The Only 2 Words Young Leaders Must Know
Why? What’s wrong with saying, “Um, no, I don’t know how to speak that language, but I know a few words”? The answer is simple. I wanted him to like me. I wanted everyone in class to like me. Deep inside was a desire to be a big deal, and when you can do things other people can’t, it’s a big deal. Being a big deal = mattering and belonging. Honestly, I would have even been excited about being a little deal. In the deepest places inside, I simply wanted these two things...I just didn’t know it. In hindsight, there have been leaders who cultivated these two things inside of me. Whether they did it on purpose or by accident, they are the leaders of whom I have the fondest memories. Once, back in San Diego, a guy named Ricky proved this to be true during gym class. I don’t think he even realized what he did for me. In gym class competitions, my skill level ranged from average to downright terrible. I was, for most of my life, among the last-picked students when selecting teams for any sport. Soccer, basketball, tennis, running, softball – ahhh, softball. This was MY sport on an unforgettable day in 9th grade.
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