Lessons From Officiating (2)

Yesterday we talked about the lessons learned from how an official shared his knowledge of volleyball officiating with me.

Today, let’s talk about three things I think we can do as receivers of knowledge.

1) Be committed to being better in anything and everything that you do.  Whether it’s your job or a hobby be intentional about being better at it.  How much?  Even just one percent. (See Sept. 21 post)

2) Listen to learn.
Bryant McGill said “One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.”

Try not to listen to immediately think of a defensive response.  Listen out of respect, especially those with more knowledge in a subject matter than we have. 

3) Don’t be a fool. 
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn when it is given to you.

I mentioned yesterday that it was nice that I was asked if I wanted his input.  I would have been foolish to say no. 

As you go about your day consider the opportunities and moments you have to get better and step into them.

I’m cheering for you.

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed

Lessons From Officiating (1)

Part of what I decided to do this fall was to help out with an officiating shortage and  officiate volleyball.

The other night I worked with a veteran official who works more college volleyball than high school but was working that night.   He also had been a college volleyball coach for a number of years.

We talked during and after the match and he helped make me better at officiating.  The way he did it was a good lesson for all of us.

Here is how he did it:

1) He asked if he could share some pointers.  I thought that was really thoughtful.  He didn’t push them on me. 

I have experienced the other way too where someone just offers their opinion uninvited and it can lead to a negative experience.

2) He shared in a kind way with compliments. 
He found some positives and then offered some areas to improve on after that.

3) He shared his knowledge. 
He obviously had experience and extensive knowledge with the game of volleyball and shared it with me.

I had already worked with an official this season who had more knowledge than me but didn’t share any of it.  Another lesson perhaps for another day.

This positive lesson happened though because I believe number one and two were done before number three.

I hope this helps you in some small way as you continue to lead and live with those around you.  It did me.

I’m cheering for you.

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed

Take Time To Care

The challenge today is to take time, better yet, make time to care.

We get so busy sometimes that we think we are too busy to take time away to do something that should happen many times daily.

I was reminded of this with my oldest granddaughter when she was four years old or so. 

At least once every time she was around she would leave what she was doing, come find me and say “I just came to give you a hug”.

She would give me a hug, tell me she loved me and then return to the important task of playing.  In fact, she still does this three years later.  (Grandparents understand)

So what’s the lesson for us today? 

Let’s take a moment or two from the important tasks that we are doing to make sure someone knows we care.

Write a quick note of appreciation, pick up the phone for a quick call or text, or have a conversation about something other than work.

Let’s keep the main thing the main thing. People are the main thing.  Let them know they are valued and that you care.

If a four year old can do it so can we.

I’m cheering for you.

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed

Never Too Late

Are you growing?  No, I don’t mean getting taller or in your waist size.

I mean are you growing as a person?

Are you becoming more every day?

Getting better?

Are you discovering new things that you are interested in or feel like you can do that you never thought about doing before?

Have all of your experiences up to this point prepared you for something new? 

It is never too late. 

I believe that all of our experiences have happened for a reason and are to be used to help make us better. 

Our experiences allow us to help others on their journey and guide us on our journey. 

Our experiences are our ticket to giving, serving, learning, and growing.

Don’t let yourself settle for what if when you can discover something more and what can be.

Believe.  Discover.  Do.

It is never too late.

I’m cheering for you.

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed