![The Higher We Climb [NIAAA]](https://d32hqtdnadtdcp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ArticleAD1_LG_031126.png)
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By: Roger Dixon, CAA
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an adult education series conducted by storyteller Ed Kilbourne. During Ed's first session, he used songs to emphasize his message to the group. In his first story, he sang Dan Fogelberg's "The Higher You Climb!" There is a message in each song and the lyrics of "The Higher You Climb" sparked my interest and deeper look into the meaning, for me, as an educator and coach. Three lines of the lyrics drew my attention, with regards to being an athletic administrator or the person in charge. First, 'The Higher You Climb;' second, 'The More You See;' and third, 'The Less That You Know.' My initial thoughts were about the view from a mountain top, the long-distance view we have on a cloudless day, the difference in terrain, the dense forest, a glimpse of a river in the distance, the shades of colors and smoke from a chimney below. We have the best views from the top, a big picture. The problem we have being at the top of a mountain, we cannot see or know all the details which lie below; the pieces which make up the view we see! For me this is like being an athletic administrator or district superintendent whose interest is in the big picture rather than the pieces which make up the whole. The three lines of lyrics: 'The Higher You Climb,' 'The More You See,' 'The More You See,' 'The Less You Know,' may imply that we, as administrators, are more concerned with the big picture, how we are perceived, and not as understanding about the pieces which make up the big picture. In completing a picture puzzle, we need all the pieces in their proper place to complete the puzzle and make the picture come out as intended by the artist. When we entered the professional world, for most of us as a teacher and coach, we were inexperienced and in need of a veteran teacher or coach as mentor to assist in our preparation and growth. At this point we were on the ground level of our potential climb and focusing on the daily challenges and details required for a successful career. Our views and knowledge are limited to our immediate area. As we grew, we explored the options available for advancement, moving from an assistant coach to a head coaching position or a move into an administrative role. In making these moves, our jobs and focus changed. We became different people because things happened to us as we made the climb. Reaching the top, our roles and responsibilities changed, our focus changed and our view and knowledge of what was happening at the lower levels became blurred. From the top of the mountain, we can see for miles on a cloudless day, yet we cannot see the details of what is beyond the covering of the trees. We know less. What is really going on down there? To determine what is happening below in the valleys and with our programs, we must change our view, our position by going down to determine what lies below; what is happening and providing the view at the top. Two additional lines of lyrics in "The Higher You Climb" are 'The Farther You Reach' and 'The More That You Touch!' Specifically, the higher we climb, the more opportunities to reach out farther and touch more people! What seeds have we planted along our climb and what fruits will they bear? Leadership is not about the number and type of certifications, titles, position(s) we hold or the color of our jacket; it is about the influence we have had on others! It is not all about us, we must have a team to support, influence, and encourage us to make the climb. As we continue the climb, do not forget those who have been there for us. Turn around and help someone else make the climb. To close, the higher we climb, the more we see, the less we know, the more we reach, the more we touch. The 'learnings' from our climb provides us opportunities to see more, learn more and to touch more as we build relationships with students, co-workers, and others along our path! What difference will we make tomorrow? *Check out the lyrics of "The Higher You Climb" by Dan Fogelberg. Roger Dixon, CAA
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The Higher We Climb [NIAAA]
