Tags

, , , , , ,

Steve_Nash.jpgWe all know that this is the time of a season when big things make a difference. But we shouldn’t forget that small things make a difference as well; and that they are easier to implement, and can affect us all. They can lead to improved communication, enhanced cooperation, and better results. I would like to draw on an analogy from athletics to illustrate my point.

Many of us know who the top scorers are, how many touchdowns, baskets, or service aces were made. But we generally aren’t aware of what help or assistance made these scores possible. In basketball, this help is termed as an “assist“; and way down on the list of statistics is a ranking of players by the number of assists they made during the game or season.nd can affect us all. They can lead to improved communication, enhanced cooperation, and better results. I would like to draw on an analogy from athletics to illustrate my point.

Let me give an example of Steve Nash who plays for the Phoenix Suns, a consistent winner in the National Basketball Association. Steve regularly leads the league in assists each year. MVP of the NBA in 2005 and 2006, he plays each game looking to give each of his teammates a good open shot to make a basket.  He penetrates with a dribble into the heart of the other team’s defense and draws people towards himself and in doing this he sets his teammates up for a shot.  Steve is a 6’2” guard who often finds himself among the 7-footers who weigh twice as much as he does.  In other words he is looking to help others by being unselfish.  He is doing the things that make a difference – and building a record of assists.

We don’t have to be an athlete to build a record of assists. We can build one by being thoughtful of others and guiding our actions accordingly. For example, we can smile at a stranger and say “good morning, how are you?” This is an assist because it brightens someone’s path. If we help an older person negotiate a tricky curb, they can get on with their day and you earn another assist. The same thing goes if you pick up trash in the park.  Just sit down and think of the many ways you can help others.  Try and get 10 assists everyday.  If everyone plays their part this will be a better world because the little things make a difference. Good Luck!!!  Every team has grateful receivers and willing givers…and each of us has a role to play.