The Legend Behind The Legends
Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Jim Harbaugh, Desmond Howard.
What do these legends all have in common? The University of Michigan, yes. But also, Greg Harden.
Greg who?
Greg Harden was known as Michigan’s “secret weapon.” The man who gave the Wolverines an edge over the competition. But what he really did was give each athlete he worked with an edge in life.
Greg Harden was a sports psychologist, motivational speaker and executive coach for the University of Michigan.
He died this past Friday. Yet his wisdom is eternal.
So many exceptional athletes would come off their chosen field and take a seat in Greg’s office. There, like any good executive coach’s space, was a place where the athletes could express their anger, frustration and fears. Vent and cry. It was a place to be their most vulnerable, only to walk out with clarity on who they were and a plan to tackle what’s next.
Greg was a special coach. In his late 20’s after a rough start working long hours in a steel mill, he saw the light. He realized his purpose was to help other people find their purpose.
Soon after he became a professional social worker and found himself lecturing and working for Michigan’s iconic football coach, Bo Schembechler.
Greg believed you have to get clarity on who you are. Be what he called, “an expert on yourself.”
Over the course of several decades, Greg offered people a lot of wisdom but one of his most enduring ideas, and one I think about and use with clients almost daily is this: “control the controllables.” There’s so much in business and life that’s out of your control. But what you believe, how you show up, and how you respond — these things are in your control. And that will make all the difference.
You’ll find all of Greg’s incredible thinking and advice in his terrific book. It’s called, “Stay Sane in an Insane World.” It’s a great read and reference. I urge you to pick it up or download it. This book will give you a chance to meet Greg Harden. And then I promise, he’ll stay with you forever.