In Life as In Sport

Depending on the coach, a loss is either a nightmare or a teaching tool. Mediocre or poor coaches dread losses, seeing how they threaten job security, especially when they start piling up. Good coaches don’t fear losses, great coaches actually welcome them. Masters of the profession know early-season defeats are a coach’s best friend, exposing weaknesses papered over by victories. They open eyes, focus minds.

So it is in other facets of life, at home, at work, you name it.

As a husband and father, owning my missteps and shortcomings allow me to grow as a partner and parent. On the other side of the coin, every instance of childhood misbehavior is a teachable moment. Nothing to anguish over. An opportunity to do some especially useful parenting.  

Managing foul-ups as a workplace supervisor taught me a foundational leadership principle, one I carried with me and made every effort to apply throughout my career. Give credit and take blame. When everything goes according to plan and endeavor…