Above the Line

By Urban Meyer with Wayne Coffey

What does it mean to be “Above the Line”?

The phrase, as it is used in the book, was coined by Tim Kight. To be Above the Line means that your behavior is intentional, on
purpose, and skillful. Acting in such a manner is considered to be a winning behavior. The losing behaviors, or acting below the line, can
be described as impulsive, on autopilot, and resistant. These behaviors are often difficult to avoid because they are comfortable and
convenient (p. 27).

E+R=O
Event + Response = Outcome (p. 41)

This concept, while powerful, is simple in

nature. We have no control over the events that
happen, but what we can control is how we respond
to these events. This is called the R factor (p. 42) and
by controlling this, we can dictate the outcome. I have
found this to be particularly helpful when dealing with
classroom management. As teachers, it is important
to realize that our response is an event for our
students (p. 51). Negative responses lead to negative
outcomes.

BCD
Below the line behavior is easy to spot. Think of the acronym, BCD. Those who blame
others, complain about circumstances, and defend themselves are guilty of exhibiting BCD.
The biggest problem with BCD is that it means people are not holding themselves accountable (p. 29-30).

Personal reflection

E + R = O is something I have carried with me since I first read the book. Not only has it given me an opportunity to reflect and
develop more positive responses leading to more positive outcomes for myself, but it has allowed me to realize that my responses are
events for others (p.51). Negativity breeds more negativity. Responding with positivity will not only create more positive outcomes for
myself, but it will create more positive events for those around me. This is how you build a positive culture (p. 64).