On Going First (The Real Cost of Pioneering)
Prepare to be surprised. This poem isn't about what it seems...
"1st"
Intrepid leader, pioneer,
the first to start the race.
Who charts a course to lead the way,
a route to second place.
Though guides are callow, maps unknown,
who treks the virgin land,
by each new failure, marks the path,
to reach the final strand.
The first will vanquish demons that
no other man will face,
and then to hold the place in line,
march on at double pace.
Who oft as not will never see
themself the end reward.
The trail built but someone else
will bridge the final ford.
Regret and failure, dreams destroyed
the conquered hero stands,
to see the next, in half the time,
will navigate these lands.
What will they see, the third and fourth,
while passing by the first?
A counterfeit? A vagabond?
A swine? A fool, accursed?
Or will they see the harbinger
of all they soon will reach?
Who cut the trail, but time expired
short of the final beach.
And will the vanguard be content
to never see the end?
Instead, to be the stepping stone,
instead, to help a friend.
~ John Crenshaw
"Dedicated to every oldest sibling."
My son John wrote this the day his fourth brother received his Eagle Scout award. All his brothers beneath him got theirs or are in line for it.
He never received his.
As new parents, we were still learning the ropes, and he was cutting a trail for this brothers and sisters. I'm the oldest in my family, and I never earned my Eagle either.
However, I'm totally "content," as his poem uses that word, and I think he is too. Blazing the path for others and seeing them succeed is where I get much of my satisfaction in life. Perhaps that's why I love being a coach so much ...
Kevin Crenshaw is a business consultant and executive coach. As author of the blog "Strategy in Principle," he shares insights on hot topics in management and productivity tips for business owners. He is also CEO of Priacta, Inc., a time management company that helps you get an extra two hours out of your day—for life. Follow him on Twitter for more tips in all these areas.
