Let your sportsmanship shine through

Much earlier in my career I had expected that everyone in a big team or organization would share the same kind of conduct. However, I quickly realized that people came from various kinds of backgrounds, experiences, and ideologies that had shaped their view of the world and the people around them. That is true for every one of us. We see things differently; therefore, we decide differently, and we act differently. Your daily thoughts may be the exact opposite of those of someone next to you. The things that excite you may not move others, and what you cherish may be the disdain of another person. Meanwhile, to make society function properly, we must come to terms with others around us. It is quite easy to find oneself on the opposite side of the divide with others. If most of us do not embrace cooperation and comradeship, we will create chaos and anarchy.

While it is impractical and less innovative to make people think the same way, we all have a responsibility. We can present our views, opinions, and ideas in a manner that promotes respect and fairness with those around us. It is about playing with others in a gracious manner even though the field is not level and plane. I observed something important, that those who push their way through in a disrespectful and unfair manner do not go too far before getting into trouble. However, beautiful things happen when we play fairly, honestly, decently, truthfully, and graciously. After all, it is not all about you alone but about the good we can all share when we collectively build together.
​
So, where is your sportsmanship? Even when it seems like you are not winning, could you keep playing graciously with others? In fact, sometimes we lose cheerfully so that a greater good can be promoted to the benefit of society. Resist the urge to pull others down. Refuse to cut other people’s livelihood. Reject treating anyone disrespectfully or contemptuously because you have the power. Don’t break the moral rules of kindness and respect for others. Love to love others and dislike to hate anyone. Play fairly and graciously. Let your sportsmanship shine through.

---

Actions for the week

1. Reflect on your conduct in dealing with others. Do you act fairly and respectfully?
2. Decide that you will always play fairly and graciously. Become one who is known to be sportsmanlike always. Find ways to become better at being good to others.
3. Share this message with those in your network.

---

A quote to remember
The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back. – Abigail Van Buren

---

Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books