“Rising tide lifts all boats.”
I was listening to ESPN and their analysis of the Final Four for the college women’s basketball and an old interview with Geno Auriemma, head coach of Connecticut, was playing. In 2016, Connecticut was just coming off their 3rd straight national title. During these three years they went 118-1. Yes, 118 wins and only 1 loss. In the interview Geno was asked whether Connecticut’s dominance was actually bad for women’s basketball. Geno’s response was a prediction for what we’re able to witness now in women’s college basketball. His response focused not on Connecticut moving down to mediocrity but instead, other programs rising up to the level of standard Connecticut set.
One of the greatest models of leadership is the ability to help others rise to levels they didn’t think were possible. Fast forward 8 years from Geno’s comments and his prediction shows up in all the kids running around with Caitlin Clark jerseys, sports networks nonstop discussion of women’s March Madness, TV ratings of these women’s games setting records, and incredible excitement for the future with young talents like JuJu Watkins. We are witnessing an onslaught of women’s college basketball programs rising to the level of Connecticut, and beyond.
Whether we’re looking at the organization we work for, community we serve, relationships we have, and so on, naturally there will be different levels of standards with the people you interact with. We all have different experiences and thoughts that collectively bring a different level of expectation. As we think about what we’re capable of, at times, we can come to a fork in the road. One path leads to coming down to mediocrity while the other path mandates a high level of standard for others to rise to.
It’s not easy being an outlier and requiring high standards from yourself. Mediocrity can be a magnet trying to pull you in. It takes courage to stand against the norm and demand standards rise as opposed to standards becoming mediocre. But let college women’s basketball be an example of how rewarding this high level of standards can become.
Take your step: when you feel you’re surrounded by others that feel your standards are too high, before being pulled to mediocrity challenge yourself to see how you can help others rise to your level of standard. Keep perspective on how better the future can be helping others raise their level of standards as opposed to you settling.