Olympic Role
It’s hard to believe it’s August 1st, and we are in the midst of the Olympics. The Olympics can be like life where focusing on the stars is easy. This year, some incredible stars like Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles dominate their sport. You’ve probably watched as a self-proclaimed nerd from Penn State has captured our attention. Many said Stephen Nedoroscik didn’t belong on the team. He was a specialist on the pommel horse. The experts articulated multiple “what if” scenarios, and it didn’t add up. But in a storybook ending, the “what if” was “what if it comes down to the last routine and it’s the pommel horse.” With little fanfare, Stephen stepped up and did what he was prepared to do. The US team won the Bronze, their first medal in 16 years. This was a team achievement that required individual effort. Together, they got it done, and the celebration was infectious. We are still talking about it days later.
This isn’t so different than what we do. Education is an infinite game of team sport. Sure, our individual efforts in teaching, research, and service make a difference, but what we do as a team makes the most significant difference.
How can we be more like Stephen and see how our individual efforts can contribute to the School of Business’s success? And how can we, as a School of Business, see how we contribute to the College of Charleston’s success? Each of us can’t do everything. Even Simone Biles can’t single-handedly win a team medal. It was the team that won the gold, and even the alternate played an important role. Individual achievement should be celebrated, but there’s something special when we all win together. After watching Stephen’s performance and the team celebration, I am asking myself, “what role do I play?” What contribution can I make that makes the team better?
As we move into the new academic year and plan our future together, let’s not think we all need to be rock stars. Let’s focus on what role we can plan on our team and how that role will make us all better.
YOU make a difference!
Ponder this with me…
Paul • August 1, 2024