A tournament with 534 teams from all over the country … the third largest soccer tourney in the US offered a rear chance to watch true teamwork in action. From players ranging eight to 48 you had a chance to soak in the plays … rays … and a few not so obvious lessons.

Take my sons team for example…as of Friday they had to endear five games in three days … incredible heat … of which they captured three outright wins … one win in an exciting shootout … and a double overtime heartbreaking 4-3 loss in the semi-finals.

Their passion to overcome all of these obstacles with such a positive outcome is what separated the men from the boys. Even from 16 year olds … we can all learn lessons on how hard work … collaboration … teamwork … and where a will to succeed helps us come out ahead and elevate us. This photo is from one of those games this weekend after my son had a beautiful throw-in that allowed one of his teammates to net the goal.

As a parent we are use to giving our children advice .. as a boss we are use to giving employees advice … it’s good to know that when it really counts … when someone is on their own … doing what you’ve been trained to do … working hard … and bringing it in sync with your team still means something.

More importantly … the efforts of our children more times than perhaps we care to notice often teach us valuable lessons that we can bring to our lives and the workplace. Thanks Sean you’re a rock star!

A sea of red celebrates…