Clemson's Dabo Swinney received encouraging support for their coming ACC title effort from perhaps the most unlikely of sources, South Carolina Gamecocks' Head Coach, Steve Spurrier. The Clemson Tigers, ranked #25, face neighboring Georgia Tech, ranked #12, for the coveted ACC football title this coming weekend. Young Swinney is wrapping up a strong performance for a first year coach.
Swinney said "during post-game handshakes following last Saturday's 34-17 defeat at USC, Steve Spurrier offered that he had been in a similar situation several times while coaching at Florida. He said, 'You know what, I lost to Florida State many times, but I'd turn around and go win the conference the next week. That's what's important, and you guys can do it. Good luck to you. Go get it done."
"I thought that was very nice of him, very encouraging," Swinney said. "He didn't have to say that to me, so I appreciated that encouragement." Veteran coach and Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier is a class-act and recognizes the significance of an ACC conference title for all of South Carolina, despite the fact that the Tigers and USC Gamecocks are bitter rivals though playing in separate conferences.
Encouragement is a easy thing to offer. It requires little effort or thought. It does not cost money and can be freely given. It only takes a few moments. It does however, require sincerity. It can make a huge difference to the receiver, often supplying the needed "extra" that people often require in tough situations. In the same manner, it also is gratifying for the encourager, knowing that he may have made a difference in someone else's life.
An act of encouragement, though not an evident component in the sales process, is certainly welcomed on days where little may be going our way. A kind word from a stranger, a prospect or a customer might completely change your attitude and outlook for the remainder of the day. I suggest that we need to be sensitive to the subtle as well as the more pronounced words of encouragement that may fall on us. In the same manner, we need to be generous in our encouragement of others. Who knows, it may be that little "extra" that opens the door of opportunity for you.
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Daniel Sitter
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