“The more you can do, the more you get to do.” —Jeff Schmedding, Defensive Coordinator, Boise State Football
I have focused on the importance of continuous and intentional learning for the last two weeks. Two weeks ago, I offered a quotation suggesting the world is our university and teachers are everywhere, if we’ll only pay attention. Last week I mentioned the idea of being curious beyond your industry, company, job, or field of expertise.
As an example of both concepts, I came across the quote above while reading the sports pages covering one of our local college football teams. While I typically avoid sports metaphors, examples, and stories, I do believe we can learn a lot about life, and leadership, from the world of sports.
My interpretation of Jeff’s message:“The more skills, capabilities, and expertise you have, the more playing time you’ll get.” As an example, if you’re a wide receiver, having the ability to catch a football is critical. However, you’ll be even more valuable to the team, and earn more playing time, if can also block for rushing plays, run more elusively, and break more tackles or, maybe even pass the ball for trick plays. Repeating, the more you can do, the more you get to do, and the more valuable you become
Certainly, the wisdom BSU defensive coordinator, Jeff Schmedding, shared with his football players applies to most areas of life, leadership, and business. The more skills and capabilities we possess, the more valuable we are to our employers, customers, and clients.
Just like football players practice every day to hone their current skills and learn new skills and plays, leaders must do the same for their long-term success, as well.
The more you do, the more you learn, and the more opportunities you are given. What knowledge, skills, and capabilities can you add to your toolbox this week? What projects can you volunteer for that will expand your skill set? Are there community clubs, projects, fund-raisers, or other initiatives you could be involved in, both to make a difference, and learn new skills at that the same time? What lessons can you learn by doing new things in different ways?
What lessons are the people in your life hoping you will learn this week? And as always, how will you lead, or live, differently, or better, this week?
Bonus quotes below.
Have a great week!
