My entire career is about sap – that over-the-top optimism that is fun to be around. I love people with sap. I really do. Nothing pulls at me more than a good sappy win-win scenario or someone who is so incredibly positive that you just can’t help but believe in them.
Ted Lasso is a great example of someone who is completely sappy. I love that show, and if you haven’t watched it, you really should. It is a story all about sap and how it overcomes cynicism. Being optimistic no matter what. You don’t have to be the best at something, but you do have to believe that you can be the best at something.
That is sap or as I say, being sappy.
Why is this important? Besides the obvious reasons, overseeing people is a huge responsibility and you should lead by example. Mostly it is because we don’t play football anymore.
I’ve always been a bit sappy in my career. I’ve been a cynic as well, but mostly for the humor of it. Deep down, I lean toward the sappy side of things. So when I made the leap from system administration and engineering to management, the transition was a bit easier for me because of my positive outlook on projects. The “we can do it” motto that says I want to build something great or be a part of something great.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE BY JOHN CASH FILIPPE IN THE 2023 SUMMER EDITION OF GAMING & LEISURE MAGAZINE.