Actionable insights on coaching, leadership, culture, and teams

June 9, 2023

Howdy Y’all,

This week’s Highest Level includes:

• Even Equipment Managers Have Roles to Play on Championship Teams
• How Rick Rubin Leads the World's Most Talented Artists to Peak Performance
• D-Day Reflection: An Act of Man That Changed the Direction of the World

Let's go!

EB

Even Equipment Managers Have Roles to Play on Championship Teams

During Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals Monday night, Las Vegas Golden Knights forward Mark Stone broke his stick during play and had to continue playing stick-less while waiting for the right opportunity to sub out.

In the blink of an eye, a turnover created a fast break opportunity the other way for the Golden Knights, but as Stone approached the bench, instead of subbing out for player with an actual hockey stick, a replacement stick appeared from out of the mass of people on the Las Vegas bench. Stone grabbed the stick, lead the fast break opportunity, and made the pass that set up another goal for the Golden Knights.

Where did that stick come from? Golden Knights equipment manager J. W. Aiken sprang into action immediately, replaced the broken stick MID-PLAY as Stone immediately scored on the ensuing fast-break. Check out the video below

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport Golden Knights equipment manager replaced the broken stick MID-PLAY then Vegas IMMEDIATELY scored 😱 🤯 CLUTCH. (via @NHL) 5:50 PM • Jun 6, 2023 1577 Retweets 20140 Likes Read 203 replies

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Not only was this an unbelievable moment where an equipment manager can directly impact the play on the ice, but it also illustrates that not matter how small an individual's role is on the team, each individual has a role to play. A great reminder that on teams that win at the highest level, “There are no small roles, only small actors."

How Rick Rubin Leads the World's Most Talented Artists

​Rick Rubin's interview with Jay Shetty offers great insight into unleashing one's inner creativity, but also shares many lessons in leadership on leading with authenticity, having a willingness to adapt, and staying confident in a competitive space. One aspect that stood out was how artists deal with constant pressure and criticism from critics, fans, and the outside world.

In speaking on how artists can deal with criticism and avoid complacency in their work, Rubin notes how most of his artists don't even read reviews, and the ones that do have an ability to laugh off the tough reviews.

As a leader, we want to control the focus of our team and our own leadership. By understanding that whether receiving pats on the back or negative criticism, both have zero influence over how we lead our teams or how we show up to work the next day. The focus is on the effort and pursuit of greatness in whatever arena we compete in, not on the outside noise regardless of whether it's positive or negative.

Rubin's perspective is wide-ranging and his voice is very calming, so whether on a long plane trip or listening to a calming conversation on your way to work, this episode is a fun listen and provides some cool insights in how Rubin leads the world's most talented artists to achieving peak performance.

D-Day Reflection: An Act of Man That Changed the Direction of the World

With the anniversary of D-Day this past week, I found this 3-minute clip from world war II veteran Andy Rooney on D-Day a particularly poignant reminder of what June 6th represents for our country.

Andy Rooney on the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944

Hearing Rooney speak about his experience is a great reminder of the countless untold stories and selfless sacrifices from a day that changed the world for the better.

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Thanks for reading and see you next time at the highest level.

Dominate Today,

Evan

Find me on Twitter or my website.

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