I learned this great concept from my ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) men’s college basketball officiating supervisor, John Clougherty. Regardless of your work, do you want to be a simplifier or a complicator? Do you make things simpler for your team or more difficult? Do you gum things up or make them run more smoothly?
In the world of basketball officiating, this meant making the correct calls at the right moment. Getting the plays right, that were right in front of you. Answering the questions when asked, and being in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing (that is a Dr. Gilbert-ism from longtime Hall of Fame Montclair State University Men’s Basketball Coach Ollie Gelston).
So what could it mean for you in your role as a leader, educator? Here are a few ideas:
- Be on time. Very simple. Control the controllable, and we’ve heard many leaders say: on-time is fifteen minutes early.
- Ask: How can I help or what can I do to contribute? Be a do-er. Show up and help.
- Be a connector: a connector or people, resources, ideas, and solutions. You might not know how to do it, but maybe you know someone who does.
- Be kind, show class, and respect: When you work, act, and go about your business with these intentional actions and behaviors, you can not go wrong. You will be well received by others and just naturally be a simplifier.
- Be mindful: Be mindful of others’ space, culture, gender, upbringing, stresses, goals, and more. Example: You work in a busy, large school. Do you know what the Superintendent’s or Principal’s goals are? Are you helping carry the banner and support them, the school, and the district by your actions and behaviors?
Be a simplifier, not a complicator. These 5 things take NO talent or training, but will help you in the long run. Keep rolling, friends.
