Player Coach

I had never heard the term “Player Coach” before. However, when Andrea Mitchell used the term to explain the role that Tim Russert played, it made complete sense. My husband and I are huge Tim Russert fans and were deeply saddened with his sudden death. He should have lived for many more years…or at a minimum to see who the next President of the United States will be.

Listening to the NBC family express their views of this larger-than-life man, a recurring theme was spoken:

• - Gentle Mentor
• - Team Spirited
• - Sharing of information and credit
• - Competitive

Every single one of us can be a mentor. Everyone can be an enthusiastic leader. It doesn’t matter if we are a knowledge worker or a senior vice president. We can still be a mentor. It is an important sign of the type of person we are.

We all can take on these traits that describe Tim Russert to be the central part of our own character. To do so, we need to strengthen our softer skills. Tim Russert was brilliant. He knew his craft and was always prepared. What differentiated him from the rest were his softer skills that were also as strong.

In honor of our memory of Tim Russert, let us all strive to be a player coach and mentor others to reach their potential. May our coworkers, colleagues, family and friends be as generous with compliments because we were a player coach … a mentor to many.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tim Russert’s wife, son, sisters, Big Russ and his many friends, coworkers, colleagues, and fans.