Category Archives: Uncategorized

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Leaders Must Live Authentic Lives

(Leadership Series: Part 3 of 7)

Be Authentic

One of the biggest disappointments I experienced growing up was finding out that a favorite coach was not the man of character that I believed he was. Before I become too critical of this man to emphasize my point on authenticity, let me stress a couple of very important points.  First, I have always been taught to judge a man by his achievements and not his failures, but most importantly not to judge.  Second, this coach was instrumental in my success as an athlete and the formation of my character. Quite simply, I would not be the man I am today without his guidance.  With this being noted, I watched this man’s life collapse because of his inability to live a life of authenticity.  He presented himself to society as a man of character, discipline, and honor, but behaved in a manner contrary to the virtues he taught.  It eventually cost him his credibility, his marriage, and his job.

Invest in Others

My coach identified a talent within me that I did not even know that I had.  He spent time with me and helped me to discipline myself.  He took an interest when no one else did, and even more importantly gave me an opportunity to compete when no else thought I was ready. He held me to a higher standard. He praised me when I succeeded and encouraged me when I struggled.  I thought the world of him. Click to Read More

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How to make an apology.

 

I’ve been apologizing since I could talk.  (I think most of us have.) You would think with all of the mistakes I have made in my life I would have mastered apologizing at an early age.  In truth, however, the best advice I ever received about apologizing  came just a couple of years ago from an amazing man named Randy Pausch. Randy is best known for  his book and public presentation series, the Last Lecture.

Randy teaches us that a bad apology is better than no apology at all, and a good apology has three very important parts:

He outlined these 3 steps for a proper apology:

  • What I did was wrong.
  • I feel badly that I hurt you.
  • How do I make you feel better?  ( pg. 162, The last Lecture, by Randy Randy Pausch, 2008)

As a man of faith, I believe I need to ask for forgiveness when I wrong someone, and I believe I must forgive others when they wrong me.  Apologies are a part of our legal system and a component of good citizenship.  Schools, the workplace, families, and relationships must center around the act of offering a sincere apology, and just as important, we must learn to  sincerely accept an apology. Click to Read More

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Follow Your Dreams! Former Student on American Idol

Crystal Bowersox was a student of mine in seventh grade.  Yes, she was that talented then and our teaching staff often told her how successful she would become!  I remember her  singing and playing her guitar at our annual middle school talent show.  She sang a song by Jewel.  To be honest, I am not surprised that Crystal is going to Hollywood on American Idol, but I certainly am pleased.  She is amazing.  I hope she wins it! Regardless, Crystal is a winner because she followed her dreams.  Please join me in supporting Crystal on American Idol.

Kelly is an inspirational speaker, author, and artist. Please visit our website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825

Kelly Croy is a chalk artist and professional speaker. His presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation including corporations, schools, churches, conferences, and numerous other venues where people come together to be entertained and improve their lives. Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.

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Attitude: ‘The Flintstone Vitamin’ of Leadership


(Part 2 of 7 on Leadership)

A good attitude is the most important element in leadership. Period.

Even if you acquired and mastered all of the other qualities needed to be a successful leader, yet failed to develop a good attitude, you will fail as a leader. Furthermore, if you possessed only adequate measures of the other leadership traits, yet nurtured a fantastic attitude, you will excel as a leader.  Yes, your attitude is indeed that important!  To put it quite simply, your attitude will make you, or break you.

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~ Winston Churchill

 

How can this be?  Well, a good attitude is the Flintstone vitamin of leadership; it automatically boosts all of the other leadership elements. A great attitude can compensate and even overcome a deficiency in another area.  If you are a poor communicator, for example,  that will hinder your ability to lead, but if your attitude is great, it will automatically boost your ability to communicate, and get you through some rough patches until you are able to strengthen your communication skills.

My mom always set out a Flintstone Vitamin for me in the morning. (I always wanted Dino. He seemed to have a lot of energy.)  I remember mom explaining to me the importance of taking the vitamin and how it would help me in Math class, and football practice, in art class, and even playing with my friends. I can’t help but to think of our attitudes acting in exactly the same way.  Whatever I am doing, a great attitude will make me even better at it.  Make sure you take your great attitude with you everywhere you go.

Imagine you had to work beside one of two people who were equally skilled, who would you choose to work with? Whom would you want to date of two equally attractive choices?  Perform dental work on you? And the list goes on.  The winner?  That’s easy. People with great attitudes!

Just like the Flintstone Vitamin, we can choose to take it or not.  It is our choice.  When poor circumstances or misfortune come our way we can choose to get negative and hot-headed, or place our thoughts on a new direction.

For years a banner hung in my classroom that read: Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching? It was one of my favorite posters because it packed so much into one small saying. I learned right away as a teacher and coach that my students and athletes would mirror my attitude.  If I arrived with an enthusiastic spirit willing to learn, so would my students. If I was short tempered and impatient, well, they would mirror that as well.  It’s no surprise then in the work place or in sports that people mirror the attitudes of their leaders, whether they are the CEO or the team captain, the classroom teacher, or the parent.  Attitudes are mirrored.

Poems are a powerful way to illustrate a point with lot of emotion.  My brother mailed me the following poem to me when I played college football.  I guess he wanted me to be a positive role model and leader to his son, my nephew Zach, and other young men.

Little Eyes Upon You

There are little eyes upon you
and they’re watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly
take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager
to do anything you do;
And a little boy who’s dreaming
of the day he’ll be like you.

You’re the little fellow’s idol,
you’re the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind about you
no suspicions ever rise.

He believes in you devoutly,
holds all you say and do;
He will say and do, in your way
when he’s grown up just like you.

There’s a wide-eyed little fellow
who believes you’re always right;
and his eyes are always opened,
and he watches day and night.

You are setting an example
every day in all you do;
For the little boy who’s waiting
to grow up to be like you.

Time and time again I have thought back to that poem’s wisdom.  When we are in leadership positions people look up to us in many ways, and we must work hard to set a great example.  That example begins and ends with our attitude.

If you made a list of qualities that you did not admire and absolutely  didn’t want any part, they might closely resemble: laziness, stubbornness, bossiness, selfishness, snobbiness, etc.  And really, what are each of these, but nothing more than a poor attitude.  I tell you again, change your attitude and you will change your destiny.

The quality that we most admire in others has much to do with their attitude.

“Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, tha what other people think or say or do.  It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, or a home.  The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.”  Charles Swindoll

A Confession

One of my friends asked me why I was always so positive. The answer is simple and a very large part to my secret to what success I have achieved.  I see the world in a very unique way.  I view every person I meet, every person I contact, and anyone I come in contact with, as if they are the brightest, kindest, most helpful person I have ever met.  Furthermore, I truly believe it.  I believe that the people I meet absolutely wants to help me succeed and assist me.  You know what?  It almost always works out as I picture it too.

Have you heard about the Pygmalion Effect?  It comes from George Bernard Shaw’s story Pygmalion, better known probably as the movie My Fair Lady.  The Pygmalion Effect has been incorporated into school settings with teachers and students.  When teachers believe they have received the best students, or when students believe they have received the finest teachers, they respond accordingly and excel. (Even when it’s not true.)

I don’t apply this Pygmalion Effect for sheer personal gain.  I have always believe people should be measured on their best day, not their worst, and I know from personal experience that most people rise to the expectations they are held, so why not hold everyone to a high expectation.  Also, it fits with the Golden Rule; I would want people to expect the same from me on our first meeting.

Always forward,

Kelly

 

I am a professional speaker, and I would be honored to speak at your event!

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

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Leadership: Six Areas of Focus

What is leadership?

I have seen men and women who have been elected, appointed, volunteered, and even thrust into leadership positions, that had no idea what they were supposed to do.  Some mistakenly thought their job was to boss everyone else around.  Others thought they were to change everything from the way the previous leader had it.  Still others thought a leader was the only person that should talk or make decisions. In an age that so desperately needs great leaders, it is sad to find so few, and with that realization, I share these six elements to help you grow as a leader.

A leader is someone that makes an impact in the lives of others and encourages them to make a positive difference in the world we live. A leader is a person who sets an example for others to follow and has the ability to influence others into action.  A leader does this by discovering the best in others and drawing it out of them, and guiding them to a greater life.

Leaders truly create an impact in the lives of others. They model the way things should be done so well that others wish to follow a similar path. Leaders know the dreams of the people around them and they help make those dreams obtainable; genuine appreciation and loyalty follow. Leaders hold everyone around them to a higher level, challenging them to become their best.

What makes a great leader?  Do you need to be elected to a high office, manage a Fortune 500 company, or lead a team to a world championship?  While those accomplishments may be excellent models of leaders, they may not always be able to verbalize the qualities of great leaders. No, the requirements and qualifications of a leader are woven into the lives of everyone that aspires to bring out the best in others. Leaders are found in the parents who raise great children, teachers that inspire students to become contributing members of society, and everywhere we find someone willing to make a difference.

Here are the six areas to focus on to become a better leader:

1) Attitude: A good attitude is the most important element in leadership. Period.

2) Wisdom: there is a difference between intelligence and wisdom. Possessing both are ideal, but the latter is the king of leadership.

3) Tenacity: Be a contender.  Enjoy the thrill of a challenge and competition.

4) Communication: Become a master communicator.

5) Vision: Promote a vision that others willfully seek.

6) Authenticity: Living an authentic life is paramount to maintaining your credibility as a leader and leaving a lasting impact on others.

My next six posts will look at each area in greater detail.

~Kelly

Kelly is an inspirational speaker, author, and artist. Please visit our website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825

Kelly Croy is a chalk artist and professional speaker. His presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation including corporations, schools, churches, conferences, and numerous other venues where people come together to be entertained and improve their lives. Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.


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The Little Things…

I recently journaled a list of the most influential people from my past and present. I attempted to record how their life has impacted mine and what I learned from each. While there were a few common denominators, one really stood out amongst them all; each taught me that the little things in life matter.

It seems each influential person in my life attempted, in his or her own way, to encourage me to take care of the small matters because they add up and make big changes in our lives. My parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors all stressed this principle and I couldn’t be more thankful. I have found that much of my success in life is due to this very simple truth.

Now, as a coach, teacher, father, and speaker, I pass along this valued lesson. On the football field we stressed the importance of each and every step and motion of the body to running a play successfully. The athletes had to actually complete a stop-motion series of steps, and they had to call them out as they progressed. In the classroom, the successful student is the one who takes care of the small matters in an assignment or project. At home I have taught my daughters to take care of problems before they get a chance to grow. Even in my relationships, the greatest affection and interest has always come from the small matters of thank-you notes, phone calls, and small pleasantries.

Truly, taking care of the small things in life has much to do with compassion and discipline. Be compassionate enough to allow the small things to matter and be disciplined enough to see them through. The good habits of exercise, saving money, prayer, reading, and eating healthy begin with the very smallest of beginnings.

Years ago I read a great book by legendary basketball coach John Wooden. In the book, Coach Wooden explains how his first lesson for his top NCAA basketball recruits (each of whom was recruited by countless schools, and each having played basketball incredibly well since they could run) was to teach them the proper way to tie their shoe. Yes, tie their shoes! Coach Wooden knew a shoe could and would come untied during a big game, at a crucial time, and that single factor could decide the outcome. It’s the little things that truly matter most.

One of my favorite movies, The Shawshank Redemption, focuses heavily on this theme. Tim Robbins plays the part of Andy, a wrongly imprisoned man who impacts the lives of everyone at The Shawshank Prison through his small, yet consistent actions. Andy makes some amazing accomplishments and an incredible escape simply by focusing and mastering the smallest of details. Watch it.

Let us be reminded that the smallest of snow flakes that land on the mountain top combine with others building layer upon layer, melting and moving downward to become some of the most powerful rivers on the planet. These rivers carve their way through stone, and over time they leave their lasting impression on our planet. Small things really do add up. Little things really do matter.

As we give thanks this month for our many blessings, let us focus on some of the small details that we have been overlooking. Let’ give these small matters the attention they deserve and wait and see if they do not in fact lead to an amazing change in ourselves.

One of Mother Teresa wisest lessons, “In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.”

What are some of the little things in our lives that need greater attention?

What small thing can you begin today that will make a difference over time.?

~Kelly

Kelly is an inspirational speaker, author, and artist. Please visit our website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825

Kelly Croy is a chalk artist and professional speaker. His presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation including corporations, schools, churches, conferences, and numerous other venues where people come together to be entertained and improve their lives. Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.

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You Win in the Fourth: and I’m Not Just Talking Football!

Nagurski_Bronko_strong_football_playerYou Win In The Fourth!

Any coach will tell you that all games are won and lost in the fourth quarter. Just think how many teams have even come back in the final seconds of the game to win it!

Finishing strong is an ingredient for any successful team and any successful person. As we enter the fourth quarter of 2009 I implore you to reflect on your resolutions and goals that you set way back in January and finish this year with determination and a sense of accomplishment. If you didn’t set any goals, well don’t fret, even now is a great time to get started.

Finishing strong is all about attitude. The fourth quarter is the most challenging because you are physically exhausted and emotionally drained.  You must summon an inner, unknown reserve and push yourself beyond the distractions and obstacles that would normally slow you down.

The next three months will be filled with many events and holidays.  Many will use these events as opportunities to create excuses about why they are not following through on some accomplishments and goals. Don’t let that happen to you! Use these events as opportunities to measure your progress as you work toward the goal. You can reach it, but even if you don’t, you are so much better off for having made progress.  Extend the resolution, don’t quit it,  and you will be even closer to accomplishing it the following year.  Too many have one minor setback and then discard the entire project.  Success is a series of attempts and failures until eventually, the goal is accomplished.  Just like football.

Finish Strong because you win in the fourth.  End 2009 with as much hope and possibility as you started it.


~ Kelly


Kelly is an inspirational speaker, author, and artist. Please visit our website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825

Kelly Croy is a chalk artist and professional speaker. His presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation including corporations, schools, churches, conferences, and numerous other venues where people come together to be entertained and improve their lives.  Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.