Serve, Coach, Lead Newsletter #19: Optimism Or Energy?

No one enjoys being around someone who is consistently negative. People that look for the bad in every situation are simply difficult to work with. However, those that are overly optimistic can sometimes have the same effect on those around them. As leaders, we must be able to walk the fine line between optimism and realism when communicating with the people in our organizations.

The past couple of weeks, we have had conversations with players that have not been playing up to their potential, and have displayed their frustration through both their body language and words. While we have tried to remain positive with them, some players have expressed that they do not want others to encourage them after a bad at-bat or poor pitching performance.

It is no secret that these players are underperforming. However, as a staff, we recognized that:

1. These players have the potential to have success, and they have high expectations for themselves.

2. Their teammates are encouraging them after they struggle because they believe in them. Their teammates understand that the people on the field give us the best opportunity to succeed, and therefore want to reassure those that are playing.

Having a positive impact on your environment has more to do with the energy that you bring rather than the words that you say.

While it is important to build others up, sometimes people that are struggling don't need to be told that "it's okay."

One of the most difficult truths of life is that we are going to have times when we do not succeed. Growth will never occur if we do not step outside of our comfort zone. We can help the people we influence to understand that failure is a part of the learning process. Working through difficulties and overcoming adversity is imperative to long-term success.

Bringing contagious energy each day is an effective way to bring up those that are going through a hard stretch. Being there to bring light to their life is sometimes more beneficial than constantly trying to fix their problems.

Our role is to help remind those around us that their best days are ahead. Continual work and effort toward group success will ultimately bring fulfillment.

So next time we are working with athletes or people who are struggling, remember that bringing life and energy can often be what they need. While being optimistic is important, allowing others the opportunity to work through difficulties will benefit them in the long run. Simply offer your guidance, prepare them to the best of your ability, then let them go out apply what you have shared with them.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this week's newsletter. As mentioned before, I would love for this to be an interactive experience for each of us. Please share any comments, questions, or feedback that you may have. Also, if you know of anyone that would benefit from these newsletter, please send them this link to sign up.

*In the next couple of weeks, I will be publishing a few "Q&A Issues" where I will answer reader-submitted questions. If you have a question that you would like me to address, please email me at harrison.stevens3@gmail.com. Your questions can be anonymous, or I can give you credit in the newsletter. I am looking forward to diving into your questions and creating more dialogue within our community!

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

God Bless!