Serve, Coach, Lead Newsletter #13: Do Opinions Matter?

Leading up to the Super Bowl this week, Jalen Hurts addressed the media and brought up a point that we can apply as leaders no matter what stage of our journey we are in.

A reporter asked him how he has found so much success in his short professional career, when critics said that he would not be a very good NFL quarterback. In short, his answer was “I had a purpose before everybody had an opinion.”

As leaders, once we have determined our purpose for coaching, teaching, and spending our lives in the pursuit of helping others, we can then attack each day with specific direction.

It is easy to listen and give credit to the opinions of others. Many of us have gone through role changes and job transitions. As we move from place to place or position to position, we encounter different supervisors, colleagues, and support staff. Processes and norms are inevitably going to change between organizations.

However, I encourage each of us to hold onto the values and beliefs that we have. Do not let your integrity and character be negatively influenced by the opinions of others.

Also, let us remember to not let our enthusiasm and passion for our work be deterred by those who do not share the same vigor. Speak life into those you lead. Bring energy even when it is difficult. Sometimes those that have held the same occupation for a long period of time use it as an excuse to not pursue excellence and growth. Though we can often learn a great deal from those with experience, we must ensure that we are not influenced by their attitude if they have lost their ambition to refine their ideas and methods.

What is your purpose? We discussed what a leadership purpose statement looks like in Newsletter #8.

Once you have determined your “why” for what you do, it is then imperative to continue to pursue this purpose throughout each chapter of your journey. While the people, location, and job descriptions might change, your ability to make a positive impact on the lives of those around you is always present. Find ways to live out your purpose, and understand that people’s opinions of you only represent their current perception of you. They have not seen the work, effort, and time that you have invested to get to where you are today. Continue pursuing your aspirations unapologetically!

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Thank you for your support, and I look forward to connecting with you all next week.

God Bless!