"I adapted an antiquated style and modernized it to something that was efficient. I didn't know anyone else in the world would be able to use it and I never imagined it would revolutionize the event."

Dick Fosbury

In 1968, after years of experimenting with a new technique for jumping over the high jump bar, Dick Fosbury captured the NCAA title and then went on to win the U.S. Olympic trials. At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics Fosbury won the gold medal and set a new Olympic record when he jumped over the bar placed at 7 feet 4.25 inches.  In order to reach new heights Fosbury had to think differently since the techniques that jumpers used didn't work for him. Commentators initially made fun of his technique but after he won the gold medal the "Fosbury Flop" revolutionized the sport and became the dominate technique men and women use to jump over the bar.

As an established employee, college graduate or anyone else trying to move forward with either a small project or a life plan, how well do you generate, accept and test new ideas?  After watching this 8 minute interview with Fosbury answer the following questions:

• Fosbury refused to let the traditional way of high jumping stand in his way; do you let how things are done currently get in your way?  Explain.
  
• Can you explain how Fosbury's new technique represented an ability to respect a new idea?
• Fosbury had to get comfortable while being uncomfortable with the new technique; how comfortable are you being uncomfortable when discussing or experimenting with a new idea?
• Fosbury did not prevent what others thought of his new technique get in his way; do you let what others think of you stand in your way?  If so, why/who not?