Getting Back Up

The past President of Florida State University (FSU) John Thrasher introduced me to our football head coach Mike Norvel in 2021. It was FSU Day at the Florida Capital.

He was impressive and full of energy which lights up a room. When I saw him coach our game opener, he really earned my respect. He was the first on the field when one of his players went down. He stopped everything when a player from an opposing team fell down. He was genuinely concerned about the health of all players on the field. 

This is one of the first things my wife Ryane noticed. Sebastian, my son who plays football for Fleming Island High School picked up on it immediately. I asked him what this meant and why it was so important to him as a player. He told me “When he falls he does not want to get up alone. A coach kneeling by you is soothing, provides comfort, motivates and shows leadership.” 

Great Executives are there to help their team get up when they fall. They do not blame, point fingers or look for a scapegoat. Their body language and use of language can be empowering or degrading. A smile, a nod, a passive correction with a pat on the back creates star players on your team.

Below are three characteristics of great leaders:

1.Lift Others Up - Lend a hand, a word of encouragement and advice. Executives who empower others receive empowerment back.

2.Move to the Light  - Do not dwell on the darkness of a past event. Learn, teach and move towards the light at the end of the tunnel to achieve the goal.

3.Tell Your Stories Praising Others - When looking back on events, praise others on your team. Give the credit to those who never stop getting back up.

If my son Sebastian plays at a caliber to get recruited by a program such as Florida State with an uplifting coach like Mike NorvelI,  I know he will never fall alone.