We are a few weeks out from the World Cup. I totally loved it. The passion, the spirit, the energy of the games, the speed, and certainly the celebrations—my family and I watched so many of the games and really enjoyed them together.
As a former men’s Division I college basketball official, one thing I noticed was how players and coaches interacted with the referees. There was a lot of complaining.
During the tournament, I read something online asking, “Are you a palms-up or a palms-down person?” In your mind, envision one of the players complaining to the referees, moving towards them aggressively with their palms in the air. They’re complaining, questioning, and looking for answers.
They are part of the chaos.
Compare that to the player, coach, or referee in the same situation, but moving toward them with their palms down. Down like they are calming the situation, as they have it under control, like everything’s going to be ok.
Palms up or palms down? Who do you want to be? It is truly a choice.
We all face so many challenges every day. Sometimes it feels like it’s just us, but these challenges are everywhere. When you are hit with them, try to pause, reflect, and ask yourself the question: Can I be palms up, or can I be palms down? And what would help you to be palms down? Think, respond, then do it.
On my podcast #ELBPodcast, I had an opportunity to interview the great JD Collins, former men’s Division I coordinator of officials for the NCAA. You can view that interview here:
On that podcast, I asked him about his job in that national role, and he said his job description was to absorb chaos, create calm, and provide hope.
As a palms-down person, you can do all three of those things and more.
Give it a try—I think you’ll be happy with the results.
