This is only one of the reasons why LinkedIn usage, of an hour a day, should be required for those running a business; you learn / remember valuable quotes and lessons posted by others. One of my connections’ connections recently reminded me of a quote from Coach Nick Saban.
“Average players want to be left alone, Good players want to be coached, Great players want to be told the truth.”
This insight is valuable regardless of if you are a coach, parent, supervisor, or mentor. This truth is fueled by the Power of the Wisdom of Three and speaks to the leader but what about the receiver of the fact? The lesson of the truth is important to both parties, but the receiver has additional responsibility toward the truth. They must learn, profess, and live the truths they are given.
The great achievers usually have huge egos, notably so in the early years. Speak to any successful leader of icons and they will confirm; it can get in their way. No matter if you are average, good, or great; if you have an inflated self-esteem, it can make the truth hard to accept. It is especially difficult for the greats because they have been more successful than most, even living with the lie the leader is attempting to correct. This is the main reason the greats struggle with addictions, poor behavior problems, issues of self-absorption, and ethical and moral shortcomings.
The magic only happens when they swallow their pride and rely on the trust of those who really love them whether it is a parent, dear friend, coach, mentor, or other another leader in their life.
Only then will the truth, that they say they want to hear, can be of value!
If this is my last post, I want all to know there was only one purpose for all that I have written; to have made a positive difference in the lives of others.
Anthony “Tony” Boquet, the author of “The Bloodline of Wisdom, The Awakening of a Modern Solutionary”