Wednesday marked day three of our leadership week and what a treat it was! The legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley spoke to us today about what it takes to be a great leader.
Coach Dooley stressed that in order to be a successful leader, one must practice what he calls "intelligent fanaticism." While it takes passion to realize your goals, you must also carry out those same goals intelligently by making good decisions along the way. It was fascinating listening to coach tell stories about many of his favorite players and the ways they have all impacted his life. One of these players, Billy Payne, has made an especially great impact on Coach Dooley.
Most know Billy as being the current Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, better known as "The Masters." Coach, however, focused on Billy's time as president and chief executive officer of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. He told the story of Billy's steadfastness in bringing the games to Atlanta, surprising many doubters along the way and shocking the world. Coach obviously has a tremendous passion for people and it shows by the way he carries himself. He shared with us that nothing makes him happier than for a former player or associate to express a simple "thank you" for the impact he has made on them.
He is a great and humble man. I have had the privilege to talk to him one on one several times so far throughout our trip and we always find something funny and interesting to talk about. I'm now known simply as "Sylvester" to the Dooleys, and Coach is quite familiar with South Georgia, having coached several players from the area. I may never again get opportunities like these and I'm like a kid in a candy store when I get a chance to "hang out with the Coach." What an experience!
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