We play a game at the end of class with this big red cube. It has exercises and challenges for the students on each side, except one……one said is for the Teacher. It boldly states Teacher does 25.
Our students love it, they love to see the Teachers drop down and give 25 pushups. Its a great chance for the Teacher/Sensei/Professor/Coach to lead by example, to humble themselves, and remind themselves and their students that Blackbelt is a Verb, and not a Noun. That it is a state of action, not a state of stagnation.
I have seen this cube at a few martial arts schools, and even saw a few with the Teacher Does 25 taped over…….It breaks my heart as an instructor, a student, and as someone who loves martial arts.
Teacher does 25 is a mindset, and a culture that is sorely needed in the martial arts community, in our communities, and our country.
Leadership is defined by action, by holding to not just the same standard you hold those you lead to, but exceeding that expectation, in the hopes that those you lead might do the same.
What opportunities for growth and leadership have you “taped over”?
My challenge to you is to rip that tape of today, that sting is much less than that of keeping it on.
Joshua Page,
http://www.hickorymartialarts.com
