coaching – …my temporary assignment.

Daily writing prompt

Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.

Since I am involved in coaching, whether it be Special Olympics, job development for those with diverse abilities or good old football, I would have to say the first day of a season or the first meeting with a new associate is the best day. Days that really aren’t ever one and done. But moments that build and transition into other first days.

A first practice allows you to witness the work they have embraced in the off-season, weightroom, classroom, community and home. You get to see what they are beoming, the yearning to take those next steps to become something more for the team. Whether it is a scout, one that comes off the bench, or a leader that never comes off the field. As a coach, you get to help guide them along a path of their choosing. It is you that can help them see something bigger than themselves and then realize that vision.

Then if you remain connected, you can watch them do the same in college and their initial foray into the business world, whether employee or entrepeneur.

A first meeting to discuss job development is in many ways the same. You can learn of the progress they have made in their life despite their challenges. Whether they are at home, or gaining independence within a group community, you can see their excitement to learn, grow and become something more than they ever have been before.

Perhaps they start in the back of a business, learning the ropes. Maybe that gives them all the contentment and growth they need. Others may want to work there way up and out to the front. Filling in for teammates that are out or have elected to move on. Maybe they see themselves becoming the one that opens the door and turns on the lights each day.

It is coaching that takes place on other venues. It is still all about guiding them along a path of their choosing. But if you can see something bigger in themselves than they realize, you get to share that vision with them, and help them to grow into it.

It can be difficult to remember or recall all of the firsts I had throughout my life. But there is truly something to be said to be a part in those of others. For that reason, I am blessed to be able to participate in so many “firsts”.

Not so much mine.

But theirs.

I don’t watch a whole lot of TV, but I do find “The Voice” to be pretty good. At times, the stories of the singers and their journey to follow their passion can be very compelling. The coaches are good, solid people, excellent mentors and well equipped to support all sorts of talent that comes from everywhere and all walks of life.

So the other night, we watched it for the first time this year and got to know a newer array of coaches this time around. Michael Buble remained as the veteran, and was joined by Reba McEntire and Niall Horan. The fourth coach, Snoop Dogg, was an incredible addition to the team and truly something to behold. Although it was the only episode I saw this season, and the first time I saw him ever, my sense was there was this captivating emotional connection between the four.

Now aside from his music and business ventures, Snoop Dogg created a youth football league about 18 years ago to provide inner city kids an opportunity to participate in football and cheer. The focus of the Snoop Youth Football League is developing the person, teaching them values of teamwork, good sportsmanship, discipline and self respect, while stressing the importance of academics. His program has enabled over 60,000 kids to participate since its inception.

That night, in my view, Coach Dogg genuinely modeled every aspect of the words “man”, “father” and of course, “coach”. He was such a compassionate soul, a hugger. And regardless of his part in the show’s selection process, he would make his way on stage to console and encourage a singer that fell short, or celebrate them and his fellow coaches for a job well done.

At one point in the show, a young lady’s performance did not fare well and when it became obvious, she became quite emotional. Snoop went up to her, offered a tissue or two, and in true coach fashion shared something I will never soon forget.

Holding her with one arm, and with the other hand, his thumb and forefinger in the shape of an “L”, he said something that truly resonated with me, and I am sure many others. To paraphrase, showing her the “L” made by his fingers, Snoop said “this doesn’t mean loser or lose, but rather, lesson. So take this moment for what it truly is, a lesson. Learn from it, build on it, come back stronger and win.”

Offering a perspective possessing this mass has an innate ability to change life in so many ways. Every demanding, challenging and disappointing situation has within it opportunity, the potential for growth and achievement. But only if you are open to seeing it in this fashion.

For the only way you can become defined as the “L” by that single moment is if you choose to let it be so. However, should you choose to look at it as a lesson, it then becomes an opportunity to learn and grow so you can become what you were intended to be.

Witnessing that interaction with her and hearing his words of wisdom that night clarified many things for me. I bet for many others out there as well.

While that show features truly genuine artists with a voice unlike any other, seeking to further pursue their passion for music, what Snoop shared with the world last night speaks more so about life.

Its lessons.

How you should not only see them, but hear them.

For they can truly become your song.

And make you sing.