One thing smart organizations want to do is develop the next generation of leaders. This not only provides your team much-needed depth, but this also gives you a sustainable future. If you are looking at raising up a new generation of leaders, the following article is for you.
The following is an excerpt from my book Mighty: 7 Skills You Need to Move from Pandemic to Progress. To purchase copies for you and your entire team, click HERE or on the image provided. Now, onto the lesson.
You may not know who Toni Nadal is but you certainly have heard of his famous nephew, legendary tennis superstar Rafael Nadal winner of twenty-one Grand Slam titles. Toni became Rafael’s coach when he was just eight-years-old. His no-nonsense disciplined approach became a critical component in his nephew’s success. Uncle Toni was happy to coach and train Rafael but had a few ground rules. These ground rules give a template all up-and-coming leaders should be willing to follow is they wish to become mighty.
Up-And-Coming Leaders Need To Learn Respect
First, Rafael need to learn respect. Toni told Rafael, “If you ever throw a racket, we’re finished. They’re expensive, and when you throw a racket you don’t just disrespect the sport, you disrespect all the people who can’t afford equipment.” What a great way to fight a sense of entitlement in a young leader’s life.
Up-And-Coming Leaders Need To Learn Accountability
Second, Rafael needed to learn accountability. This is one of the most difficult things for young leaders to learn. In fact, it is difficult for any leader to learn, regardless of age. Toni added, “Losing is part of competing. You will lose. And when you lose, it’s not going to be my fault or the fault of your racket of the balls or the courts or the weather. It is your fault, and you will accept it. Too many people in this world make excuses for their problems. You take responsibility and try and do better next time. That’s all.” Losing is part of competing. What a great lesson!
Up-And-Coming Leaders Need To Learn How To Leverage Fun
Third, Rafael needed to learn how to have fun and then how to leverage it. Not only do leaders have to learn how to properly handle failure, but they need to also learn how to effectively steward the good times. Toni continued, “Have fun. When you stop enjoying this, it’s not good. You’ll find something else that gives you pleasure.” Fun is the fuel that gives us the impetus to continue moving forward as leaders. Furthermore, a leader who does not celebrate or have fun is a leader not worth following.
Up-And-Coming Leaders Need To Learn The Value Of Hard Work
Finally, Rafael needed to learn the value of hard work. At only eight years old, Rafael had just won the under-twelve division for the country of Spain. Looking at a list of previous champions, Toni asked the young prodigy, “How many names do you recognize?” Rafael replied with a shrug, “Not many.” Toni then said, “Exactly.” It was a reminder that winning a junior title meant nothing in regard to long-term success. Toni was reminding Rafael he must continue to work hard and continually improve moving forward.
As a young leader, you may have all the talent in the world. But if you don’t learn respect, accountability, how to leverage fun, and the value of hard work, your success will be limited at best, and you will never become mighty and move from pandemic to progress.
Once again, this was an excerpt from my book Mighty: 7 Skills You Need to Move from Pandemic to Progress. To purchase copies for you and your entire team, click HERE or on the image below.
