Kiss the metaphorical ring. Kissing the ring opposes speaking truth to power. Prostrate yourself before a self-important figure to gain favor or get what's needed or wanted. Sometimes kissing the ring gets permission. Sometimes forgiveness.
Have you kissed the ring or decided not to? Years ago when our city had a YMCA and a school-based travel team I called a few parents to pitch the travel program. Was it worth it? "Dunno."
Some varsity coaches consider it beneath them to network with youth programs, to meet the parents, and to sell the program. Every time you lose one impact player, it's "the box." Choose to endure the box, "I must not fear."
Sometimes you kiss the ring to recruit, to retain, or to retrain players. Choose 'get to' don't 'have to'.
View kissing the ring another way, respect not deference. Everyone wants respect and appreciation.
I used to tell a mentor and superior CAPT Tom Walsh, "It's good to be king." As I was leaving the Navy, he told me, "It's better to be prince."
Lagniappe. Lessons for excellence and humility.
Lagniappe 2. Lead.
"If everyone would strive to be the captain of their team as opposed to the MVP there would be a lot better teams." - Derek Jones
— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) July 27, 2023
Champions don't settle for individual glory; they relentlessly pursue collective greatness. pic.twitter.com/frjHkbBImN
