Spirit of true competition
Federer and Nadal are fiercely competitive. However, Federer and Nadal are also good friends off-court. In a zero-sum game like tennis, such a relationship seems like a paradox. What makes it feasible is their spirit for true competition. They value the challenge from their opponent, which brings out their best effort and skills. The joy is in overcoming the challenge and not really about defeating the opponent player.
“True competition is identical with true cooperation. In true competition, no person is defeated.” – Timothy Gallwey, Author of The inner game of Tennis
Pay it forward
During a trail walk, I encountered pathways that were hindered by obstacles. However, in most situations, I could find my way because someone who had come earlier had paved alternate paths or cleared some obstacles. Such instances reminded me of my mentors who helped me navigate my career and life. They had made my path much easier, and my hardship became more bearable with them passing down their wisdom. Sometimes, it filled me with guilt for receiving without giving them anything in return. I once asked one of my mentors what I could do for him, and the prompt and profound response was ‘Pay it forward’.
“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” — Maya Angelou, American memoirist and poet
Nurturing leaders
Leadership efficacy is your belief in your ability to succeed as a leader. This determines how you engage in pursuits to leadership positions, how much you aspire for, how much you persevere despite obstacles and sustain in leadership positions. A study showed that those who demonstrated leadership skills but had low leadership efficacy did not aspire for leadership positions. This explains why many do not wish to take up leadership roles even though they have the potential. When enabling young talents into leaders, it is important to nurture their leadership efficacy.
“Leaders are made, they are not born” – Vince Lombardi, American football coach