If You Build It They Will Come Part II

NOTE:  To those that read this post on your phone, through school, or email you may not see the pictures in the post.  To see the actual blog you need to go to:  http://www.theaquaponicsproject.blogspot.com/

In my first post, If You Build It They Will Come, I had discussed how this project was possibly starting at our school. The project is in a small momentum phase and has initial elements of a movement.

A group of potentially 20 students, two teachers, and our instructional coach (all whom have played critical roles in helping this project) are heading out to Temecula and San Marcos to begin some preliminary work on the establishment of a test aquaponics system at our high school. The students will be stopping by Sun Pro Solar  to research solar capabilities for off-grid growing, a quick stop by my aquaponics system to see the model that they will use, and then on to an aquaponics workshop in San Marcos presented by ECOLIFE Foundation. 

The "movement" at our high school reminded me of this video. It is short and well worth it, but it also made me reflect on leadership, following, and movement in general.

As a former coach I have always been intrigued by the study of leaders and movements.  I am fortunate in my life that I have so many great friends, colleagues, coaches, and family that help mentor me directly or indirectly towards that goal.  This year has challenged every fiber of my being but that is expected when one steps out and wants to lead, follow a leader, or inspire a vision.

I was able to help mentor a good friend as of late in regards to this topic.  He has made a decision that many do not understand.  He obtained a leadership position that nobody thought he would obtain.  He was not a topic of conversation until he put his hand in the air and said, "I want to lead!"  We had a tough conversation about things he needed to improve and although grateful that I told him, it rocked his world.  A few days later we talked again and he shared about all the different darts and arrows that he feels are flying at him.  He feels isolated and one can see in his eyes a mental draining. You could see the questioning of his decision that caused all of this.

He asked me a key question, "Why hasn't anyone said anything to me before?"

I told him the reason was because he decided to step out and lead. Before his decision he was just in the crowd but now he stepped out and put himself out for all to see.  Now everyone has something to say, an opinion, a suggestion, recommendation, negative comments, and talk about how he is going to fail.  He was in the crowd, insignificant, and now everyone has an opinion.  We all do it.  It is just a part of the game.  He must continue to move forward and trust in his friends to courageously stand up, follow, and teach others around them to follow.

So, as was stated in the video, "leadership is over glorified... when you find a lone nut doing something great, have the guts to have the courage to stand up and join in......."

Fishboy out......