A number of presentations and discussions at the 2012 ILEETA conference caused me to reflect on a quote I recently read by Terry Lundgren, The CEO of Macys:
“You’re not going to do this forever. There’s a finite amount of time you’re going to be doing this. Do this really, really well.”
This was the first year that ILEETA founder and legendary trainer and mentor Ed Nowicki was unable to be at the conference.
Coach Bob Lindsey gave a presentation on A Warrior at Any Age. During that powerful presentation he reminded all of us that many in the room would be alive long after Coach has passed.
During the opening ceremonies we paused to remember the fallen officers who gave their lives in service to their communities, including ILEETA members who died in the line of duty.
As much as many of us do not like to think about it, there will come a time for all of us when we will no longer be able to provide training. That may be as a result of new job commitments, life commitments, a change in priorities, health reasons or even our death. None of us knows when that day will come however, between now and then Lundgren’s message is very clear. Do what you do really, really well. Be the best trainer you can be. Make a commitment to always be better tomorrow than you are today. Seek excellence in training. Continue to learn about the profession of training and speaking. Improve your skills, knowledge, and your platform skills. Attend the ILEETA conference, write for the ILEETA Journal, write for one of the law enforcement periodicals, join outside organizations like the National Speakers Association or The Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.
As you pursue personal excellence as a trainer make sure you take time to mentor someone new to the profession for they will be the next generation of trainers. You did not get to where you are without the help of others so make sure you pay it back and pay it forward.
Take care.
Brian Willis
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