I have often said that I like what I do so much, that I would do it for free. A lot of people laugh when I say this. They say, “Nobody works for free.” Well, I’ve found two guys who do.
David Patrick is the head coach of the South Park, CO Burros. He and assistant coach, Derek Ebel donated their coaching salaries so the team could have new football helmets this season. One of the South Park players said this was “one of the coolest things to happen to this school.
Coaching South Park is a labor of love. South Park is a small school, located in Fairplay, CO, a town of 700 people at 9,953 feet of elevation. That’s almost two miles high. Total enrollment is 140 students. The Burros have lost 25 games in a row by an average of 32 points. Over those 25 games, they were outscored 993 – 182. They scored a total of 38 points in nine games last year. They have only 21 players on the team, not enough for one player for each of the 22 offensive and defensive positions. Many of the players play the entire game.
Mr. Patrick, Mr. Ebel and Stan Rovira, a volunteer assistant coach must love what they do. In their case, it’s not just teaching kids how to play football. It’s teaching them about self sacrifice, the importance of teamwork, and how to learn and grow from adversity. You can bet I’ll be checking the South Park scores every Saturday.
There is a common sense leadership point to this story. An engaged and committed workforce is one the success secrets I present in my book 4 Secrets of High Performing Organizations. Any leader or entrepreneur would be well served by such engaged and committed workers as Mssrs. Patrick, Ebel and Rovira. If you build that type of loyalty and commitment, I guarantee you’ll succeed as a leader or entrepreneur.
By the way, South Park lost 62 – 7 on Saturday.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense. Check out my other blog: www.SuccessCommonSense.com for common sense advice on becoming the career and life success you are meant to be and to get a copy of my new ebook Star Power: Common Sense Ideas for Career and Life Success.
I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Bud
PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open. Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.
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