Eagle Eye with Dr. Weindorf

Earlier this month, I attended the Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum In Savannah and had the honor of listening to Don Yaeger give a talk on what he calls the “16 Characteristics of Greatness.” He served as the Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2008, is a New York Times best-selling author 12 times over, and has co-authored autobiographies with sports legends such as Walter Payton and Tug Mcgraw. Given these accomplishments and many more, one could say that he is well acquainted with the subject.

His 16 characteristics of greatness are compiled from countless hours spent with Hall of Famers and luminaries. Despite their differing backgrounds, experiences, and occupations, he found that people who achieve success at the highest level tend to share some of the same attributes and live by similar rules.

As he talked, I realized how many of these characteristics could relate to Georgia Southern and our work at the Office of Research & Economic Development. 

All 16 traits could apply in one way or another, but here are five that particularly resonate. Great leaders have….

• Contagious Enthusiasm - They are positive thinkers and enthusiastic. This enthusiasm pays off.

We all know that research is hard work. No one ever said otherwise. The road to innovation and discovery is replete with challenges. Every day, I see our faculty and students meet those challenges with their heads held high and smiles on their faces. It’s important to remember that almost anything can be overcome when obstacles are viewed as opportunities.

• Inner Fire - They use adversity as fuel.

Similar to facing challenges with enthusiasm, it’s also important to use those challenges as fuel to keep going. Think of how far you’ve come. Think of the differences you’ve made in the lives of your students and in the community. Think of how you, as an individual, empower Georgia Southern as a whole to grow itself and grow others.

• Ice in Their Veins - They are thoughtful risk-takers and don’t fear making mistakes.

“Soar Beyond” isn’t just a catchy phrase we decided to put on a billboard. It’s a mentality that we embody every day. We aren’t reckless, but our goals are lofty. We know that achieving them means taking chances and learning from our successes as well as our failures.

• Do Unto Others - They know character is defined by how they treat those who cannot help them in return.

This goes right to the core of Georgia Southern’s mandate to teach learners to lead and serve. Our research and how we conduct it isn’t just about satisfying intellectual curiosity or garnering professional accolades. It’s about addressing areas of need in our community and beyond and using the resources at our disposal to improve outcomes, regardless of what we receive in return. We all live these words every day and show our students the true meaning of service.

• When No One is Watching - They are comfortable in the mirror. They live their life with integrity.

The hard truth is that a researcher's job is often a thankless one. The same could be said of educators. I know from personal experience that most of us never get the broader attention or accolades our work deserves. If we do, it’s often at the end of a long journey, and few see the long hours spent in labs, classrooms, the field, or at a desk. Just remember, It may not seem so now, but your students and this university will benefit from your hard work and dedication for years to come.

Even if you aren’t a sports fan, I hope you can relate and see some of these characteristics in yourselves; I certainly do. As we welcome students back from spring break and continue another successful semester, remember that you have greatness inside of you. It’s exemplified in the work that you do every day. Rest assured that the Office of Research and Economic Development will be here to help you every step of the way!