Standing on the Shoulders of Those Before Us

Recently, I was speaking at an event.  During the presentation, I discussed the importance of creating clarity. The example I used was our baseball program’s five and ten-year plan.  Following the discussion one man asked, “How do you get young people to buy into a vision ten years out when they won’t even be there?”

A Program vs. A Team:

This past season, our baseball program had one of the most successful years in school history.  The team set the record for most wins and made the program’s first appearance in the NCAA tournament.  What made me most proud was the reaction of our former players, parents and staff.  It was their hard work, sacrifice and dedication that allowed the 2018 club to have success.  It was proof that we created a strong program.

A team is together for a year.  The members of a team have a goal that they are trying to accomplish during a particular season.  Being a part of a team is great; however, the most special thing for any athlete or coach is to a be a part of a program.  When you are a member of a program, time doesn’t matter. Roles will likely change, but the individuals continue to care deeply about the program long after their playing days.  This is not the case for those just involved with a team. When a team member’s service time concludes, they move on.  In fact, former team members are frequently jealous of the groups that follow.  They silently hope for failure.  Members of a program understand the journey of the present team.  They empathize with the struggle, they offer support, and they celebrate accomplishments.  They are the present team’s biggest cheerleader.

A Team is bound by time.

A Program is timeless.

A Team can be selfish.

A Program is selfless.

Standing on the Shoulders of Those Before Us:

In our locker room is an aerial picture of our baseball field.  The field is empty, manicured perfectly, and the lights are on.  We added the names of the past players in our program to the picture with a headline stating, “Standing on the Shoulders of Those Before Us.”  It’s our way of honoring the past players and teams. In our minds, the names listed are legends.  They each have a story that greatly impacts our current situation.  Any accomplishments we achieve are directly related to the effort of our past groups.  Every year, before our players move into the locker room, I bring them in small groups and discuss the poster.  I’m sure some of the guys roll their eyes as I explain the importance of the previous teams and players.  That is o.k.  I want them to know they are a part of a program and not just a team.

Action Step:

Have you thought recently about those people who allowed you to flourish?  Did your parents work thankless jobs in order for you to have opportunities?  Was there a teacher or coach that believed in you at a critical time in your life?  Maybe there was a colleague that for some reason took the time to mentor you.  Is it possible that the current success you are having is in large part to someone else’s prior effort?

My hope is this week you will take a few moments each day and reflect upon those special people who have allowed you to “stand on their shoulders.”  Better yet, reach out and connect with someone who made a big impact on your life.  Why wait?  Pick up the phone, write an email or a handwritten letter (Read The Power of the Handwritten Note).  We should intentionally thank those special people that have guided us along our path.

A Word of Encouragement:

“Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they will never see.” James Kerr Legacy

For those of us who are working and striving and may not be seeing the present results have you thought that maybe we are paving the road for someone else?  Maybe our job is to do the hard work in order for someone else to flourish.  There is a ton of honor in this.  I may never become a world class coach, author, or speaker.  But my commitment may allow someone close to me to reach their goals.  My motivation is no longer about myself.  It is to make life’s journey better for those I love.

Final Thought:

To the man in the audience who asked, “How do you get kids to buy into a vision when they won’t even be there:” well, unless you have been a part of a program I’m not sure you’d understand.  Everyone plays a role in a program.  It’s special.  And, if you’ve only been a part of a team, you will never truly “get it.”

Please share with me the person or persons whose “shoulders you are standing on.”  Also, I’d love to hear about how your correspondence went with someone who has impacted you.  Don’t wait.  Take the time to show appreciation and gratitude.  You’ll make someone’s day; you’ll also make yours.

Mike