[TJ1adam12]

Jerry,

I recognize that you initiated your question mid May and surly have made a decision by now, but I thought I could offer some thoughts based on my life experiences that you may consider the next time your faced with a similar dilemma which in fact I can almost guarantee you will some day.

Daily many people are faced with a similar dilemma’s as yours. They may feel or know they are the strongest person in their current position (whatever it may be; sports, waiter, marketing manager, etc…) yet, the coach/boss has chosen someone else or assigned them to a position which they don’t consider their strength.

The first thing to consider rationally is the totality of the circumstances. What is the coach/boss thinking?” Could it be he/she is trying to make me; more well-rounded? Could it be the coach/boss is trying to compensate (move you) for what he/she perceives as the best chance for the team to win or accomplish their cooperate goals?

Having the courage to face adversity (however unfair it seems) can be far more rewarding in the long run, than quitting. If you have not viewed the movie; “Rudy,” than I strongly encourage you to rent it. It is a true story about a young boy who was five foot nothing, one hundred in nothing pounds, yet he successfully became a walk on player for Notre Dame Football.

Although his story varies from yours in the fact you have more talent than he did in his sport, the lesson is clearly his ability to face adversity.

Another tool you will continue to develop throughout life is the ability to manage up. What I mean by this is having the ability to articulate respectively to your superior some of your questions or concerns.

Example using your scenario (private conversation with coach): “Coach, do you have a minute? I just wanted to ask you; “Have I done something wrong recently that has made you change my position?”

By you taking ownership with the question, “Have I done something wrong?” You will most likely receive an honest answer as to why he made the change. Now be prepared for an answer you may not agree with, but it will assist you in understanding what he/she was thinking.

Furthermore, you may find even a greater satisfaction by realizing that the coach in his/her infinite wisdom views you as the solution to their problem and is placing more responsibility on you because they believe your talent will compensate for your inexperience in a particular position etc….

In closing, I will challenge you just as I do my children, peers, and family, to provide solutions to problems and minimize being the problem.
Best of luck to you in your next challenge

T,J,