Speaking Greatness into Others

Recently, NBA TV showed a video montage of Steve Kerr interacting with his star player, Steph Curry.  In the clips, you see Coach Kerr discussing Curry’s value to the team despite his poor shooting statistics during the game.  “You’re doing great stuff out there.  The tempo is so different when you’re out there.  Everything you generate is so positive for us.” The clips also showed Kerr praising Curry’s courage to keep shooting despite poor results.  Steve Kerr was speaking greatness into his star-player.

Steve Kerr Speaking Greatness

It’s amazing, as a full-grown adult I can still vividly recall situations where people have spoken greatness into me.  Here are three examples:

• As a teenager my father used to tell me that I was special and had much to share. He warned me that others will turn to drugs and alcohol for attention.  Dad explained that I was a “natural leader” and I didn’t need those things to stand out.  Instead of the typical threats and intimidation tactics many fathers use, my father chose to speak greatness.
• I didn’t get to play a lot during my freshmen year in college. In addition, there were a lot of great players returning the next year.  In my exit interview the head coach, Don Schaly, spoke greatness.  He explained how impressed he was with my attitude and ability.  “I don’t know how, but the cream will rise to the top.  And, I believe in you.”  Enough said.  That vote of confidence was the impetus to spark my career.
• Like many athletes, my identity was often tied to my performance. I did o.k. at school but I never flourished.  My senior year I took a Business Communication course with Dr. Mabry O’Donnell.  “O” was tough; she demanded your best effort.  After one speech I presented to the class she wrote on my evaluation, “Outstanding job.  You have the presence of a CEO.”  Wow!  This one comment breathed life into me. She spoke greatness into a student who really needed it.

How have you used your words recently?   The people that I mentioned have little, or no idea the positive impact they left on me.   Speaking greatness is rarely rehearsed; instead, it is a way of life.  If we choose to purposely live our life from a place of empathy and kindness our impact is organic.  If we can suppress our ego, we can become genuinely happy for others. We become a positive life force.

This week I will be more aware of my words and the impact they have on others.  I will look for opportunities to encourage and compliment others on their journey.  Please join me on the mission.

Make it a great week,

Mike

Update: 

My “One-Word” for 2018 is Presence.  This year I plan to be better at “being where my feet are.”  With that being said, the next four months are my peak season.  My writings will be less this time of year.  So many of you have “spoken greatness” to me on my writing and speaking pursuit.  Thank you all so much.