18,000 Steps
This is the season above all others in which we are reminded that it is more blessed
to give than to receive. This month I find myself reflecting on two scenarios in which
while my intent was to give, I actually ended up receiving. Collectively, these two
scenarios are changing me in a positive way that I do not yet fully understand.
The first of the two scenarios was born out of a desire to help a promising young leader who was facing a myriad of challenges. For the purposes of this article, we will use the pseudonym London. Although unusually gifted in many facets of leadership, London had the tendency to avoid difficult conversations and an aversion to facing hard truths. In fact, he would avoid them at all costs. My intent was to frame a context that would make it difficult for London to avoid a crucial coaching conversation, so I took London hiking on a trail that was divided by a river.
As we began our journey on the trail, the weather was sunny, and we enjoyed a pleasant breeze. I had mentally prepared for this coaching session for two weeks and was sincerely excited about the prospects of helping London see things from a different perspective. We took a bridge over the river and came across a beautiful vegetable garden seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It was only then that I began discussing the really hard truths with London. I believed in his unrealized leadership potential so deeply.
We walked and talked as we journeyed up hills, over bridges, and across rivers. As we proceeded with our difficult conversation, I was shocked to realize that I had made a false assumption about him for months. Even worse, I had built my entire coaching strategy around this false assumption. In my sincere effort to earnestly help London develop professionally, London had helped me to identify some areas where I needed to improve. It took me 18,000 steps to realize that the teacher had become the student. In an earnest effort to give, I ended up receiving.
The second of the two scenarios involved me coming to Weatherford College as president. Prior to my arrival, I served as chief of staff at a university where I also held a tenured graduate professor faculty appointment. My respected university colleagues thought that I was crazy to give up my tenured university position to become a community college president. At the time of this decision, I was approaching retirement eligibility in two years. In my mind, it was time for me to give back to an institution that had given so much to me. My plan was to give back for two years and then enjoy retirement.
Now in my seventh year as the 20th president of Weatherford College, I realize that while I came to WC to give back, it is I who has received. I have received the joy of watching single moms get back on their feet and make a great life for themselves and their families. I have observed students, faculty, and staff blossom into the very best versions of themselves. While my intent was to give, the intrinsic rewards that I have received have been immeasurable.
This holiday season I have been reminded once again that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.