I had the honor of being seated next to Coach Jerry Moore, the much storied head football coach of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC at a small dinner party held by a friend this past week. 

Among an impressive list of accomplishments, on September 1, 2007, Jerry Moore led Appalachian state to score one of the biggest upsets in college football history, defeating the then fifth-ranked Michigan Wolverines, 34-32, at Michigan Stadium.

Coach Moore is a humble, yet firmly convicted man who's personal and professional accomplishments speak for themselves.   My dinner conversation with him flowed easily on many topics ranging from motivating a team to instilling discipline to fulfilling your life's purpose.

He spoke often of a book that was given to him a few years ago that impacted him deeply.  The insights he shared with me from the book caught my interest and I made a note to purchase the book as soon as I had the opportunity.

The next morning, when I went online to learn more about the book - the cover photograph looked familiar as I recognized it as a gift I received from a friend 3 years ago.  I remembered sending a thank you note with my commitment to read it. 

 However, after three failed attempts to embrace the topic, engage with the author's style, and connect with the message....I put it on my book shelf and, in truth, forgot about it.

I opened it up and started reading...and, as you may have guessed, I was taken in by the message and could not  put it down until I had completed the entire book.   It is now filled with notes, underlined passages, and rows of page numbers listed on the inside cover where particular things that resonated with me could be readily referenced.

The book is powerful...........graceful in its straightforward style and deliberate in the way the author presents his thoughts.   He speaks to the importance of moving beyond leading a team with the philosophy of 'What's in it for them'....and truly engaging with each team member at a deeper level to get to the heart of
'What are they in it for'.

Three years ago, a good friend thought the book's message was important enough for me to hear and took the time to purchase a copy, gift wrap it, and send it to me.  But, three years ago, for whatever reason, I wasn't ready to hear the message.  Last week...I was.  And, last week, I rediscovered the book sitting on my office book shelf.

There's a saying that goes: 
 'When the student is ready, the teacher arrives'.  

In this case, the teacher arrived in the form of Coach Jerry Moore........little did I know, though, that the materials were sent by a caring, generous friend  who several years ago
sent me a 'lesson' that remained with me until
I was ready to learn it.  
 
The greatest teachers in our life, as leaders, deliver lessons with the innate understanding that every student's readiness to learn is not a possibility....but, rather a matter of time.

Don't ever doubt your influence....the impact just
may not be on your own timetable.  

   Thanks for sharing your second cup with me!