memory alive by sharing his story with others.

I want to make an impact and don’t know how to do it.

S.J.

Dear S.J.,

Your note moved me. I too lost a high school friend, a very close colleague and a few other people I had known and worked with through my work in financial services. I wish more people had your attitude to “make an impact” on the lives of others. It’s very admirable.