Thats me, no really ;)
I have been lifting weights since I was 14. I have been a strength coach for almost 10 years. In those years I have learned many valuable lessons from mentors, friends, coaches and coworkers. One lesson still holds true to this very day...Nobody likes an a$$. We all know this person and some of us (including myself) have been this person. We cut people short, we "big time" them, create conflict when unnecessary, and act like our poop doesn't stink. I am not sure why egos are prevalent in the strength and conditioning world but they are and I don't ever see that changing. But why?
Everyone has learned something from someone else. Whether through reading books or blogs, having a conversation or simply watching from afar, this learning process will continue as you mature as a coach. We rip each other off (which is great :)) and base opinions off of experience. I believe this helps to shape us as coaches and as people. However, there is a down side to this. If you surround yourself with negative people who constantly think that their way is the only way or they have all the answers, you are clearly living in a box. You will eventually become an a$$.
I have met some of the best coaches in the world. I am talking about the biggest names in then Strength and Conditioning mega-universe. When these people speak, we all listen. The information is usually great. These professionals have the ability to make a huge impact on younger trainers in the industry. People like Dan John, Brett Jones, Pavel and David Jack are top notch professionals. They are always friendly, willing to help and genuinely care about sharing and guiding others. These guys are damn good at what they do but have no ego, no reason to "big time" anyone and aren't a$$holes. Could they be? Yup, they are the best (in my opinion). They have been in the trenches and come out as the guru's in our field. I believe that each of them have made a conscious decision to do the right thing.
And then there are the turds. The cocky know-it-alls who are clearly above anyone else. You ask a simple question and get a snippy or sarcastic remark. It would be way too easy to give a clear, helpful and honest answer but you are too busy acting assholier than thou (just made that phrase up, sweet huh). YES, WE KNOW YOU ARE SMART, BUT DON'T BE AN A$$!!! You just had a chance to make a positive impact on someone, but you are much more important than the rest of us I know that you don't time for the minions.
Kidding aside, we should all try to make a positive impact with everyone we meet. Share knowledge, find a mentor and be a mentor. Remember your time in the trenches. Learn from the massive failures and come out stronger each time. Find something you love and be great at it. Every time you speak, teach or train, you have two choices. Make the right one.
