Hard things…
We hate pain, embarrassment, failure, criticism, etc.
Most of us avoid it at all costs...or we act like we are okay with these things, but silently, they gut us.
The problem is pain, failure (and the impending embarrassment) criticism/coaching, etc, is the only way we truly learn, mature, and make strides in our career.
However, leaders, for multiple reasons, are hesitant to challenge their people. They are hesitant to put them in positions where they will be pushed to failure or have to take hard coaching.
Everyone has heard of the 'snowplow' parent by now. This is the parent who clears the path for their kids so that they don't have to suffer pain, criticism, or failure.
Every time I hear about or witness a snowplow parent, I think how we can often hurt our kids when we think we are loving them. This is exactly what a parent is doing when they snowplow.
For years, coaches have coached their athletes hard. In some cases, they were overboard and inappropriate. I am going to move the 'power hungry jerks' to the side. We know that is not how to lead people.
Let's talk about those who are trying to create an environment where their athletes have to deal with the pain, failure, hard coaching, etc.
In this day and age, there is a blurry, fine line on how hard you can challenge and push. I believe, in most cases, if you communicate beforehand that "we are going to coach and challenge you hard...not for the fun of it but to help you in the long run," people will let you coach them hard.
As the saying goes, "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.”
Explain why you are going to challenge them and get them to see that doing hard things is good for them.
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**FAITH AND LEADERSHIP**
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One of my weekly disciplines is scouring the internet for articles/tweets I can learn from and/or use with those I work with. Below are two that I hope will help encourage and equip you.
Article 1- You have to try this challenge!
Article 2- Nuance in leadership
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