In this issue: We’re all Underrated… / Please Stop Asking Chatbots for Love Advice / Survey: 85% of Employees Don’t Use Their Mental Health Benefits / The Lighter Side of Ratings
Why you’re getting this:
I'm Andrea J. Miller and this is my “On Leading Well” Newsletter. I send this to people in my networks, people I’ve met recently, and friends I want to keep in touch with. You can unsubscribe (SEE THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL) anytime, I won’t be offended.
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Whether it’s the first time, or if it’s just been a while, let’s connect and get to know each other (better) as humans.
1. If we’re not connected yet, connect with me on LinkedIn. I post some useful stuff there, as well :); and/or
2. Put 30 minutes on my calendar to chat. No strings attached, whatsoever.
Of course, if there’s something I can help you with, just ask and I’ll do whatever I can to help.
I look forward to connecting!
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We’re all Underrated…Lessons from Steph Curry’s Career to Take Your Game to the Next Level
When you think back to when you began your career, what would the people around you have said about you?
…what would they say now?
It’s easy to confuse greatness with the path that it takes to get you there.
Often, we look at the people we admire (and occasionally hate :) and think…
He’s smarter.
She went to the right college.
Well, he/she’s taller, better looking, etc and it’s just easier for them.
Most of us live with an ever-growing internal list of “why not” me.
What’s more difficult and far more important, is the ability to see the gaps between where you are and where want to be, and no matter the obstacle or how long it takes, create and follow a plan to get there.
That’s what sets Steph Curry apart.
Obstacle after obstacle, he outworked everyone and disproved his critics.
The Path from Good to Great
“I felt like I was different, but I had a lot to offer, and that can be applied to anything inside of sports, outside of sports, just in life,” Curry said. We’re all made unique. We’re all made different. We’re all given a gift.”
-Stephen Curry, 2-time NBA MVP, 4-time NBA Champion, 9-time All-Star
This weekend I watched the new Apple documentary, “Underrated,” about the career of NBA superstar, Stephen Curry (worth the watch).
For those who aren’t basketball fans or don’t know Mr. Curry, his record-setting, MVP-defining, championship play over the last 13+ years has changed the game and set a new standard for future generations.
He’s undoubtedly one of the best…most believe the best shooter the game has seen.
Yet, as the title of the documentary suggests, he wasn’t always seen as MVP material.
He was a scrawny kid at a time when height and girth drove the game.
While he was literally born into the game (his father, Dell Curry an NBA great in his own right) and some might argue with advantages others didn’t have, Steph was a late bloomer.
As a high school freshman, he was a skinny 5’6” - not the stuff of an NBA all-star.
And though he’d led his high school team to an undefeated season, he went largely unnoticed... considered too small to cut it in Division 1 play.
The film begins with basketball legend, Reggie Miller, reading Curry’s scouting report…“far below NBA standard regarding explosiveness and athleticism,” extremely short for a shooting guard position, and cautions “do not rely on him to run your team.”
Thankfully, the coach of his college team, the Davidson Wildcats, saw potential in him that others didn’t.
And despite an initially rocky start, his coach’s faith didn’t waiver.
He saw Curry’s tenacity, drive, heart, and passion for the game.
That love for the game drove his play and more importantly his relentless practice.
His tenacity is a through line in the movie, as it also plots along his journey to get his college degree, after leaving early to go to the NBA.
It would be easy for a person making tens of millions a year to never finish, but as we learn that isn’t who he is.
Every time an obstacle appeared to knock him down, and while it might take him, like the rest of us a moment to get back up…that’s just what he did, he got back up with a greater intensity and desire to do better.
While he’s undoubtedly one of the greatest at what he does, what he demonstrates in his game and how he chooses to live his life, is that we all have the power and potential to do the same in some area.
Often the problem isn’t that others underrate us, but that we continually underestimate ourselves.
So, what are you willing to start or stop doing, to take your game to the next level?
How to Become an MVP:
Know Your Unique Game - Curry recognized his skill as a shooter and leaned into perfecting that gift even when others discounted it. Know what makes you special.
Be Relentless - Curry's dedication to tireless practice took his game to the next level. Outwork your critics through disciplined effort on your craft.
Stay Resilient - Obstacles didn't stop Curry, they fueled him. When facing setbacks, get back up with even more determination.
Keep Learning and Improving - Curry never stops trying to improve. Make learning agility a lifelong pursuit to continue mastering your skills.
Lead with Heart and Passion - Curry plays with infectious joy. Bring heart and passion to your work to motivate yourself and inspire others.
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RECOMMENDED LISTENS, READS And Other Interesting Things
Please Stop Asking Chatbots for Love Advice
We get it, relationships are hard. But asking ChatGPT how to do emotions is not going to work. Here are some better ideas.
Survey: 85% of Employees Don’t Use Their Mental Health Benefits
More than half of employees said they don’t have mental health benefits in their benefit package or aren’t sure if they do, according to a new survey. About two-thirds of respondents said they would use a digital mental health benefit if it was offered to them.
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The Lighter Side of Ratings
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Are there any other subjects you want me to cover? Hit “Reply” and tell me!
I love hearing from you :)!
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Andrea J. Miller
+1 (646) 556-5401 (Whatsapp)
Thanks for reading!