What, How, Why

In the mid-1990’s, a youth minister in Michigan started a friendship bracelet with the letter’s “WWJD” standing for What Would Jesus Do? The primary premise of wearing the bracelet was to be a constant to reminder of the Biblical and moral decisions we are faced with each day.

Fast forward years later, Simon Sinek —inspirational speaker and author of 5 books— introduced WHW, in his 2009 Ted Talk “How great leaders inspire action.” In this popular Ted Talk will millions of views, Sinek explained the components of what he called the golden circle as follows:

·         Every company knows what they do.

·         Some companies know how to do it well.

·         But very few companies know why they do it.

Simon further noted to get someone to believe in you and your product, you must know your why.

As officials, what does “WHW” look like.

·         What do we do as an official? We are called to manage the game within the rules and philosophies set forth by the governing body.

·         How do we perform as an official? Each game, we are to be mentally, emotionally, and physically ready. Do we take care of our pregame responsibilities? During the game, are we able to be in the right position, properly apply the rules and philosophies, and effectively communicate with crewmates, players, coaches, and administrators?

·         Why do we choose to be an official? No matter the level of the game, are we officiating for the right or wrong reasons? Let’s look at the “why” closer.

Personally, as I think about my “why,” officiating was my “in” to be a part of sports I enjoyed so much as child and teen. Being an official, I have been lucky enough to grow by rules study, film review, working numerous games, and being mentored by other officials. But my “why” still stays the same—to be a part of sports. If our “why” is for the wrong reason, officiating can be more challenging than it already is. Over the years, I have heard reasons not to officiate such as “not enough money,” “don’t want to deal with coaches,” “fans are out of control, “takes up too much time,” etc. Even though these are legitimate reasons, I believe they should not be considered when deciding whether to officiate. The “why” should be focused on how we want to improve personally and the game through officiating. The “why” should be our passion for the game and our possible influence on others around us. 

Psalm 90:17: Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

In this prayer, Moses asks God to work on behalf of His children and prosper all the work thy did for God’s glory and power to be on display. Moses asked for God's favor would be on His people and the things they did in order for their work to be successful.

As officials, let’s make this our “why”—our work and efforts be for God’s glory and power to be on display.

"Those who are growing great are always asking why? If they fail or lose, they ask why? If they succeed or win too, they ask why?"

Your Benefits

In Kevin Paul Scott’s article “Features vs. Benefits,” Kevin explains in one of his first jobs he sold Tempur-Pedic mattresses. When he first tried to sale the mattress, he would highlight how the mattress foam was originally designed for NASA, provided pressure relief, and prevented motion transfer. Even though these “features” were true, it didn’t help sell many mattresses. What was his flaw in his presentation? He was focusing on Features and not Benefits. He then started explaining the mattress would help you sleep better, relieve join pressure on joints and allow you to wake up more refreshed. The key was to focus on benefits more than features. In other words, as Kevin explains in the article, he isn’t selling the features of his product, he is selling the benefits.

Officials have features. I think of features as “what is an official or crew suppose to look like?”

·         Appropriate, clean, and proper fitting uniform

·         Understanding and knowledge of the rules

·         Be a good crewmate

·         Communicates with others

·         Calm demeanor

Now compare the expected  features of an official to the benefits they should bring to the sport. When a coach or administrator sees you walk into the stadium, what will the coach say is the benefit of you being in the game?

·         Looks good in the uniform and physically fit to be in the right position

·         Solid rules knowledge and understands how to apply the rules in all situations

·         Works well with other crewmates and brings the best out in others

·         Communicates well to coaches and able to explain rules and situations

·         Can control emotions and remain calm under pressure

Matthew 5: 13: ¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

According to Dictionary.com, salt of the earth means “an individual or group considered as representative of the best or noblest elements of society.” Matthew 5:13 is part of Jesus’ sermon on the mount. During Jesus’ day, salt had two purposes—preserving food and enhancing flavor. Jesus was challenging the crowd gathered to hear the sermon to “persevere” His teachings as well as “enhancing” it by spreading His teachings to others. As officials, let’s challenge ourselves to both preserve the integrity of the game and enhance the game by being a benefit not just a feature.

Do you offer just features? Or, what is your benefit and how do you benefit others?