Learning from your GOAT”s

Learning from your GOAT’s

A coaching client recently lost a close relative and our conversation drifted towards the more serious aspects of life: living with the knowledge that we will all die someday, role models and leaving a legacy. We have spent a significant portion of the last 6 months talking about masculinity and the importance of male role models, a topic which came up again with the passing of this family member. Knowing that my father passed away last year, he asked me about my experience of dealing with loss and what I learnt from him and the most important male role models in my life.

It was easy to identify who they were: My dad, my grandfather, an uncle on my mom’s side and a neighbour who became a very close family friend. All of these men have passed away, but I still think about all of them often. And particularly what they taught me about life. It was the first time that I spoke about them in a coaching session, but it was a cool experience thinking about what I learnt from all of them:

• They cared more about people than things, with their families being particularly important to them. They regularly spent time with family and friends.
• Although they took their jobs seriously and were good at what they did, work was never the highest priority in their lives.
• All four of them had an enthusiastic approach to life and a particular sense of humour. I associate laughter with all of them.
• You could count on them, whether you were in trouble or not, to lend a helping hand at a moments notice.
• They all attained a certain level of success, but money was a by-product of what they did, not the main aim of life.
• When they were around you felt everything would be ok.
• They were generous, with help, advice, encouragement and money – living with open hands.
• I do not recall them gossiping or speaking ill of others. If they did, it did not happen often. They gave others the benefit of the doubt.

The interesting thing I learned from this conversation was that these are all characteristics that I strive to be known for, now as a man and dad in my early 40’s. This was the depth of impact that these men had on me. If I ask my brother, nephews or other family members they might mention other aspects that they took from knowing these men. That’s the thing about the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT’s) – they inspire us to be the best we can be.

Many people don’t grow up with good role models, unfortunately. But this exercise can be useful in many different contexts too. For example, think about the best leaders you have known. What do they have in common? How have they inspired you to try and live the same way they did? You can do the same in any context: the best moms, friends, teachers, coaches or business people you know, what do they teach you by the example they set?

The interesting thing is that very often the things we find inspiring in others are the same characteristics we value. Figuring out why you look up to someone shows you what your values are.

If you would like to embark on a values journey, get in touch. You can reach us at info@purposeworks.co.za.

At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.