Two Minutes Du Jour

Coaching T-Ball, Finding Your Superpower and Adding Value by Leah Spielman

Last summer, I volunteered to coach my 4-year-old daughter’s community recreation t-ball team. This isn’t an opportunity I jumped to take. I have never played organized sports, including anything that ends in -ball. I have never coached any athletic teams. At the risk of the program canceling due to a lack of parent volunteers, I begrudgingly raised my hand, thinking, “How hard could it be?” Spoiler alert: it was hard, and I did not enjoy it. Eight weeks passed, t-ball ended, and I learned a few lessons along the way.

The experience taught me to pause and think about if I am truly adding value. How could I best use my strengths and abilities to have a positive impact on the program, add value and enjoy the games from the sidelines? Perhaps my skills would have been better used to help recruit parent volunteers who were better suited for the task. Or help the community recreation program promote their need for volunteer coaches. I could influence the community recreation program to offer volunteer training to empower the coaches, many of whom had an experience like I had.

The topic of recognizing strengths has come up a lot lately though mentoring conversations I have. I realize many people cannot name their top strengths or superpower. It is an easy thing to overlook. Life is busy, we are getting by and doing our best. And it is important take time to acknowledge and celebrate your given gifts.

My challenge to you is this: spend time reflecting. What is your superpower? What do others count on you for? When do you feel the most energized? Where does the world need your energy?

My superpower is building relationships and connecting with people. Others count on me to start projects and programs with little direction and help them figure out how to get started when they feel stuck. I feel most energized when I mentor and coach others (except preschool t-ball teams) and when I see the impact and results from my work. The world needs my energy to lift others up, help people recognize and use their innate skills and foster meaningful connections.

Take the time to discover and embrace your superpowers. The impact of using your strengths intentionally can be profound, not just for you, but for those around you.

Two Links Du Jour: 

Harvard Business Review – “You Don’t Find Your Purpose — You Build It“: This article discusses how individuals can discover and develop their strengths and purpose over time. 

Active for Life – “7 Benefits of Coaching Your Child’s Team“: This article outlines the benefits of coaching your child’s sports team, such as developing new skills, expanding your social network, and learning life lessons. I wish I had found this a year ago!