Lifelong Learning: Maxims for people to live by

By LU SWEET

Western Wyoming

Community College

I recently read an article called “Maxims For Athletic Directors to Live By.” Since I am an athletic director at Western Wyoming Community College, I paid extra attention. I enjoyed this article very much and am therefore sharing it with you. The article listed eleven maxims (general truths, fundamental principles or rule of conducts) for athletic directors to live by on the job that are absolutely appropriate in life as well.

First, we should all ‘control what we can’ and not dwell on what we can’t’. This is great advice. No matter what we do, we can’t control everything. At work, even if I am asked for my input, there’s no guarantee that the final decision will match my opinion. Likewise, even if I could control every aspect of my children’s lives, I wouldn’t want to. I know I’ve raised them right, but mistakes will still happen, poor choices may still be made and situations will occur outside of my control. That’s part of them growing up and becoming the people they will become.

Next, ‘you will never make everyone happy.’ That is so true. No matter how hard you try, it just won’t happen. Even when you are being fair and consistent, someone will still disagree with you. I don’t want to upset anyone, but I just try to do what’s right and good, and be ‘ok’ with that at the end of the day.

Third, ‘offer supervisor’s advice’ only when asked’. Again, this is excellent advice. If I try to micromanage my employees or my family, then they cannot stand on their own. At work, I need to remember that I hired them because of their competencies, not because they would always do things exactly as I might. At home, it’s like I said before. It’s their life to live, not mine to live for them.

Fourth, ‘always publicly stand behind your supervisor’s decision’. At work, you don’t always have to be a ‘yes-man or woman, but once a decision is made, you need to support it. At home, I think this means that both parents need to discuss it and then present a united front so the children don’t pit one parent against the other.

Next, ‘choose your battles carefully’. At work, or at home, you need to decide if you are “majoring in the minors”, or “willing to ‘die on that particular mountain’. If it’s not that critical, then you need to decide how far you are willing to go on certain issues, for your sanity and everyone else’s as well.

Sixth, ‘always be courteous’. Please and thank you should always be said. That’s it on this one. Manners and showing appreciation go a long way! It’s how I was raised, how I’ve raised my children and it’s just right and good!

Seven is understand ‘you will never accomplish everything that you want or should in any day’. Work hard and smart, utilizing to-do-lists and deadlines tempered with being reasonable, at home and work. Leave time for what matters-free time, family time, sleep, hobbies and general de-compressing!

Next, ‘be correct and prompt’. Even though no one is perfect, striving to always do your best should be a priority. Additionally, being on time to work, meetings, appointments and school IS something within your control, most of the time. At work, give yourself enough time to complete tasks in a proficient manner the first time (mistake free and accurate.) At home, leave five minutes earlier than you think you need to, in order to make sure you aren’t rushing through traffic. At home, pack backpacks and school lunches and sign forms that must return to school, the night before. (We try to lay out our clothes for the next day and double check any after school events we need to coordinate ahead of time. And, it sure helps!)

Number nine is ‘everyone makes mistakes’. No matter how hard we try, at work and at home, mistakes happen. The important thing is to admit to them (blaming and excuse-making doesn’t fix anything), then correct them, learn from them and move on.

Ten is ‘never forget why you became an athletic administrator’…or a parent, or spouse…or that you are a good friend. Make sure you remain true to who you are. We can’t control many aspects of our lives, such as employment at times (there are layoffs, etc.), our health, or other people, but we can control our own integrity, work ethic and words ALL of the time. Be true to who you are, even if and especially when, a tough decision needs to be made.

Finally, ‘follow the one ultimate guiding principle’. Always do what’s right and good, what’s in the best interest of your clients. As an administrator, that means my athletes and coaches, as well as our stakeholders-boosters, fans, parents, opponents, officials and more. At home, that means my family. They should always be at the forefront of my mind and my decisions.

This article re-enforced things for me at work, that I already know. Moreover, it re-enforced things for me in my home, with my family and for my life in general. I hope you found these truisms and reminders helpful as well.