Who inspires us?
Throughout our lives we come into contact with all kinds of people in all kinds of roles. Inevitably, some of these people will touch our lives in ways that inspire us. They might do something that makes us feel good, they might do something that we might want to emulate, they might say something that will inspire us to do something different or more successfully.
This weekend I have been inspired by quite a small gesture, but this small gesture is priceless in value and no doubt will be remembered for a very long time.
Yesterday evening my 11 year old daughter, Elinor took part in her first synchronised swimming competition. No doubt, just like any parent, I was hugely proud of my little girl. I was especially proud because for most her life, Elinor has suffered from stage fright and during many school concerts she has hidden at the back of the stage, often in tears, as nerves got the better of her. Last night however she and her partner Azzanne, were brilliant and were awarded a very comfortable score for their first attempt.
But what was the act that inspired me the most?
As the girls were leaving the pool, they were each given a coloured envelope, inside each was a note from Kelly their coach. The Newport Synchro Club has only recently formed and it was the first competition for all of the twenty or so members. Kelly is a great coach, she is thought of very highly by parents and the girls clearly respect and adore her.
Inside the envelope was a hand written note from Kelly congratulating each girl for their effort and commitment and saying how proud she was of each of them. Now Kelly didn't need to do this, a pat on the back and a general comment on the bus as we travelled home was all that was expected, but Kelly went the extra mile. She thought ahead about what each girl might be going through and made the extra effort to encourage and motivate that could be remembered for a very long time.
Now, in my view Kelly is a brilliant role model for anyone in a coaching role in whatever field they may operate: sport, business, life or whatever.
It is the little extra bits of care and encouragement, that willingness to go the extra mile that makes so much difference doesn't it?
As we start a new week, what can we all do following Kelly's inspiration to go the extra mile?
2 comments:
Thank you for your interest in my press release. I think that the growth of knowledge workers has greatly increased the need for coaching. We all have a significant increase in our synthisis of information. As well as, the increase in social networks and how we need to continually communicate with so many people in our professional life. Coaching helps each of us grow so much by having a different perspective looking at our life and work. Gary Cohen
Your story of using a handwritten note to encourage others is a great example of how we can make a tremendous difference. It doesn't always require a significant amount of money or time.
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