Ditch The Rally Cap and Get In The Game

Have you seen the new GM Total Confidence commercial that’s been running? I can’t remember what I was watching at the time, but recall that the commercial caused me to pause and take notice.

As the commercial begins, we see a little league game. A voice comes on saying, "You know what America needs right now? America needs a comeback, so let’s put on our rally caps and dig in."
The camera then pans in to the dugout where we see players putting on their caps inside out (a rally cap). We then see a father in the stands doing the same.

Throughout the commercial there are people wearing rally caps in some unusual settings. We see a child wearing a rally cap as his mother loads groceries into the car, a man wearing a rally cap as he gets ready to go mountain biking, etcetera.

I found the imagery and message to be inspiring, as I’m sure many people did.

But then I remembered one thing.

The rally cap is worn by spectators and fans and not by the actual players on the field of play.
I would contend that for America to rally, we all need to get in the game and not remain on the sidelines. So, I believe that it is time to ditch the rally cap and become part of the rally!

Everyone’s game plan may be different, but the recovery game we’re playing calls for a team effort.

The Total Ownership Experience that I’m referring to has nothing to do with GM vehicles and everything to do with taking personal ownership in lifting ourselves up – and those around us.
So what does my game plan look like?

Staying informed about cutting edge trends in one’s field, or the field that we wish to enter into if we’re looking for a new career. By staying current we improve the company we work for, or build additional skills in the unfortunate event of a downsizing.

Networking in such a way that we become exposed to new ideas and opportunities that lie ahead for those who are willing to put in the time to learn. I’m talking about the type of networking that takes place over the world wide web, as well as with a handshake and a business card. Were we talking about Wind Power or "Going Green" a few years ago? What will we be talking about in a few years? You can bet that opportunities will continue to change.

Lift up those we know of that are looking for new employment. More importantly, spend time in trying to help friends in need. Sometimes it takes little more than an encouraging word, a reference, or some information about career openings. The old adage goes, "To have a friend, you must be a friend." There are no truer words today.

Inspire those around us by acting and thinking that we’re a little closer to the end of this recession today than we were yesterday. The media tends to focus on the negative – and of course, the news is made up of things that are newsworthy, or different. We are definitely living in different times. However, we need to be able to recognize ourselves in the mirror once full economic recovery is achieved.

Be more than what you do. Find your passions and causes and put some energy into them. When we focus on others, we’re sure to win.

Inspire the young people around you by being an active mentor.

These are just a few of the elements in my game plan. I don’t claim to be perfect at each of these things, but will always show up for practice.

I believe that this is the time to step up, step out and get some skinned knees in the process.

This is the time to put in a little sweat and perhaps a few tears.

Wearing a rally cap would only get in my way.

Have you considered your game plan? I would be interested to hear what you’re doing to make a difference during current times. Perhaps there are some X’s and O’s on your chalkboard that would help in my game plan as well.

Troopwalk 2009 Update:

Ruth Adkins has encountered some rough weather in Virginia that has slowed down her walk. However, she is firmly focused on her journey and looks forward to arriving in or around Preston County, West Virginia by the middle of next week.

You can follow Ruth’s remarkable progress on her daily blog:

http://troopwalk2009.wordpress.com/