Making a contribution

Continuously learning various aspects of life is an important discipline that I have committed to and asked our associates to commit to. This can include learning about your profession, community, industry, business and your clients so you can improve and provide value to them.
Learning is a process, but it’s about making the commitment to continuously learn. One way is to explore a combination of reading, listening to podcasts, going to lectures and watching interviews because we all learn differently. We have to find the best way we learn and what’s most effective. And once we have learned, why not share with others?
The foundation of The Fedeli Group was built by establishing several principles related to learning and sharing. First, we believe relationships are the most important thing in life. Second, we want to constantly add value by doing more than what is expected, going above and beyond. Third, we like to help solve problems. And fourth, we like to network, which we define as the exchange of information, ideas and resources. Continuously learning and sharing those insights is ultimately about touching lives, having an impact and making a contribution. Here are some ideas.
Playing to our strengths
By playing to our strengths, we can achieve success. Your strengths are what you are particularly good at and have an interest in, and what you are passionate about. We have to be intellectually honest about our strengths. The concept of rational targeting — identifying what we do well, what is needed and how those two intersect — is an important part of playing to our strengths.
Communicating with honesty and heart
Great communication is crucial in every part of life. This includes communicating clearly and with integrity to family, business associates, colleagues and people in our community — customers, strategic partners and suppliers. It’s important to communicate in a proactive way that is collaborative, congenial and collegial.
Communication tools are always evolving. Showing compassion and a personal touch is important. While face-to-face meetings are one of the most effective ways to communicate, we are currently limited during the pandemic. Phone calls and emails are good — but be particularly careful when putting things in writing because they last.
Sharing knowledge, information and ideas
Not since the Spanish Flu in 1918 have we experienced a pandemic to this degree. I didn’t know much about disease spread, vaccines, immunity and viruses, including COVID-19, until we faced an economic shutdown in March. I began searching for information, answers and expert insight.
I don’t have many answers, but I learn from those who do. I learn from history. I find people I can trust who have experience and knowledge. I look toward those who have established best practices and achieved the best outcomes. After dedicating time to this research, I want to share it with others. This is why we have been writing articles related to the pandemic, treatments, cures, vaccines, building immunity and the impact on our economy and the market. When we receive positive feedback from colleagues, community members, clients and friends, we know we have helped them in some way.

Learning keeps us fresh, engaged, informed — exchanging information, knowledge and resources provides value to others and builds stronger relationships. We are all a work in progress. Committing to lifelong learning gives us knowledge and tools to help others and make a difference.

Umberto P. Fedeli is CEO of The Fedeli Group