This post is written by Billy Collins, Courageous Knowledge Lead. 

Just the other week an important chapter in my life came to close as I coached my last little league baseball game. Between my two sons I’ve managed little league teams for 9 straight years and while I don’t think my “lifetime” winning percentage is going to drive a career change, I do hope that I impacted my teams through the principle of A.C.E.S.

Baseball is a sport of failure and so much is out of your control – a bad hop, giving up a bloop hit, crushing a line drive right at someone for an out, the umpires calls, and how your teammates perform. It’s these variables that make baseball a great training ground for resilience in life and for teaching players to focus on what they can impact.

That’s where A.C.E.S. comes in for my teams and for their growth. Throughout the seasons I coached them to focus on their Attitude, Communication, Effort and being a good Sport. As you reflect on what you can “control” at work everyday, consider how you’re doing against these characteristics.

Attitude

Do I open that email, log into that Zoom or work on that key project with positivity, enthusiasm, ownership, and curiosity? Am I focused on solutions? Do I embrace the changes that are bound to happen and am I accountable to the contributions I make?

Communication

Am I having a clear dialogue with my teammates? Do I actively listen by not just paying attention to what they say but valuing their inputs and constructive feedback? Do I provide the same clarity of feedback and encouragement through my words? Am I proactively addressing meaningful issues and having the Courageous Conversations without avoiding these topics?

Effort

Am I just working long hours or am I actually impacting the business with my work? Am I present, focused and tenacious enough to push through the hurdles that arise? Do I take the initiative to resolve issues and see where help is needed? Do I look for opportunities to be better and put in the necessary work to bring those improvements to life?

Be a good Sport

While “don’t be a jerk” may seem like a trivial statement, its underlying meaning is profoundly difficult and impactful. Am I connecting with others through empathy and consideration? Do I have the self-awareness to admit mistakes, identify my strengths and be open to learning how to grow? Am I reliable with my work and composed with my reactions?

So how might you bring A.C.E.S. (or your own created framework) to the table? 

As you think about what you can truly impact each day in your professional & personal life, I’m hopeful A.C.E.S. can be a useful tool to bring your focus to what matters most each day.