Mastering the Art of Tough Love

Amber Bairdblog, Guest Post, Leadership

Repost from Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore Recently, I blogged about how parenting has become a “religion” in America, where children have become the absolute centerpiece of the home and nothing negative can be said about them. Yep. Some time between our childhood and the moment we had children of our own, parenthood became a religion. As with many religions, … Read More

Six Benefits of Margin in a Student’s Life

Amber Bairdblog, Leadership

Repost from Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore A month ago, I attempted to build a case for margins in our lives — both for us leaders and for our students. We need margins in order to become fully alive and to become the best versions of ourselves. I am not the first to say it, but it’s true: we live … Read More

The Case for Margin in a Student’s Life

Amber Bairdblog, Guest Post, Leadership

Repost from Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore I’ve noticed a subtle pattern in college and high school students. I wonder if you’ve seen it too. Over the past year, I’ve marveled at what kids find humorous. At times, I’m startled at the misfortunes — even “fails” — that kids watch on YouTube and find funny. Recently, I formed an informal … Read More

Chris Borland: A Case Study in Long-Term Thinking

Amber Bairdblog, Leadership

Repost from Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore Today—I’d like to start a conversation. It’s about long-term thinking, and it’s inspired by a move that NFL player Chris Borland recently made. There is a deeper principle behind the move… and it has two sides to it. I want to know your thoughts. Perhaps you heard the news: San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris … Read More

Helping Athletes Navigate a Short-Term, Shortcut Mindset

Amber Bairdblog, Guest Post, Leadership, Next Level Performance

Repost from Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore I just spoke at an event for NCAA coaches and staff. During the day, I took part in a conversation about how coaches have changed their approach to recruiting and leading high school athletes, now that the TGIF Generation (Twitter, Google, Instagram and Facebook) has emerged. Coaches face challenges they didn’t have to … Read More

A Leadership Lesson from the Playoff-Bound Vicksburg High School Bulldogs

Amber Bairdblog, Leadership

Dalton Ketelaar remembers it like it was yesterday: “Our whole team went through speed and agility training with Next Level,” said the Bulldogs’ senior quarterback.  “We were together all summer long in the leadership development sessions.  We talked about how we can lead and what our goals were.” “And here we are.” The “here” Ketelaar is referring to is the … Read More