Whether we realize it or not, we are influenced by our parents and the other adults in our lives from a very young age. Many of us were fortunate to have learned some key leadership lessons that we apply in our lives today. Here is one story that a ChampionshipCoachesNetwork.com member shared with us:

I learned some of the best lessons in life from my parents. The ongoing wars in Palestine forced my family to relocate to Kuwait. We were fortunate to come to the United States when I was only four years old. My parents didn't know anyone, had no money and couldn't speak English. Shortly after we arrived, my father began working two full time jobs as my mother raised the four children at home. I watched as my parents made every sacrifice possible to ensure our family was safe, had something to eat, something to wear and to go to school.

The lesson that stands out most was watching my mother and father share a winter coat, so that their four kids would have winter coats, hats and mittens. That meant that my parents never left the house together during the long winter months in Michigan. I could share many example of the lessons they taught us, but that is the one I share with my players when we talk about being a family, commitment, dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance.

To make a long story short, my parents went on to raise six children, all college graduates. My father earned a Ph. D in higher education from The University of Michigan. After all of her children were raised, my mother enrolled in college. Not bad from a woman who lived in refugee camps forcing her to dropped out of school in 8th grade.

Waleed Samaha
Head Basketball Coach
Huron High School
Ann Arbor Michigan

What leadership lessons did you learn from your parents? How do those lessons help you as a coach? If you'd like your story added to this page, please send an e-mail to Sarah Gates at sarah@jeffjanssen.com.