Share Your Knowledge - Grow Others

"When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. It's about making the people who work for you smarter, bigger, and bolder. Nothing you do anymore as an individual matters except how you nurture and support your team and help its members increase their self-confidence. Yes, you will get your share of attention from up above - but only inasmuch as your team wins. Put another way: Your success as a leader will come not from what you do but from the reflected glory of your team." - Jack Welch

I spent the day doing something that I haven't done in a long time. I shared my knowledge and helped grow others.

A few weeks ago a great friend of mine contacted me for the possibility of being a guest speaker as a part of a panel to speak with undergraduates from his alma mater. The topic was Life After Graduation. It encompassed the feelings, the struggle, the preparation, resumes, interviews, etc.

Today was our day to make a difference in the world, if not for many, but for the few. Our panel of 6 professionals conducted 3 workshops to provide guidance and insight to undergraduates whose shoes we were in not too long ago. We had a great turnout of attendees who participated, asked questions, and showed enthusiasm for their futures. Each of the speakers brought to the table extensive insight, not just into their chosen career paths, but also to the general concerns of post-undergrad life.

The responses we received were amazing. Our connection was strong. Our discussions were thoughtful and on topic. And our respect for each other was built. These particular undergrads have a great future ahead of them. I commend them on their diligence and forward thinking to put together a series of workshops in this nature.

I hope that I can be a part of something like this again. It was a real honor to be asked to speak and participate in such a valuable topic. It reminded me of the days I devoted to enhancing the lives of students and the reward I felt after every session of guiding them, answering questions, and solving problems.

I look forward to sharing more of my knowledge with whomever inquires. We are one infinitely large team...

Sports Over Time

When I was growing up, I played probably every sport there was available in my youth. I was an outdoors kid too; we went camping, rafting, biking, hiking. But in terms of playing sports, there was Tee-ball, then baseball, soccer, football, and of course basketball.

I was in love with playing and watching basketball. I watched the NBA on TV every weekend. I watched NBA Inside Stuff with Ahmad Rashad. I listened to Marv Albert and Bob Costas commentate. I collected basketball cards. I had jerseys. I wore Reebox Pumps. I played it in gym class. I went to the park on Friday afternoons. I played in the school yard after school.

I was in the recreational leagues, then the middle school team, then the Freshman team, then JV. I played intramural basketball in college. I played in different cities and in different tournaments. And then I played in corporate leagues after work hours as an adult. It was my first sports love. 

But lately, say maybe the past 3 to 5 years, my interests have shifted. I've tried my hand at golf. It's a fun individual sport and a good way to let off some steam, but it's expensive. Tennis is another sport that I've put some time into. Bought a couple of racquets, tennis balls, and found local courts to play on into the evening hours, but my endurance and my backhand needs work. Then I trained for a triathlon. Swim, bike, run. I accomplished it. And I continued to do those exercises at the gym. But it's getting boring and repetitive. I'm sure I'll be keeping it up because it's a great way to stay healthy. Every once in a while, I throw in some time on the heavy bag and box for a while. That's a lot of fun. 

It seems like over time, the sports that I find interesting and prefer to participate are those that are less contact with others. They are more individual sports and more about mental toughness and self discipline. This realization comes as I watch a soccer game on TV. I suppose the excitement of team sports I save for watching, rather then playing. Contact sports are for a younger man. And as I get older, I find it more important to keep my body functional and healthy. 

What am I watching these days? I'm watching a lot of soccer, a good amount of boxing, and some baseball. 

Who am I supporting?

Sports will always be a part of my life. There are so many lessons to be learned, battles to be won, and support to be given. I will always look to sports for example, for encouragement, and for excitement. God knows that we'll always need excitement especially the older we get.