Jan. 24, 2017 (a post that was previously lost)
I manage a swim team. Sometimes that requires me to herd the swimmers one way or another. Not often, but sometimes. I don’t particularly enjoy the herding; I just want to swim. But sometimes disorganization begins to break out and I need to speak with swimmers privately.
I feel fortunate that my team mates are supportive and cooperative. We’ve had our conflicts, but by and large we all want the same thing: to get a good workout in the pool. But sometimes I feel like a sheep dog barking at the sheep. I truly don’t enjoy those moments.
Anyway, today, I had to speak with a swimmer who, basically, hadn’t paid to use the pool. It felt awkward and I was concerned that he/she would react defensively when I addressed the issue. Short story, short, he/she immediately expressed total willingness to cooperate as soon as I asked.
This was reassuring: my teammates want to do the right, supportive thing. But they don’t necessarily know what that is. I need to tell them.
Evidence of a friendly universe: me asking for what I need to manage a situation and, other people, happy to cooperate and help.
Pretty cool.
Q