This year marks my father’s final season as the head coach of West Allegheny High School’s varsity football team. It’s also the end to a tenure that was nothing short of hall-of-fame material. His statistics and credentials are firmly planted in the record books, which is undoubtedly worth mentioning, but not the primary concentration of this blog. My intention is to focus on the championship mentality and enthusiasm that my father brings to every situation he encounters. The attitude with which he attacks each day.
Allow me to set the stage.
With my sons in tow, I attended my father’s final home game last week. Family, friends, and fans filled the stands of the stadium. The roar of the crowd, the brisk fall air, and the bright lights were in full effect. It certainly was a night to remember. Not only because it was the last time my dad would walk onto the field at the helm of the team, but because after the final buzzer sounded, I was left with a thought-provoking piece of wisdom from my father – something that has become customary over the years.
“Your preparation is always reflected in your play. There are no detours on that road. It’s a direct correlation to the product you put out on the field.”
I began to think about complacency.
Comfortability.
Content.
How many times do we delay or justify lack of action because we convince ourselves that what we are doing is “good enough”? It’s easy to do. Especially when we’ve experienced success. Grinding and getting to the top is hard. Staying there is another story. It is a constant battle and requires an attention to detail unlike ever before.
And it doesn’t stop there. If you’re looking to attract and retain next generation leaders, waiting is not an option.
According to a Gallup poll, 87% of Millennials claim professional development and career growth are very important to them.
In their research, go2HR found 40% of employees with poor training leave their jobs within the first year.
Bridge survey data found that offering career training and development would keep 86 percent of millennials from leaving their current position. The same study found that if a job lacks growth and avenues for leadership development, 67% of Millennials would leave that position.
According to the Deloitte Millennials Survey 2018, 71% of Millennials expecting to leave their jobs in the next two years are unhappy with how their leadership skills are being developed.
As you think about the future of your business, remember that your future leaders need intentional development now. Buckle down and be proactive about your preparation. After all, practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. And you can’t afford to wait.