“Compared to what we ought to be, we are only half awake”
-William James
Most of us live far within our limits. We always remember those teachers, parents, coaches, and other special people who took the time to see our potential and push us to our limits.
In 5th grade, I was an under-performing student. One day at the beginning of the school year our teacher, Mrs. “M”, announced a big project that was upcoming: A class yearbook! As she described the details of the endeavor, I thought to myself, “That’s going to be a lot of work for someone.” I was right, and I soon found out it was me! Mrs. “M” announced that I was the editor. I didn’t want the job, and politely and respectfully told her “no thanks”. She wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. She said she had seen my writing and communication skills and I was the one for the job. “You really mean that?”, I asked. “Yes, I do!”, she replied.
I got to work on the project and gave it my best. It turned out great, and during the process I was able to develop my natural talents to a much higher level. The impact of Mrs. “M’s” challenge is still working for me today at age 74.
One of our jobs as a leader is to help build others and make them more successful. To do this, we need to push our team members out of their comfort zone in the direction they were meant to go. Mrs. “M” helped me to wake up, see my gifts, and dig in.
