The Freedom of Forgiveness

KBJ Academy rolls out new Podcast every Monday Night for listeners called "Coffee with KBJ."  Kevin and Brenita Jackson offer an uplifting and honest dialogue for 15 minutes that will keep you engaged while also offering self reflection.  We merge our background with sports to our experience in business to give practical concepts on winning in your relationships, on your jobs and your life!

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Team Player

Are you a Team Player?  Coaches all over the world have given speeches about it or even just asked the question.  When this question is asked or this speech is heard, some players may just very well not understand what being a team player really is let alone how to go about being one. This can be the same way for other coaches on a staff.  They may simply be asking themselves, what is a team player or how to become a team player?

Let's look at what a Team Player is.  A Team Player is a person who plays or works well as a member of a team or group.  With this being said, you always have to ask yourself, "How do I work with others in a team or group environment?"   When you answer this question and your answer is that you are a team player, then that is awesome and I encourage you to keep building on that and never let up.  If your answer is that you are not or that you are not sure, then this is the time for reflection.  The world of sports and all it's concepts is one of the greatest things in my opinion that has been discovered.  Everyone that has ever played on a team, coached, or been apart of a team environment knows that to be successful as a team, everyone that is involved has to be team players.  If you struggle with this, ask yourself, "Do you give your all with what you are empowered to do as part of the team or coaching staff?  Do others around me enjoy working with me in the act of play or in the office?  Do I value my role as part of the team or staff?  Do I show everyone I interact with the respect they deserve?  Do I value other people's opinion. Do I communicate affectively?  I'm I part of the issues or part of the solutions?" 

All of these questions are very valid when doing self reflection on if you are a team player or not.  I want to give you a few key tips that can help you get better as a team player and turn your answer to the question earlier from "I'm not to I am." 

1. Always show everyone the respect that you would like people to show you.
2. Get some understanding when communication between you and some is not clear.
3. Take ownership in what you were empowered to do within your team.
4. Value your position and other people's position as well.
5. Never be part of the problem, but always strive to be part of the solution.

Working in a team environment is not always easy but you can always strive to make things easier then what they are.  I stand by the fact that on teams or staffs in sport that are full of team players, look at their success record.  It never fails that teams that suffer from lack of team players doesn't have as much success or longevity then teams that do have Team Players.

BE BLESSED and GO KBJ!
 
















 

Success Has No Age Limit

Success is attainable to you!  Don't let anybody tell you any different.  You are who God says you are and you are who you believe you are.  So listen to the things people tell you and if they do not align with who you are and who God says you are - don't receive it.  Surround yourself with people who see you for what God created you to be and know that you are better off without the others.

There is no rule that says you must wait until to a certain age to be successful.  You can be successful now - it is your mentality about it.  If you think you have to wait, then you will.  If you are open to working toward your goals with no hesitation or reservation -- then expect to succeed soon!

At the same time, you are never to old to dream, strive for your goals and succeed.  You did not miss your opportunity!  As sure as you have breathe in your lungs, then pursue your goals with determination to see them come to pass.  If you have life - you have purpose!

In our latest podcast, we discussed Success and how it all applies to all ages.  You can listen to the 15 minute motivational podcast at the following link:  https://www.spreaker.com/user/kbjacademy/success-has-no-age-limit
or on YouTube:

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UNITY

UNITY is one of the necessities that every person should seek in all areas of life.  It means together or joined as a whole.  Combined.  Oneness of mind.  On one accord.  In harmony!   Here is my take on unity and how it relates to different areas of life:

1. Unity in relationships requires each person to put down selfishness and embrace their partner's needs.  Each person should look for ways to uplift and elevate their loved one.  If you have been in a relationship with someone for at least a year and you look back to evaluate their input in your life, did they help you through a hardship or were they no where to be found when you needed them most? I also believe that you cannot support someone else in a time of need unless you first listen.  You cannot be so quick to talk, or offer your suggestion to fix it.  Most people in pain just want to be heard and know that someone has their back.  The person who is committed through the highs and lows of life is someone who is showing unity. Anybody who is here today am doing gone tomorrow-doesn't deserve your energy so consider who you unite yourself with.
2. Unity in teams requires each person to set aside their individual ambitions to pursue the common goals of the team.  What are the goals that the team wants to accomplish?  Without considering any individual accolades, can you truly commit yourself to giving your best effort in pursuit of reaching the goals of the team?  If not, then unity is not going to happen and winning could also be effected.  
3. Unity on jobs for employees is so crucial!  Probably one of the least discussed words in any workplace is unity but without it, your company will crumble!  I have worked for many companies that were in good and bad financial situations and the great equalizer in each company was unity being present or absent.  Unity will cause your employees to stay late to make sure deadlines are met.  Why?  Because they are not just doing it for the business to succeed alone, but because they are united with their co-workers and they understand that if this business goes under - it will impact the lives of everyone here and everyone we are connected to! 

Unity in relationships, on teams or on jobs is one in the same.  Let's view it from the large view perspective and take a step back out of the right now through a few mock scenarios that a united mindset would view on success:

"If I give my best to this team and we win a championship, although I don't desire to play college sports - I know Sean does.  Getting to that championship tournament will put him in front of the best college recruiters in the state and give him the opportunity he needs to be the first in his family to go to college.  I want to see him succeed and be great."

"If I leave early today instead of finishing my project on time, I will cause Sasha to run behind on her deadline as well.  I know she is planning a wedding so I don't want to add any additional stress on her during this season.  Let me go ahead and get this done today so we can move forward on time."

"This morning has been crazy, I got yelled at by my boss and two clients called to complain about our services.  I feel like quitting - but I cannot do that.  We have so many other clients that depend on us and I have 20 other employees that depend on me being here to do my job.  If I leave, someone else will have to pick up my work and complete it which could put everyone behind.  It could also cause them to miss out on family time because they are here at work after hours fixing a problem I caused."

"After 10 years of marriage and two children, I just feel drained.  I want to start over and start fresh with someone who gets me.  If I do that, I will cause pain to my wife, my children and all of my in-laws because now someone else will have to be there to support my family because I wasn't there for them.  I am not going to bring hurt to my family, instead I am going to bring them healing."

These are just some mock scenarios that you could be wrestling with and the bottom line is - when unity is in place, we think about our actions and how they can impact the life of someone else.  So at your next meeting, I implore you to find ways to unite your team, staff or family.  Ask them for suggestions on what would make them give more commitment and be willing to do some of the answers.  Maybe not all of them but you would be showing unity by embracing their suggestions as well.  Hope you enjoyed this read and please tell somebody you know about KBJ Academy!

#BeBlessed

Commitment

What is the lack of commitment in our society and within sports?  Some say its generational, but we cannot settle for the cause being a trend and be done with it.  After doing some research we found that 53% of Americans are not happy on their job.  Another study said that 78% of college freshman transfer.  There must be a connection from people not being happy and lack of commitment.

Leaders: If you are lacking commitment from your team or employees, then here are some suggestions to help them let their guard down to get better commitment.  

1. Give your expectations early and often - set the environment!
2. Treat your players fair and don't show favoritism.
3. Give Feedback and give them time to adjust and confidence to work on their weaknesses.
4. Verbalize and show your commitment to your players/employees.

It's not going to be a quick fix so a trip to go bowling is not the fix to building trust to get commitment.  People need to know you care about them - outside of what they do for you.  You have to show compassion outside of just when they are doing everything right.  That includes when they make mistakes.

Players or Employees:  If you feel like your authority does not have commitment to you and is making you feel uneasy then here are some steps you can take:

1. Communicate directly with your supervisor/coach about your frustrations.  Do it with all discretion and with the utmost respect.
2. Show compassion to your supervisor and give them the benefit of the doubt that they may not even realize what they are doing.
3. DO NOT EVER LET IT CHANGE YOUR WORK ETHIC OR YOUR LEVEL OF COMMITMENT!  Understand that you cannot control how people treat you, but don't let it change you from being a good person who is dependable.  Keep working hard and know that you will not always get back what you give to others.  Don't let it change you! 

You can hear the Jackson's Podcast on commitment on spreaker.com or by following this link:  https://www.spreaker.com/user/kbjacademy   

We air motivational podcasts Mondays at 7:30 pm CST on spreaker or you can like us on Facebook: KBJ Academy   to see us recording live.

  

Are You Coachable

Being coachable can be applied in so many areas of our lives on a day to day bases. Everyone has been coached by someone in some way, shape, or form at some point in their life. Whether you are a player or a coach, with that thought in mind, "Are You Coachable?" Let's look at a word like coachability. Coachability means the willingness to be corrected and to act on that correction. When we are coachable, the application of the information that we are given is where coachability is in affect. Another way to determine if you are coachable or not is your willingness to learn. A lot of players and coaches struggle with the tall task of learning. Coaches get to the point sometimes where they feel as though they have arrived and their ideas are the greatest invention to their sport and players can have one successful game and they turn off the listening switch because they reached their peak. If you get to the point where you think you can't learn anything else, you just put yourself out of the running of being coachable.

As a player or coach, how can you become coachable?
1.) Always be willing to learn and grow into what you are learning.
2.) Develop the ability to apply the information that someone gives you correctly.
3.) Get around great examples of someone that is coachable so you can always identify it when you need reminders.
4.) Practice being a great listener.

A lot of people sometimes say that being coachable is something you have or you don't but I very well believe you can develop this skill if you will just put in the effort. Michael Jordan said "My best skill was that I was coachable. I had an aggressiveness to learn." If you are a player and you are struggling with your production in your sport or if you are a coach struggling to be the best coach you can be, I encourage you to ask yourself "Are You Coachable?"

#BE BELESSED

Feedback

I often hear coaches say they give their players constructive criticism.  Some have said that this generation of players are too "sensitive" to receive it.  I want to challenge all coaches and really any person in authority to try the concept of giving feedback instead.

Here is the difference. See constructive criticism - although in your eyes - you think you are really helping. As a coach and even a player I received constructive criticism and gave it. What I came to finally realize....At the end of the day - it's still criticism. It's like saying this will be a "friendly tornado." It very well could be friendly, but you better get in a closet because it's still deadly! A tornado is a tornado! So you can dress constructive criticism up however pretty you like, it is still criticism.

Coaches are not critics. Coaches are teachers of a specific sport. With that being said,we are not called to criticize, but instead to teach. So to sum this up - I encourage you wherever you are to give feedback.


When we break that word down - the first part says feed. Which means to give nourishment, vitamins, nutrients to someone. Ask yourself - am I pointing out the obvious "you missed 6 lay-ups last night" or am I giving them something nutritious to chew on? Instead you could say "Last night wasn't the best performance that I know you're capable of. Today I want you to practice your form, focus and finish of every lay up in practice. That is a priority for this team that you can address and help us get better today if your willing to?" - See I just said the same thing but which one motivates you to get in the gym and get better? Definitely not the first one!

The second part of the word feedback says back. Which means - metaphorically- speak back to this person (not down-huge difference). Remember you are in authority for a reason - you have passed their level of comprehension. You have probably been in their shoes at some point but you are now past it. So take a step back to their level and explain things in a way that will resonate with them. I'm not saying dumb down your material at all! I'm saying think about their perspective is not yet where yours is. Now they can grow to reach your level with proper teaching from their coach. You can encourage them to progress forward  with proper nutrition you feed them or they may shrivel up from embarrassment or low self-esteem from criticism overload!

It could be that this generation is different, but they aren't going away anytime soon. So we can all either keep holding onto old mindsets with new players or we can try a new concept that would give everyone what they seek. Let's choose what works best for the people we coach, teach or manage.

Adapting To Change

 

What is change? Do you have difficulty adapting to change? Are you adapting to positive or negative changes?  

  
     When trying to adapt to a change of scenery or environment and we are having trouble adapting, sometimes to find our way we simply have to ask ourselves those questions. First, let's look at what does Change mean? Change means to make or become different.  In this world there are a lot of things, people, and places that go through changes.  Through all changes to some degree there is an adaptation process that goes along with it.  Let's look at the word Adapt?  Adapt means to become adjusted to new conditions.  Now for many of us, we experience some big changes in our lifetime that we have to adapt to.  Some big changes we all experience in our lifetime are; getting a new job, getting a new home, moving to a new city, attending a new church, or having a new baby.  Talk about adapting! There are many more changes we experience in our lives but the ones mentioned can be very scary or even just plan ole hard to adjust to.

     God gave us all the ability to adapt to things now whether we make it hard on ourselves to adapt to change or not is a different story. We all know that change can be negative or a positive change which on one hand can contribute or not to adapting to change.  I myself, have gone through many changes in my life from jobs to you name it and some were positive and some were negative and that adapt process was sometimes difficult and sometimes smooth. I can honestly say that lessons were learned sometimes the hard way but I'm glad I learned them.  I want to give you a few tips on how you can make that adaptation process go a little more smoother if you are having difficult times with changes in your life and I also hope that your changes becomes positive ones if they are not already.

1.) Understand what the words Change and Adapt really mean. You really can't do anything about what you don't understand. 

2.) God needs to be the #1 source in your life. If God is the #1 source, then He will order your steps, cast away your fears, give you clear and efficient direction on decisions and again with all change comes some adapting; God surly will teach you how you need to adapt to different changes.

3.) Ask yourself; Are you making it difficult for yourself to adapt to changes? Sometimes we can get in our own way and we need to order things within ourselves to find our way.

4.) Ask yourself; Are the changes you are dealing with positive or negative? Is that what's causing me difficulties to adapt? With a lot of negative changes that we may have to go through in our lives, they may be out of our control as far as who developed the change to began with. Know that you, yourself don't have to conform to change if I can ease a little pressure. At that point, you can plan a positive change within yourself that will help you adapt to that negative change that will soon enough turn positive. 

     I wanted to take the time to share a few things that I have learned over the years about adapting to change.  I hope that this does help someone and I want to encourage you to not grow weary in good deeds and keep God first in your life. Although there are going to be harder times then others, know that you always can rely on God and you have all the tools to get through any situation that you may be facing.

     

                                                                                                                                                                                            

Teamwork in the Workplace

Teamwork is defined in the dictionary as a combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient.  Teamwork can sometimes be minimized to being only for sports teams which is not true.  Although sports is the place where teamwork is most discussed.  How much more productive would companies be if they would embody the mindset of developing teamwork in their workplace? 

The next question is how do you develop teamwork in general?  This is an ever-changing answer because you must first understand that every team is different and there is no one process that works for everybody.  The goal is to move your people to a state of unity and out of the state of self.  This takes time and can be quicker for some than others.   

Here are some simple steps to developing teamwork in the workplace:

1. Awareness - You must first inform your employees that they have made a choice to join your company and every day they wake up and decide to come to work is the first step in showing their commitment to being apart of the team.  So leave your selfish ambitions at home.  When you walk through the door leave personal problems at home and realize you are about to walk into an environment where your actions effect everyone here, so act consciously.  
2. Choose - To make the freewill choice to commit to the vision of the company is a huge milestone for employees.  So many people work because they think they need the pay or they think their family needs the benefits.  This needs to be addressed right away that pay and benefits are bi-products of joining your company.  The reason they decide to commit to your company needs to correlate with your mission and vision of the company's future.  That's great that they want to get paid, but getting paid won't motivate them in high pressure situations.  Getting paid won't be enough to make them pay attention to details and ensure quality work.  Pay is not enough!  People need to be committed to a purpose and as a manager or business owner you need to make it clear that employees are expected to make a decision to commit today!
3. Commit - People commit to what they believe in.  They give their time and invest in what they trust.  So how do you build trust and get your people to invest?  You must first have a clear vision that you communicate to them.  Expectations should be thoroughly explained and the process to reach those expectations are crucial to your team's success.  Once the map is laid out and the directions are given on how to get their - begin to guide and empower your people through this journey.  Constructive criticism is necessary but it needs to be direct and private.  Encouragement builds confidence in people and successful people drink it like water. 
4. Align - In sports, individuals can be so talented that they can win a game, but it takes a united team to win consistently.  The same is true for business.  A talented employee can win some battles or meet some deadlines.  They will not be able to do it consistently because consistency derives from joining talents, gifts, skills and personalities together and getting them aligned.  They must be aligned or on the same page as the leadership.  That is so necessary!  The best example of this is a car.  If you buy new tires, you can't just put them on and go.  You will mess up internal balance and other areas of your vehicle.  After you get new tires, you must get them aligned.  This is the necessary step that people cannot see from the outside but your vehicle will not function properly if you skip this step.

Thank you World Harvest Ministries

We would like to send a sincere thank you to Bishop Lewis and Minister Jones for having Kevin and Brenita Jackson at the Women's Alliance this past Saturday.  It was truly a blessing to connect with you and we will continue to pray blessings over all the women who came out as well as your church to be blessed supernaturally this season! Watch a piece of Brenita Jackson's story below! Be sure to like our videos to show your support!