Public Safety Insights Newsletter: June 11, 2014

Results: A Critical Success Factor for Leaders
Public Safety Insight:	Practicing inclusion and acceptance in a diverse world may not require the same kind of bravery as that summoned by public safety professionals whose job is to run toward danger, yet it is equally challenging to many.

The world is full of differences; its diversity is what makes life rich and vibrant. Yet too often that diversity results in discord and strife instead of celebrations of our individual and collective talents. Special Olympics, the world’s largest sports organization, changes the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports training and competitions. Many Special Olympics athletes have mild to severe physical as well as intellectual disabilities. Their oath states, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

If you ever have attended a Special Olympics competition, you know the focus is not on winning. Although many of the athletes do want to win, their true reward comes from being accepted for who they are and for celebrating what they CAN do. It doesn’t matter how well they do; what counts is that they are brave enough to put forth their best effort. In so doing, they inspire those who witness their joy in testing themselves.

At last weekend’s 2014 Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games Invitational, I was particularly awe-struck by one young gymnast. Though wheelchair-bound, she competed in the balance beam and the floor dance events. Although she cannot stand and has limited movement in both arms and legs, she found ways to work around those constraints. A whole gym full of people cheered her on, inspired by her bravery and the huge smile on her face. Athletes who forgot their routines, or dropped their equipment, or fell off equipment didn’t let those hiccups faze them. They remained true to their promise to "be brave in the attempt." No matter where they fall on the ability spectrum, the efforts of Special Olympics athletes are celebrated and supported without reservation. Their joy comes from the freedom to be accepted unconditionally for who they are and from being part of something bigger than themselves.

Here are ten life lessons that Special Olympics athletes can teach us about being inclusive and accepting of others:

1. Have the courage to be yourself. Allow others to be themselves as well.
2. It doesn’t matter whether you "win;"what counts is having the courage to use the talent you’ve been given.
3. Perfection is not the goal. It is enough to do your very best.
4. Look for reasons to support others. Cheer them on – loudly.
5. Encourage people to test their limits. Rather than tell them they can’t do something, help them to find a way around obstacles.
6. Be delighted with your efforts. Share your joy.
7. "Small" victories often are huge. Celebrate all accomplishments.
8. The effects of the talent unleashed by creating an environment of inclusiveness and acceptance are inspiring and contagious. The world is better off as a result.
9. The joy is in the journey. Invite others along for the ride.
10. It only takes a few minutes to celebrate another person.

Are you brave enough to embrace those who seem different than you? Could your work environment be more inclusive and accepting? If so, try some of the above tips. You might just find yourself inspired by the results.

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To find other articles and resources that may be of value to you, I invite you to visit my web site at www.PublicSafetyInsights.net.

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©2014 Pat Lynch | Public Safety Insights