Introduction
As parents and educators, we often find ourselves navigating the everyday moments that hold profound lessons for our children. Sometimes, these lessons emerge from the most unexpected and even unpleasant situations. This was precisely the case one summer afternoon when, as a soccer coach and a dad, I witnessed an all-too-common scenario unfold on the field. It was a moment that highlighted a critical lack of initiative in society and inspired the creation of “The Dog Poop Initiative,” a book aimed at instilling this vital principle in young minds.
The Incident on the Soccer Field
My five-year-old son’s soccer team was about to take the field. As the previous game concluded, parents from both teams, followed by the coaches, and then the referees, all pointed out a significant problem: a large pile of dog poop marring the playing surface. Each adult dutifully warned the arriving boys to watch their step. After the third such warning, my son’s co-coach and I exchanged a look. Without a word, we both headed for nearby trash cans, found a piece of cardboard, and within a minute, the field was clean.
What struck me most were the “dumbfounded and bewildered expressions” of the adults who had so readily identified the problem but hadn’t even considered the solution. As I surveyed the parents lining the field, and reflected on all the adults who had been present throughout the day, I was astonished that none had taken the initiative to clean it up. This was a golden opportunity to teach invaluable lessons in service, teamwork, selflessness, and, most importantly, initiative.
The Broader Implication: A Lack of Initiative
In my mind’s eye, I could already see these same adults, ten to fifteen years down the line, lamenting their teenagers’ lack of initiative. Sadly, it often doesn’t occur to them that this deficiency might stem directly from never witnessing their own parents demonstrate initiative. It seemed that for every two “scoopers,” there were over 220 “poop pointers.” With such a low bar for initiative, those of us willing to take action stand out dramatically. Yet, what a powerful opportunity to show our children how they, too, can create positive change by simply taking the initiative.
The Birth of “The Dog Poop Initiative”
When I shared this story with colleagues and friends, I discovered a widespread frustration with the lack of initiative in society. The pervasive “it’s not my job” or “someone else will do it” mindset manifests in countless ways that affect us daily. The overwhelming positive response to my anecdote led me to include it in my speaking engagements, and even prompted some to share it in their own staff meetings. This groundswell of shared experience ultimately led to the publication of “The Dog Poop Initiative.”
About the Author and the Book
Kirk Weisler, the author, is recognized as a Chief Morale Officer. He gained national acclaim for transforming corporate culture in high-turnover, low-pay environments, achieving dramatic and measurable results. His experience as a US Army Ranger, his work with at-risk youth, and his expertise as a Master Team Builder make him a sought-after speaker on leadership, morale, and building great cultures. “The Dog Poop Initiative” reflects his unique and creative approach to making the workplace, and indeed life, a more engaging and results-oriented experience. The book itself is a concise 24-page paperback, published by Team Dynamics, Inc., designed for ages 1 and up, with a large print edition released on March 28, 2005.
Conclusion: Empowering Action
“The Dog Poop Initiative” serves as a powerful reminder that initiative is not just about cleaning up messes; it’s about recognizing opportunities to contribute, to lead by example, and to foster a culture of proactive engagement. By sharing this relatable story, Kirk Weisler encourages readers, young and old, to embrace the power of taking action, transforming everyday moments into valuable lessons in personal responsibility and collective improvement.
Source:
- Weisler, K. A. (2005). The Dog Poop Initiative. Team Dynamics, Inc.
