Craig Cromer is an employee of the University of Miami.  He and his wife Kimberly are also season-ticket holders of the football team.  At each game, he brings an American flag and drapes it over the Section 207 railing where the couple sits.

During this past weekend’s game, the Cromers noticed a strong sense of urine in the air.  Perplexed, they looked up and were shocked to see the following video unfolding directly above their heads.

The man shown in the video catching the cat with an American flag was the aforementioned Craig Cromer.

The following are the lessons leaders can take from this harrowing experience:

Average People Can Still Do Extraordinary Things

In an instant, the Cromers became heroes.  So can you.  If you feel insignificant, don’t believe the lie.  God can still do extraordinary things through ordinary people.

When Opportunity Arrives It’s Too Late To Prepare

The Cromers did not come to the game thinking they would be part of a viral moment.  But in a moment’s notice, they suddenly found themselves involved in saving a cat’s life.  They had to act immediately.

Use The Tools And Resources You Have Available

All the Cromers had at their disposal was an American flag, but that was enough.  As a leader, you already have everything you need to be a success as well.  For more on this, click The #1 Asset Leaders Have For Problem Solving.

You Must Stay Alert.  Problems Can Creep In From Anywhere.

Ranchers have a term called “walking the fence.”  “Walking the fence” means they walk their entire property looking for holes in their fences.  A hole in the fence could be a place where their valued animals can leave the property or unwanted animals like coyotes can come in kill their livestock.

A stadium security guard, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated animals often enter the stadium and eat the leftover or discarded food.  The cat obviously entered the stadium and made its way to the upper deck.

Leaders must always stay alert because bad habits, inefficiencies, competitors, disruptions, and threats to their culture can unknowingly enter their organization or life.

2 Things That Bring All People Together

Despite a game going on, everyone became riveted by the drama of a cat potentially falling to its death from the upper deck.  However, thanks to the Cromers, the cat survived and a massive celebration broke out.  Here’s the lesson – Few things bring people together like tragedy and triumph.

In conclusion, no one will remember that the University of Miami defeated Appalachian State 25-23.  But everyone will remember a cat falling from the upper deck into an American flag.

 

The Top 60 Leadership Quotes From 2021 Part 1 is my latest ebook.  For many entering a post-pandemic environment, leadership looks completely different than the pre-pandemic world.  People are more broken now. They are more uncertain. Fear and anxiousness are unwelcome constant companions. Cultures are more unhealthy. Relationships are more dysfunctional.  Hope seems to be in short supply.  Every day seems to bring a new hacking, natural disaster, or unexpected calamity.

Therefore, the fundamentals of leadership are more important than ever. The quotes in this book deal with the basics of leadership.  If you want to be the best leader you can possibly be, click HERE or on the image provided to download this FREE resource.  The lessons learned from last year, if applied, will sustain you for years to come.