Wired to Lead

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What NCAA Basketball Has To Do With Young Leaders:

Funny how we like to think everyone can do everything, "so long as you dream it." The problem with this is that we consume large amounts of time, energy and money pursuing things for which we'll never develop competancies. For example, only 4% of high school basketball players will go on to play college ball. Only 1% of them receive Division 1 scholarships. Only 1% of those will go on to play in the NBA. Now, consider similar outcomes in other sports and so many other things we have our kids into. Experimenting, having fun, and providing opportunities for our kids are vital. But that should also include leadership. If your child seems to have an inclination to lead, why not seek out serious development opportunities and test the water a bit? If these pan out, then go for more. Concentrate on life long skills, not just childhood past times. While I applaud the egalitarian mindset of many who say we don't want to confine or select kids based on ability, we waste priceless time and resources by not helping them discover their gifts and then developing them in the context of a loving, nurturing environment.

(BTW, my vote is for Duke to win. Humility keeps me from reporting that our oldest son, Jeff, just received a full ride for his graduate degree at Duke. Go "Blue Devils!")

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