This past week I was privileged to mentor 10 homeless men, foster a micro finance project in Ethiopia and provide leadership and encouragement to a high school project in Granite Falls, WA and a Pony League baseball team (13 year olds) in Woodinville, WA.  Years ago, when I discovered that I possessed a gift of encouragement, I also learned that there was a responsibility to use this God given talent wisely and often.

 It is a privilege to work with two diverse projects involving teen agers (building cars and playing baseball).  Young people have fertile minds and a hidden desire to be seen as “measuring up.”  If not encouraged as to how to “measure up” and be coached in a project, a sport and life skills, many will meander through school and life.  Discipline, sweat, repetition, practice, questions, reading,  sacrifice, and care for others (teammates) will lead to results, confidence and the knowledge that “I have done my best; I have given it my all; 100% effort.”  Helping young people to measure up requires helping them to identify their passion, talents and skills and encouraging their application.

 An added thought:  Isn’t this concept of what it takes to “measure up” true of a marriage, a parent, or activity in the business world.  As I look back I was privileged to be coached and encouraged by individuals in my sports (WSU baseball player-Go Cougs), business, spiritual life and marriage. Even better, I have a wife who respects and encourages me in so many ways.

 At the end of March the Granite Falls teams will take 2 cars to Houston, TX to compete in the Shell Eco Marathon competition. They have won major prizes the last two years besting a college team in one of the cars in 2011.  Former members have received scholarships to WSU and MIT.  The majority of the team are underclassmen and knew very little about wheels, fuel, brakes or project management. One of the teams, the Shop Girls is the first all girls team ever in the competition. The other team was invited to operate at the Utah Salt Flats by the land speed record holder.    Visit their site, become a sponsor or donate to their trip:           http://live.gfalls.wednet.edu/ecoteams  

 

    

“Phillipe’s Revenge”       Shop Girls with  “Iron Maiden”

In the middle of March the baseball team, 12 young men coming from various schools, different Little League teams and varying levels of sports maturity will start a schedule. They come with different abilities, attitudes and objectives. For some, sports may be an end, for most it will be a transition to life with hopefully a concept of how to “measure up” a key component.  I will enjoy assisting my son, Jeff, who is the head coach, by bringing some motivational thoughts and throwing a few rounds of batting practice.

                                                      

                                       How to Hit a Curve Ball

Below is a composite of a hand out I gave to the teams in promoting both individual and team leadership using the 3 Ms.

      Granite Falls Eco Marathon Tiger Teams

            13U Pony League Baseball Team

 

Mind      “Projects/sports do not build character…they reveal it”

• Focus on the project when in the shop, or on the field or working/playing
• Focus on each aspect of the project (my task; my teammates, look ahead)
• Focus on school, family, fun when not involved with the team

Mouth    “There is no ‘I’ in the word ‘team’.”

• Encourage your teammates whatever the situation
• Never a negative word or put down for a teammate
• Respect your leader, other teachers and parents
• No swearing

 

Motor Skills  “Improvement counts no matter how small”

Practice the art of Kaizen (Japanese quality process)…a system of continuous improvement in quality, technology, processes, team culture, productivity, safety and leadership.  “Create new ideas to achieve continual improvement through small changes.”

• Each day work on improving an aspect of your task and your attitude
• Measure your progress- ask your coach to evaluate your work, attitude and goals
• Confidence comes from knowing you gave your best effort today

 “There is no substitute for hard work and effort beyond the call of mere duty.  That is what strengthens the soul and ennobles one’s character.”   Walter Camp

                    95% effort is 5% short

 We will Twitter from Houston and follow the Pony League team during the year. Are you being called to be a coach to someone or to encourage? 

Paul Tomlinson     Living-Perspectives.org