There is something about being given the privilege of having a go at a great opportunity.
The story is told of a man who was head-hunted to become the manager a second division football team. He was told of the history of the club and told that the potential at the club was great. The directors of the board implied that support would be forthcoming. Based on these factors the manager joined the club.
When he looked at the state of the club, however, he soon found out that the problems were significant. The quality of facilities was severely lacking. The quality of the playing personnel was also in need of considerable investment. And as it transpired the level of support the directors could offer initially did not meet with the ambitions of the manager.
After another frustrating result as he attended his regular meeting with the directors he was challenged as to why the club wasn’t doing better. When he replied of the number of things that had not been realised he was met with excuses and another shifting of the responsibility his way.
Fed up and stymied the manager looked for an ear to bend to let out his frustrations. Finding a respected fellow manager, he bemoaned his lot and threatened to leave. His colleague, however, reminded him that what was presented to him remained the reality – the potential was still there. That opportunity to get in at that stage and build the infrastructure to see the potential realised would never be experienced at another club. It would also be dreadful if he left the club and someone else made the most of it whilst he moved onto somewhere else wondering what could have been.
The manager took on board the wisdom of his colleague and resolved to stick around and do whatever he could to work on the potential. As his efforts and application were recognised, over time and incrementally he made key adjustments and then the support was finally offered and he was in a position to utilise it to its maximum.
He was able to turn that club from a second division team into one of the most successful teams in the game for well over two decades.
There are times in life when you are given an opportunity and others may not recognise it and it might not appear as glamorous or prestigious as others, but it’s crucial that you see the potential on offer. Seeing that potential will make all the difference when the setbacks come. It’s applicable in relationships, it’s applicable in job opportunities, it applicable in minor and major decisions in life. Seeing the potential can make all the difference and remembering that can help persevere.
That’s why there is something about being given the privilege of having a go at a great opportunity.
(Photo by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 