Game Changers

Think about people you know who are game changers. These are people of influence. They are not necessarily the loudest person in the room, but when they speak it is relevant. Game changers have these characteristics:

  • They are not afraid of taking risks. They know that risk and reward are tied at the hip.
  • They are leaders, but not necessarily how we might typically think. They lead by example. They lead by serving. They lead without focusing on what is in it for them.
  • Game changers are the people that you would call on if there was 1 second left on the clock and your team had the ball. Why? Because they are great at what they do and they have no fear.
  • They are the people that you want on your team because you know they are a combination of magnet and lightning. They naturally attract people like a magnet, and they can ignite those around them like a bolt of lightning.
  • They are coachable. They know that they can always improve their game, their work, their relationships, etc.

As you are thinking about people you personally know, look in the mirror at the one you have known the longest. Are you a game changer? This is just my humble opinion, but I believe everyone CAN be a game changer if they are willing to take the risks and don’t let fear hold them back. The problem with most people is that they just don’t see it in themselves, so they sit back and let someone else take the shot.

Next time you are given the opportunity:  Swing the bat, take the shot, make the decision, give your two cents worth in a collaboration meeting. History can be made with one game changer, but think what can be done with a team or army that knows they are game changers. If you need a visual, watch Hoosiers, one of my all-time favorite movies about a small town basketball team that went on to win state. It is based on a true story. The coach (played in the movie by the great Gene Hackman) created that mentality in his whole team. They were David in the David and Goliath story. They knew they could slay the giant, and they did.

If you are going to strike out, go down swinging. The year Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs he had 89 strikeouts. Swing for the bleachers if you want to win. Never let fear determine your destiny, never quit, and never believe everything you hear about yourself. You are never as good or bad as others say you are, but you need to know who you are and believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in you, how can you expect anyone else to?

Shalom!

Dan Skognes

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