In this final part of our three-part series on LEAD’s definition of Development, we focus on the critical components of obtaining personal mastery and excellence through nurturing training.
At LEAD, we define development as the deliberate effort to value and empower learners to achieve personal mastery and excellence through nurturing training. We’ve already discussed the importance of deliberate effort and the value and empowerment of learners.
Now, we delve into the final piece: obtaining personal mastery and excellence.
Obtaining Personal Mastery
To obtain means to get, acquire, or secure. Personal mastery, in this context, refers to comprehensive knowledge or skill in a particular area. This isn’t just about having information; it’s about transforming information into knowledge through experience. Knowledge, as we say, is power—not merely information.
At LEAD, our mission includes helping Black boys overcome three significant challenges: crime, poverty and racism. These societal curveballs are pervasive and require targeted strategies to address effectively. Fighting racism, in particular, involves three key pitches: influence (relationships), affluence (money) and advocacy.
LEAD’s Four Pillars of Excellence
Our approach is structured around four pillars of excellence:
- Athletics (Baseball)
- Academics
- Commerce
- Civic Engagement
These pillars provide a comprehensive framework for nurturing personal mastery and excellence.
Real-World Experience
I recently attended the final sermon of Dock Hollingsworth, the Senior Pastor at Second Ponce De Leon Baptist Church. This church, a majority-white congregation in Atlanta, offered a unique learning opportunity for our LEAD Ambassadors. I met Dock in 2017 during his Leadership Atlanta cohort, while I completed my own in 2015.
On Sunday, July 14, I was present with several LEAD Ambassadors and their parents. It was many of their first experiences attending a majority-white worship service. This kind of exposure turns information into knowledge; hearing about such a service is one thing, but experiencing it as Black boys provides a deeper understanding.
Mastery on the Baseball Field
On the baseball field, we emphasize experiencing high levels of competition, which includes facing failure and success. These experiences provide opportunities to make adjustments after failures and repeat successful strategies. Their personal mastery of race relations and adaptability on the field increases their chances of becoming Major League Players and Major League Citizens.
Nurturing Training
The proper nurturing training of Black boys to become Major League Players and Major League Citizens is paramount. To nurture means to care for and encourage growth. This growth involves preparing the ground, planting seeds, and eventually harvesting the fruits of our efforts.
I believe that while no one can care for everyone, we can deeply care for those within our sphere. As a Black man whose development was significantly influenced by baseball, I am deeply committed to the Black boys under our care.
Training is more than practice; it’s practice under pressure. That’s why we recently took our LEAD Ambassadors on a pilgrimage to Montgomery, Alabama, to visit the Equal Justice Initiative. This experience was tough and touched their souls, helping them to overcome unseen limitations.
At LEAD, we love our Black boys, and they love us. Our commitment to nurturing their growth through deliberate efforts and real-world experiences ensures they obtain personal mastery and excellence, preparing them for success both on and off the field.
Through deliberate effort, valuing and empowering learners, and nurturing training, we can help Black boys achieve personal mastery and excellence. This comprehensive approach is essential for their development and success in navigating the complexities of the world they face.
For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today.
If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.
C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.
