Respect Says Little

A tale of respect earnt and making every word count 

This week Justin Westhoff announced his retirement from professional football in the AFL. To most people, this is quite meaningless. To people who follow the game, it is a nice little footnote. For passionate Port Adelaide supporters like myself, it is a moment to reflect on the service of a very unique and dedicated servant to the club.

However, for anyone interested in leadership, The Hoff is a study of respect. A few facts for the uninitiated:

• 14 years at the highest level (a very long career!)

• Won the clubs Best & Fairest in 2018 (amazing to be 'the best' at a club in his later years!)

• 218 professional games (a lot of games!)

He has been one of the most versatile players of the modern era and is known to simply 'do whatever the team needs him to do', or more accurately 'be whatever the team needs him to be' as he has regularly played in positions all over the ground. When multiple people associated with Port Adelaide were interview in various media in the past week, they were asked about the retiring veteran. Many of them said almost the exact thing about Westy... 

"He doesn't say much, but when he talks... you listen."

I think this is what respect looks like. To be respected and to operate with respect. It is to have acquired experience where a body of work has stood the test of time. Without fuss and in service to those around you. To take this further, he has a reputation for dedicating his time and energy into humanitarian causes, like the Hutt St Centre for the homeless. 

Justin Westhoff is naturally an introvert that has sometimes been criticised as aloof by some. But, I feel he personifies some signals of leadership - Less talk, more impact. Less noise, more action. Less attention, more Service. No titles, only commitment. In a world where the loudest instrument usually gets heard, it is wonderful to see an example that defies this trend. 

He has made a significant impact as a professional, especially on those he has worked with. Something we can all aspire to.