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On the TUNNEYSIDE of
SPORTS January 28 2013 #421 Up next...Success or Significance in 2013?
As we begin a new year
we need to ask ourselves if we want merely to be successful or to strive
for the significance that my friend and colleague Dan Clark
(danclarkspeak.com) advocates. Clark says successful people get what they
want and can win on any given day, but those who live lives of
significance want what they get by creating dynasties that can outlast
them. In his powerful, upcoming book The Art of
Significance-Achieving the Level Beyond Success, Clark tells of a
teammate who was an NFL second round draft pick, but who quit after four
years. He liked being a football player, but hated playing football. He
got what he wanted, but hated what he had to do to get it.
Clark challenges our
belief systems by replacing lower preparatory principles with what he
calls the "Twelve Highest Universal Laws of Life-Changing
Leadership" that champions obey. For example, Clark teaches that
patience is overrated, reinforcing passivity, allowing us never to begin.
Perseverance is the higher law, presupposing that we will take our turn,
and thus see the result of our effort. It is not enough to say "I
will do my best". We must succeed at doing that which is necessary!
We certainly have an
example with the Indianapolis Colts, who began their 2012 season with a
rookie quarterback (Andrew Luck) after losing one of the best-ever
quarterbacks. While rookie quarterbacks usually do not have a running
start at a successful first year, Luck and his teammates did, without
their head coach Chuck Pagano, who was diagnosed with leukemia in
September, 2012 and forced to take a leave of absence. The Colts rallied
behind their stricken coach, many players shaving their heads in
solidarity with him as he underwent chemotherapy. Thus motivated, the
Colts made it to the playoffs. This is a case of significance trumping
success.
The book spoke clearly
to me. Its key message is about going beyond ordinary measurements of
success, by helping others transform their lives/thinking/being to
overcome difficulties they may be facing. The value beyond personal gain,
significance, is the keystone to the building blocks of successful
teamwork. How often have we seen sports stars attain success via their
athletic prowess, yet fail to show compassion and concern for their
families or society? Real happiness follows from identifying and striving
for the higher level of significance. This book will change the way you
lead, manage, coach or parent.
Will you confront the
challenge that Clark presents in his book? It can be pre-ordered at
artofsignificance.com.
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