Last week I had an interesting e-mail and I pondered on it extensively. A former team mate from high school was apologizing for something that happened nearly 10 years ago. I had honestly forgotten and I really had to dig back into my memory files. Nothing was coming to mind other than my drive to be the best and live up to who I was.
We were both on the swim team and she had/has a lot of natural talent. I remember being pushed to be the best each day and to keep my spot in the center lane at meets. This wasn't a bad thing for me, but for some it can be seen as an annoyance. A little fly that just won't go away.
Monday I was reading about the walk-on turned star catcher for the Florida Gators softball team. She has overcome so much in her three-year career. She also said something I thought was interesting. The coach is always looking for better players than he has. This helps keep his team pushing to be the best and working hard everyday for their spot. Because if someone fails, there is someone who hungers for that spot and will step up.
I believe this can be good for a team, and for leadership in general. Once I was reminded by a supervisor that I was equivalent to a drop in a bucket. I would fall and create ripples for a moment, but eventually I would become like all the other drops and mesh into a greater whole. As I write, I realize the importance of always making positive waves and staying fresh and noticed.
There are always "greenies" willing to step up and take a job. They hunger for it, and perhaps more than we do. It's a healthy competition that can be created by always searching for the best. But the question in the end is, "How bad do you really want it? Can you adapt to the circumstances and outperform those around you?"
No comments:
Post a Comment