How to Play Everyday
Not a fan. First off, I want to own that I am not a big fan of using sports analogies or examples to create engagement in the workplace. I think we often have too much “rah rah” motivational stuff leaving us feeling more depleted than motivated.
A long drive. A few weeks ago, I had to drive about 4 hours across the open Canadian prairies so I went to the library and looked for a book CD to listen to during the drive. There wasn’t much selection so I finally grabbed a book by Cal Ripken, Jr., Get in the Game: 8 Elements of Perseverance That Make The Difference.
2632 Consecutive games. As a long standing Blue Jay’s fan I wasn’t sure I really wanted to read about a lifetime Baltimore Oriole but there wasn’t much available and Ripken played in 2632 consecutive games. A huge record compared to all other baseball players through the history of baseball. I thought there might be some nuggets for employee engagement from someone who showed up and did so well day after day after day.
From reluctance to hearty endorsement. I went from reluctance to hearty endorsement of the book. Ripken was an engaged baseball player who showed up ready to play everyday and did play for 2632 games in a row. We can learn a lot from him about engagement. He went way above and beyond what was required. I was inspired and informed as I learned how he approached his work — learning everyday about the game and even calling pitches in many games from the shortstop position…something that is never really done in baseball.
Ripken’s philosophy. I encourage you to read his book and I found his overall philosophy very helpful:
Before every game, I asked myself, “What can I do to help us win this particular day?” I took it one day at a time and made sure I was always prepared. Preparation makes you consistent. Consistency increases your value and makes you irreplaceable. And then you’re always in the game. (p.102)
7 Questions. Here are 7 questions for you based on Ripken’s quote:
- How do you help your organization “win” every day.
- Can you focus on your job one day at a time.
- Are your prepared to work everyday mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
- Does your preparation contribute to daily consistency?
- Are you adding value to your group, team, department, organization in every way you can?
- Are you irreplaceable?
- Are you in the game?
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