It seems to me that the general public is enamored with star performers of any genre, and in music, acting and sports, for sure. At least, these areas get the most attention.

So, what makes a star? For openers, it is talent and mostly individual efforts. However, there are many talented people who are not stars in my book. “What does my book say?” Since talent is a given, what else defines a star or, at least, has them be worthy of consideration?

Let’s back up for a second and look at the nature of any relationship. Two things have to be present to have a relationship. The first is respect. You don’t have to respect everything about the person, but you do have to find something. The second thing is more defining. You need to be engaged in something where you both have a commitment.

The fan, the media and others have an interest in the “star” candidate, but do not have a project together. They are only interested in the result produced by the star and team. Throw in admiration and adoration and you have the usual way those people relate to the performer. Both are slippery slopes.

Where the star is a star is their circle of teammates, organization and family. Being a star is a day-to-day activity. No days off. It requires a shift in how one is being. Hall of Famer Jerry West told me that he could never have what would be considered a good game. He had to be great and his team had to win.

The shift requires us to create a new self-interest. Our natural self-interest is in ourselves. The new self-interest is about everyone else. This self-interest allows the star to affect the people around them. The effect is everyone being better because of the efforts of the star. In fact, this is the star’s true job.

There are many examples of this in the world of sports. Given this, I am going to use a movie star as an example. Her stardom is so acclaimed that this isn’t big news. Her name is Meryl Streep. Every interview about her has the same theme; She is great to work with; open, supportive and kind. No primadonna in that girl.

The star is that every day. Being a star is a choice that most are not up to.
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