Thank You

It has been a very exciting, surreal and humbling couple of days as I officially retired. 

All I have left to say is “THANK YOU”.

THANK YOU to my wife Deb. She’s put up with a lot of lonely nights while I’ve been out. She’s been a listening ear, the voice of reason and has stood by me move after move and through thick and thin.

THANK YOU to my kids. Nicole, AJ and Abby, you didn’t always have it easy with your dad as a coach and as an athletic administrator but I am so proud of you. 

The experiences each of you got to have through your participation in education based athletics and activities helped to make you who you are today. 

You are stronger and better because of them and I will always believe that.  I am very proud of each of you and the lives that you are living.  You are making a difference.

THANK YOU to all of the students, athletes, coaches, fellow teachers, administrators, custodians, cooks, bus drivers, game and event workers and all of the other support staff that I have had the pleasure of working with the past 37 years in the districts I’ve been a part of.  There are so many people needed to help make events run. I may be one of those volunteers now.

THANK YOU to my collegues. I consider it a privilege to do what I’ve done teaching, coaching and being an athletic administrator. The friends I have made from across the country could only be made by being in this profession. The AD profession in particular is one of tightest and most supportive group of peers anyone could have. Truly special.

I have so many memories. So many moments that will go with me forever. I look forward to what’s next and how I can continue to help my friends and colleagues continue to make a difference.

A heartfelt, sincere and humble “THANK YOU”.

I’m always cheering for you.

(I am taking next week off from writing to relax, enjoy and gather more thoughts.  Enjoy the 4th of July weekend).

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed

13,505 Days

Today is the day.  Day 13,505.  37 years in the as a teacher, coach and administrator will draw to a close as the final out is recorded at the baseball game tonight in Jefferson.

I’ve experienced alot.
I’ve celebrated.
I’ve agonized.
I’ve laughed.
I’ve cried.
I’ve learned alot. 

Here are five (of many) simple lessons I’ve learned in the past 13,504 days. 

1.  Be as consistent as you can in your decision making. 

It’s a given that not everyone will like every decision but I found that if I could strive for consistency and treating people and programs consistently I could feel good about what I was doing.  Be consistent with your demeanor, your attitude and your effort too.

2.  Be patient. 

You don’t have to respond right away or rush into potential big decisions.  It’s OK to say I don’t know yet but I will find out and get right back with you.  Make sure you get back with the person though.  Fake it until you make it is not a good recipe for leadership.

3.  Show empathy and grace. 

We all need it and we need to give more of it.  I felt my leadership move to another level when I offered more grace and less judgement.  I felt my personal relationships improve as well.

4. Think long term. 

Not short term.  Be a visionary and develop a plan to get there.  The journey isn’t always easy or the path straight but it is worth it.  Every step is a step closer to where you want to be.  Believe in the process.

And…the biggest and best lesson I have learned and grown to appreciate.

5.  Be intentional about the moments. 

Cherish the moments. Don’t take them for granted and help others experience their moments too.  If you can learn to do that the impact that you have on those around you will be powerful.

I am thankful for the lessons.  All of them.  The good lessons and the hard lessons.
They have all helped me to be better.

Embrace every day, every moment.  They will  all add up to a wonderful life changing experience.

I have been blessed and am grateful for 13,504 days.  Here’s to number 13,505 today.

I’m cheering for you and your day today too.

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed

Be Who You Are

You are special.
You are unique.
You have been given a set of skills and talents that no one else has been given. 

Your talents and the circle of influence that you have with your family, friends and at your work put you in a place no one else is in and no one else can influence.

Too many people try to be like someone they know, someone they admire or someone who has what they think they want.  Learning from people is one thing but trying to be just like them is something to avoid.

You will be happiest and richly blessed when you discover and be who you truly are.  People will then come to know, respect and depend on you for who you are.

This will lead you to being in a place that is a good fit for you and your talents.  Finding that fit may take some time but it will happen if you continue to stay true to who you are.  Be patient on your journey.  It will be worth it.

I’m cheering for you.

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed

Do The Small Things

If you’ve listened to our Beyond the Bench podcast you know I have a thing for putting carts away. Some would say bordering on obsession.

I’ve scolded people from Hawaii, Arizona, California as well as my fellow Iowans. I have not discriminated. (The photos in this graphic are from spring break 2022 in Arizona).

We have had fun with it but I feel it brings up a valid thought for today. It’s a small thing to do, takes a little extra time, but the small things are the things that many people overlook or find unimportant.

If we are going to be a servant leader then we are servant leaders in every situation, in every area of life. We don’t get to decide where or who we serve.

We need to serve in every moment and with every person. It means helping those who can never help us and that might be helping the employee who’s job it is to gather carts so we have them for our next shopping excursion.

Do the small things. Put your cart away. Chances are you may find an extra one to put away too. Whether a cart or something else do the little things that others won’t. They matter and make a difference.

I’m cheering for you.

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed