What is an experienced ref?

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally posted by brainbrian
This is what you get for paraphasing my quote. It said "... a great leader is at the rear pushing everyone on to do better."

You can either be at the front of the line just refereeing your game and getting out of the gym. Or you can be at the back pushing everyone in front of you to do better by giving them tips and working with them to help them out. You can be at the back of the line encouraging everyone else and letting them get the credit and spotlight while you're content with yourself in the back.

The quote really had nothing to do with refereeing, was a part of a speech I heard, and whoever's post up there reminded me of it, so I thought I'd share. It was at a National Honor Society ceremony, maybe the intelligence level here isn't able to comprehend.

j/k

Hmmm, well after careful consideration, I still think the quote is a complete load of ... utter nonsense.

A leader is, has always been, and will always be, that person who is out in front doing things others only talk about. Sometimes leaders succeed, sometimes leaders fail, but leaders try.

A leader can teach from knowledge and experience that others do not have. That knowledge and experience was not gained lurking at the back, pushing others. It was gained by being out there doing.

A leader draws us after him because we recognize his example as worthy of emulation. The leader gets our attention because he is already doing the things we come to realize we ought to be doing.

A leader is not a hero or a glory hound. Praise and attention often fall upon leaders because others recognize their greatness. But a leader is also selfless, humble and willing to share the spotlight.

The guy at the back, pushing others to get better is not a leader, he is a manager. Never confuse the two. The leader is the one showing you how to do it better. The manager is the one asking why you didn't do it better. Beware the manager.