Alex Trebek Was Not Just a ‘Jeopardy!’ Host. He Was the Kind of Leader We Should All Aspire to Be
The American dream goes some thing like this: the idea — if not the actuality — that anyone, no issue how seemingly deprived, can reach their own variation of good results through challenging perform, determination, and a willingness to acquire smart pitfalls.
Couple of video game exhibits embody the spirit of the American aspiration superior than Jeopardy!
Which is mainly because Jeopardy! is just not the regular video game present. There are no gimmicks. No manufactured drama. No “Whammies,” no “Bankrupt” wedges, no spinning wheels or dice rolls or card attracts.
No equalizing variable that makes it achievable for any individual, if they get fortunate sufficient, to pull off a surprise win.
Someone like me? If I could transform my personality to become incredibly outgoing and find an undiscovered like for wearing wacky clothing, I could conceivably acquire on The Value Is Proper. A few of excellent guesses, a small luck, and boom: I’m off to Cancún for 6 nights and seven days.
Another person like me could not conceivably get on Jeopardy! Or even make it on the demonstrate. I am not smart enough: Jeopardy! is a meritocracy wherever broad intelligence, an comprehension of game theory and strategies, and buzzer timing rule the day.
As the community experience of the Jeopardy! brand, the just lately passed Alex Trebek embodied the spirit of servant management as couple of folks do.
He arrived at operate by 6 a.m. to evaluation the day’s content. (Jeopardy! tapes five displays in a person working day.)
He reviewed pronunciation. He reviewed issues and answers not so he could pretend to be good — some thing he could, as a performer, quickly have pulled off — but so he could actually be smart.
And so he could then phase again to let the match, and the players, move ahead.
He hardly ever produced enjoyment of a contestant. He was under no circumstances snarky. He was never ever essential. He was good, and courteous, and when appropriate empathetic.
He did what wonderful leaders do. He wasn’t showy. He was not flashy. He was continually simple and stable and trustworthy.
He focused on building an natural environment where the manufacturer could glow. Exactly where the products could shine.
Wherever the most effective and brightest folks could obtain, and succeed, on the foundation of their individual talent and merit.
And for a several moments at minimum, turn into stars.