Leadership and Lessons Learned

Often while preparing to address the team regarding the importance of NFL teams having a strong community service presence, I would search for quotes to support my position. I discovered a quote by Albert Einstein which has always left an indelible mark in my mind. It was also a thorn in my side because I attempted to memorize it on several occasions to use in a speech. (I struggled with that endeavor until I read the book ‘Moon Walking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything’ by Joshua Foer and he provided a blueprint to enhance my memory.)

Nevertheless, the quote was captivating for a couple of reasons; First, growing up I only recall the name Albert Einstein as this incredible mathematical genius. Secondly, in several articles I read about him you immediately mentally categorize him as the aloof, unemotional absent-minded professor type. Yet he defies that notion once you begin to read about the hundreds of philosophical quotes attributed to him through the years. The quote follows:

“Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of other men —above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received and am still receiving.”
― Albert Einstein,

Einstein’s observations are particularly apropos as it relates to the situation the world finds itself in today. I want to focus in on two sentences. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of other men-above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy.

I believe that it is quite evident that there is a strong need for all of us to assist our fellow man during this outbreak. The clarion call for a cooperative worldwide effort to mitigate the spread of this virus is on every radio, television, cell phone, and newspaper in every corner of the planet. We are not just talking about our family members or loved ones but those that we are connected to through a shared experience. Our actions have always impacted others, but I believe this brings into focus just how interconnected we are. Prior to the pandemic our country was going through one of the most divisive political periods since the Civil Rights Movement. You could actually feel the ethos of disapproval, animus, distrust and racial tension upon every turn.

Speaking of distrust; on several occasions while jogging through my neighborhood in which we have owned a home since 2005. Many of my neighbors upon seeing me, turn their vehicles around in the middle of the road and return to their homes to check their doors again to ensure that they set the alarm. The other day a white guy was to the right, jogging toward the vehicle and the driver looked at him and began to make the right-hand turn. Then he looked left and saw me, did a double take and made an illegal U-turn and headed back home. Thus I hope after we fight our way through this battle the world is much better on the other side.

So, let’s band together as a team, be thankful for all the Lord has blessed us with and commit ourselves to giving in return as much as we have received. To understand that, You don’t have to be a genius.