Gavin provides us with our topic for musing today.

You recently invited the readers of this blog to engage in more counter discussion of positions you have taken (to paraphrase you). Not your first time, and not surprising to anybody that frequents the KL. I think your mind would spin out of control if you went a day without a challenge, a task to conquer. Have you ever considered the irony of a person in today’s spotlight pleading (need to learn italics in this format) to be critiqued, to be prodded? But that question is not my official (pretend italics) question. With authenticity and transparency ingrained, how much internal and external conflict does this create in what is essentially your high-profile, corporate gig, where some degree of counter behavior will be asked of you quite often? Do you think you can change corporate/business culture more than it can change you?

Gavin, you’re a stud. Your questions and comments are always sharpening. Thank you.

First, I would not call my occupation corporate nor high profile, although I certainly work for a corporation. Player Development is human development masquerading as a baseball endeavor.

No small percentage of the reason I continue to write this blog while working in baseball is because I know players peruse it. I may reach out to a player while on the field or at my (standing) desk. But this forum offers another method of connection. When no one else is around, I can share general philosophies without putting anyone on the spot. I have a space to wax about something totally off the cuff and then follow up with a player later. Hopefully, it sparks debate or a productive conversation. I can refer back to posts on nutrition, body language, speed, power…whatever. We can sharpen and be sharpened, inspire and be inspired. Isn’t that what we all live for?

For that very reason, authenticity is vital. In order to relate to another human being, we must clearly indicate that we stand on common ground. That means acting like us in any given moment, while perpetually hunting for the strongest version of ourselves. Some days we are perfectly on point, other days we display our highs and lows. Perhaps we get pissed off and get loud, perhaps we’re relaxed and having fun. Those are important to display, independent of the forum.

So, I’m not trying to change corporate or business culture. I maintain my flexibility, but stay true to my core beliefs and practices. We shouldn’t be so malleable that an office environment removes my soul. We are trying to connect with other human beings, and we can’t always do that face-to-face. Sometimes it has to be on the phone or via text. This blog is another format to prompt debate, action or assumption questioning. It’s a place to remove some boundaries while remaining responsible and cognizant of my audience. Otherwise, I’d just write about John Lee Hooker on the guitar, and you’d be bored to death.

Strong mind,

Kap

As a reminder, feel free to leave your questions and thoughts in the comments below. Any topic is fair game.