Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lucas Marton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lucas, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
When I was a child, my father would make me ask 3 questions to every new person I met. This has been extremely helpful in creating a habit of inquisitiveness. As I’ve gotten older, and gotten into my meditation and journaling practices, I’ve learned that my voice is the least important in the room if I am not prioritizing, not just listening, but *understanding* everyone else first. Learning that understanding and agreement are not the same thing has done wonders for my communication skills. Everyone wants to be understood, first and foremost. If I’m pretending to understand to “get the yes”, that yes will only be superficial and short lived.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I create free to play soccer/futsal and tutoring clubs in the public housing communities in Watts, Los Angeles, with plans to expand further around South LA. What’s most exciting or special about this? Community stakeholder autonomy plays a crucial role in the continued success and growth of our project in Los Angeles. When we first started this project, over 5 years ago, the goal was to hire and train matriculated players from our community clubs in order to create a self sustaining, free to play, high quality learning environment in Watts. We now have coaches from Imperial Courts, and Jordan Downs (actively recruiting coaches from Nickerson Gardens and Gonzaque Village). These matriculated players, turned coaches, then take ownership of these programs; hiring youth from their own neighborhoods, coaching and mentoring their neighbors, relatives and even friends in some cases, while making a living wage in their backyards. The most exciting part of this work, is the connection that is created between these housing developments. Through weekend tournament and league play, as well as events, youth from all four housing developments in Watts, are provided with ample opportunity to meet and be exposed to other youth in neighboring developments, who without this programming, might only view each other through a rivalry lens, as opposed to a peer lens. The social exposure provided through these programs is truly invaluable, and not only creates cohesive connections, but has a direct impact on community violence mitigation.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Patience, understanding and consistency. I had to be patient in that, after 5 years of tireless effort, the initial strategic plan is just now starting to take form. These types of projects need to be decades long, not weeks, months or even years. Understanding, or empathy, is another major quality that is of the utmost importance. That sounds so broad, what do I mean by that? Well, for example, I’m from New York City – therefore, 5 years ago, my understanding of the social, cultural, geographical, etc. landscape of Los Angeles, or Watts, or especially Imperial Courts, or Nickerson Gardens Housing Developments, was precisely 0. How can one be of service, or build something substantial, without developing a trust and understanding with and of the community that the building is taking place? It’s not possible. And finally, consistency: Nothing in this world works without consistent and regular application and practice. Youth and community need to know trust. There is no trust without stability. Stability only comes through consistency; consistency in tone, consistency in action, and most importantly, consistency in presence.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
When I was a child, my father would make me ask 3 questions to every new person I met. This has been extremely helpful in creating a habit of inquisitiveness. As I’ve gotten older, and gotten into my meditation and journaling practices, I’ve learned that my voice is the least important in the room if I am not prioritizing, not just listening, but *understanding* everyone else first. Learning that understanding and agreement are not the same thing has done wonders for my communication skills. Everyone wants to be understood, first and foremost. Once I understood that I was a guest, and I would forever be a guest, communication became much more streamlined.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.streetsoccerusa.org/los-angeles/
- Instagram: @streetsoccerlosangeles
- Facebook: @Streetsoccerlosangeles
- Linkedin: Lucas Marton
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=OGgF0rCtaHg
Image Credits
@ImagerybyOscar – photo 1 @WhoisJakeJones – photo 2 Terrance Harden @Luckywiththecam – photo 4 Photos 3 and 5 were taken personally.
