Let me share with you the story of how my junior high math teacher single-handedly changed my attitude toward his class, for the better. This is a story of how he capitalized on a wave of opportunity. My teacher’s name was Mr. Peters. I never had a great attitude in his class. I did, however, love basketball, and he was a diehard Nebraska Cornhuskers fan. We would trash talk each day about basketball, and I even had the belief I could beat him one-on-one! Though Mr. Peters was a late 20-something, in shape, and a very athletic guy, I knew my five foot, 105lb physique was a sure win for me. In a competitive conversation we were having about who was a better basketball player, him or me, he went the extra mile. He agreed to stay after school one day and challenge me to a game of basketball in the gym. I was so excited that I couldn’t wait for the end-of-school bell to ring! As soon as it did, I raced down the hall, changed into my gym clothes, and started to warm up. Mr. Peters was there, already dressed and ready to go. I was a little frustrated that he had more time than me to warm up. But no worries, I had this game in the bag. We started the competition and I am here to tell you, I destroyed him, basket after basket. Okay…well…maybe it didn’t go exactly like that. Actually, it didn’t go anything like that. Mr. Peters was kind enough to allow me to score one or two baskets, but he quickly and very easily won the game. I think he was keeping himself from completely destroying my ego. Even though I lost that day, he had gained my respect forever. From that day on, I paid more attention in class and did better in math. This was all a result of him taking the time to connect with me. I was motivated by his willingness to do something I loved to do. He didn’t have to stay late that day after school and take the time to connect with me, but because he did, it changed our relationship for the rest of the school year. He discovered a way to motivate me and it had nothing to do with math. I had momentum to do better in his class as a result of his leadership.

Momentum is about seizing the right moments. There are moments all around us, every day, that have the potential to create momentum. It’s those moments that bring with it the opportunity to do great things. Leaders are able to see the moment before others see the moment.

Be the kind of leader that helps others by connecting with them. The more you connect with others, the more you can pull out the potential within them.

What did I learn from Mr. Peters…To CONNECT before you DIRECT.