If you want to be successful and you want your teammates to

"If you want to be successful and you want your teammates to respect you, you got to be open to advice from the older guys," says Ivica Zubac, a reflection of wisdom passed down through the ages. In these words lies a timeless truth: the path to success is not one that can be walked alone, nor is it a path where pride and arrogance can lead the way. Instead, it is through humility, openness, and a willingness to learn from those who have walked the road before us that we can achieve true greatness. To seek the counsel of the wise is not a sign of weakness but a mark of strength—a recognition that the collective knowledge of those who came before us can guide us toward a future we could not achieve on our own.

In the ancient world, warriors and leaders understood this lesson well. Alexander the Great, despite his conquests, always surrounded himself with wise advisors, generals, and philosophers, recognizing that the success of his empire would not come from the strength of his sword alone but from the wisdom of those who had years of experience. Even the mighty Hannibal, one of history’s greatest generals, did not solely rely on his tactical genius but also on the counsel of his more experienced officers. The recognition of wisdom in those who had lived longer and seen more gave them the edge in battle and strategy. This was not a weakness; it was a form of empowerment—the strength of unity through shared knowledge.

Consider the story of the great King Solomon, whose wisdom became legendary not because of his innate power, but because he sought guidance from the elders of his time. He was known for his ability to listen to the counsel of those who came before him, regardless of their rank or station. His reign flourished not through his personal strength alone but through his capacity to harness the collective wisdom of his people. In every part of his kingdom, Solomon sought the advice of those who had lived through the hardships of war, famine, and governance. By doing so, he built an empire that was prosperous and just, a shining example of how the experience of the older generation can shape a thriving future.

This same truth applies in our modern lives, particularly in the realm of teamwork. Zubac’s advice speaks directly to the heart of collaboration, where respect for those who have come before is paramount. In sports, as in life, success is never achieved in isolation. The young may have ambition, speed, and vigor, but the older generation holds the wisdom of past experiences—mistakes, lessons learned, and strategies honed over time. Mentorship is a powerful tool, for when the young are open to learning from those who have walked before them, they can elevate their own potential and contribute to the success of the collective whole.

Real success is not measured by individual feats, but by the ability to work together, to listen, to grow, and to integrate the knowledge of those who have already walked the path. Just as Zubac acknowledges, the team’s respect cannot be earned through personal skill alone but through an openness to guidance and humility. It is this willingness to learn from others, to absorb their wisdom, and to apply it to one’s own journey that builds true leadership and mutual respect within a community.

Let this be a lesson: to strive for success is noble, but to seek wisdom from those who came before us is even nobler. Pride has no place on the path of growth, for it blinds us to the treasures of knowledge that are available to us. In life, as in sport, open-mindedness and humility are the keys to growth. If you wish to be great, listen to the voices of those who have already climbed the mountain—learn from their mistakes, their triumphs, and their stories. Their advice is not merely guidance; it is the map that will help you navigate the treacherous paths ahead.

So, let us heed the words of Zubac and the wisdom of the ancients: true strength lies not in doing everything alone, but in recognizing the value of collective experience and mentorship. By being open to advice and showing respect for those who came before us, we not only build our own greatness, but also contribute to the success and respect of those around us. In this way, we create a legacy of wisdom, collaboration, and shared success that will endure long after we are gone.