By Dr. Jack Welch
President of Fort Scott Community College
From the Bleachers
This morning, I pulled into the office while it was still dark, about 4:30 a.m. The campus was quiet, as it usually is at that hour. Even in the stillness, I saw someone already working with purpose: one of our custodians, Kristy Holmes, was outside sweeping the sidewalks.
When I stepped into the building, I quickly realized the air conditioning had gone out. It was hot and uncomfortable. Kristy had already reported the issue, and a repair crew was on the way, but it would be a couple of hours before they could arrive.
She could’ve taken a break. Sat down. Waited it out. Nobody would have blamed her, and frankly, no one else would’ve even known.
That’s not what she did. Instead, Kristy went to another part of campus, not part of her normal assignment. Her assignment is inside the building. She was outside cleaning sidewalks.
When I asked if that was part of her regular duties, she said no. She noticed the area needed attention and, rather than waste time waiting on repair crew, she got to work. That’s not just work ethic. That’s character.
It’s a winner’s mindset, doing the right thing when nobody’s watching, putting pride into every task, and stepping up without being asked. Kristy didn’t do it to be seen. In fact, no one else was even around. Winners don’t need an audience. They know when they’re doing right, and they don’t wait for applause.
I’m incredibly proud to work alongside people like Kristy Holmes at Fort Scott Community College. This is the kind of quiet, humble leadership that makes strong teams and builds successful communities.
Let’s all take a page from her book and find ways to make it happen, even when no one’s watching. Leadership is more than a title. It’s work ethic. It’s initiative. It’s a “whatever it takes” mentality.
These kinds of workers deserve to be celebrated. Even though they’re not looking for recognition, it’s important for others to witness their example of dedication and commitment. Success is never a one-person show; it’s a team effort. Strong teams are made of people who go the extra mile without being asked.
I’ve been part of many winning teams, on the field and in the office. I can tell you: the difference isn’t always talent. More often, it’s the willingness to do the little things, the extra things, the unseen things that make the team better.
Winners find ways to win. Losers make excuses and explain why things are too hard to do. We can all do extra, if our pride and ego will allow us to. We need go the extra mile like this example Kristy gave us on this particular morning when no one was around. I just happened to come by.
Thought for the week, “The distance between those who achieve their goals consistently and those who spend their lives and careers merely following has everything to do with one’s ability to go the extra mile.” Gary Ryan Blair
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
