It wasn’t about the jersey…

This weekend, Illinois made it to the Final Four for the first time since 2005. Big deal. Eric made sure I understood that.

While getting ready for the game, we found ourselves in the youth sports section at Scheels picking up fan gear for the girls. Hallie walked right over to a Cardinals jersey and said, “I want this one.” Almost instantly, Eric redirected her. “That’s not our team… this is the one you want.”

And just like that, she moved on to the Cubs section like she’d been a fan all along. It made me laugh because the same thing happened to me. I grew up a Cardinals fan thanks to my dad… until a boy I really liked swayed me toward the Cubs. Sorry, Dad.

Thankfully, that boy turned into my husband.

But it got me thinking about the power of influence.

How little selling, swaying, or convincing actually has to happen when guidance is coming from someone we know, trust, and love.

That’s true here (in sports). And it’s even more true in life.

As leaders, have we built enough trust to truly influence our teams?

As parents, have we created enough connection that our kids want our guidance?

As friends, have we established relationships strong enough to speak into sensitive situations with credibility and care?

When your kid is four, it’s easier to see. But the truth still holds whether you’re 4 or 40:

Action is often a result of trust.
And trust is built through connection.

So where could you leverage connection a little more this week?

How could you use your influence to move the people around you in a positive direction?

And now I have to know… who are you cheering for?!

Big hugs & so much love,

Cassy

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