Do You Inspire Others to Run Through Walls for You?

Have you ever had a leader, boss, manager, coach, or someone in your life that you would run through a wall for?

The first time I ever experienced this feeling was with Coach Joe Konieczny who was my basketball coach junior and senior years of high school.

I would have done anything that guy asked me to do.

Run 20 killers while dribbling a basketball in 20 minutes where you have to start at the beginning of every minute?

Done.

Do a drill where you have to keep your arms above your head for 5 minutes to help be a better rebounder?

Count me in.

No one can leave practice till every player on the team makes 8/10 free throws?

Yes sir. 

Go to church at 7:00AM every gameday morning as team?

I'll be there in the pew.

Volunteer for various things that help the school?

You bet.

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There are two perspectives I now have from having this type of experience.

First - I search for this type of connection and feeling in my bosses, managers, leaders, and mentors.

Now, this does not happen with every single leader or manager or coach that I have had. However, I looked for qualities that allowed that type of relationship and feeling to transpire.

I looked for someone with integrity. Someone that truly cared for me personally. Someone that is honest with you when you aren't living up to their standards. Someone that puts the team first. 

Second - I do my best to be like Coach Joe for others. That means taking time to get to know people personally and professionally. It means building trust. It means being there for people when needed. Hopefully it allows for others to want to work extremely hard with me. Or when the going gets tough, they will be there with you. 

Week 39 of 52