Anyone, like me, missing the Olympics? Watching Usain Bolt 'jog' through the line winning 100m and 200m, I wondered what it must feel like to be the guy who came second. And then I found myself pondering the question: "Why is it that Olympic athletes fall into each others arms immediately after they have been trying their utmost to beat each other?"

It can only be because of professional respect which turns into brotherhood when the battle is over. And this caused me to write this to you leaders out there: 

The gateway to fellowship

Do not be afraid of hurting someone's feelings or of appearing arrogant. If you are respected as a fellow professional striving for the finish line then you have nothing to fear. More than this you have the potential for fellowship. But the gateway to fellowship is not politeness or sociability. The gateway is not being dishonest no matter what positive or caring motive that drives this. The gateway is being truly yourself. The gateway is discharging the totality of your responsibilities to the very maximum of your potential. Be the expert specialist champion.

Be the strident advocate for your area, your customers, your staff. Be their voice. Don't compromise in advance or sanitise your views to make them more acceptable or more likely to be approved or to make yourself more liked. You do not have that luxury. You are the head. You are the one.

Live up to the responsibility that you have been given. It is a privilege to hold the office you have been given and every moment and every interaction is precious. 

Standing on the edge of the diving board

High performance means being courageous enough to be a performer. Unapologetically the best you can be. Believing in yourself. Not hesitant, or holding back. When we hold back for fear our passion will hurt or offend others then we deny them the opportunity to be inspired and join us in our mission. Leave people changed yet do not control their path.  
Do not choke on the edge of the diving board. You have one chance. Every day you have one chance. Every day is your Olympic final. Be at your peak every day. To do this you will need the team’s support, and you will feel that they should get an equal glory to you. But take the glory and let them bask in your success. They want to work for someone who wins, not a nice guy who always come second.

It's Monday morning.....go on. Make a fresh start. Let today be the day you stand on the edge of the diving board.