The Bench...

Earlier I wrote about having mentors and a cause, now today, I share with you the importance of the 'bench.' Not the bench in a sports standpoint, where you sit...but the people that do not make up the starters.

"I told myself it's not about me. It's about the team. And it's about how I can help the team get better." - Zach Bohannon

As someone, who did not often get the starting nod in sports, I found it important to know my role as someone off the bench. Currently, as the Sports Information Director, I know how important it is to have people ready and equipped to fill in on our team and staff. I spend time cross-training and building up each member of the team to fill in the roles. Immediately in the hiring and training process with employees, I engage and share with the team members that there is no role too great or too small for me and for them. We are going to be equipped to doing the best that we can to offer the best media and public relations service to the student-athletes, coaches, fans and media that we can.

As you enter the field of sports, the tenacity to succeed is enhanced when you are willing to sacrifice the title and do the work necessary to get the job. 

The climb to get to the top of Herndon at the Naval Academy was one of the best exercises that I have ever seen in teamwork. The desire and energy of the plebes at the Naval Academy to get someone to the top is unprecedented.

Cause

Earlier this morning, I received this message as part of an email from Robin Sharma.

"To be human is to crave a cause. We all need a powerful purpose to get us out of bed every morning and draw out the finest within us." 

Yesterday, I shared with you what I believe to be one of the cornerstones of everything that I do - mentorship. Today is Father's Day, it is the fifth year that I do not have my mentor - my father. But, I  do have a cause and purpose that gets me out of bed in which I know it will make my father proud.

As I type this, I just heard Jordan Speith talk about his father. In honesty, it has brought me to tears. 

My cause is to have a #relentlesspursuit in all that I do. I encourage you to get SET (Strategic-Engagement-Teamwork) and go after what you want to do.

Wind Beneath My Wings

The lyrics to Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler proved to be the ultimate end to the eulogy that I gave when my father passed away on October 1, 2009.

Did you ever know that you're my hero You're everything I wish I could be. I could fly higher than an eagle, 'cause you are the wind beneath my wings. The reason I bring this up is in advance of Father's Day to reiterate the importance of having a mentor. A mentor by my definition is someone who will be brutal honest and not hold any punches back to see you accomplish what you set out to achieve. You can have a mentor for your personal life but you can have one for your professional life. I'm thankful for the impact that my mentors have had in my life including my father, who has left a lasting imprint and legacy with me. Wikipedia defines mentorship as:  Mentorship is a personal developmental relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person. The mentor may be older or younger, but have a certain area of expertise. I recently attended the 2015 CoSIDA/NACDA/NACMA Convention and twice during the convention I was able to visit with job seekers. First, it was in my role on the job seekers committee on CoSIDA that I was able to impart my wisdom with the assembled individuals, who had came to the convention for a possible opportunity in sports information. The other time came, in partnership with Kristi Dosh, I met with some individuals to assist with various areas such as cover letter, resume and/or mock interviews.  Regardless of the situation and location, it was always important to communicate the impact of mentorship. Both NACMA and CoSIDA have formal mentorship programs, I'll be posting in the upcoming days on how to get involved with each.

From the Harvard Business Review - Leading People When They Know More than You Do

I started my career in athletics as a student assistant at Columbus State Community College in the athletic department. That position translated into an opportunity at the University of Toledo as a student assistant in the Sports Information Office. From there, I went on to become a sports information intern at the Naval Academy and at Indiana University. Next, I went on to become an assistant sports information director at both Indiana State and Florida International University. My next three positions were 'director level' by title at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Wisconsin-Platteville and now, LeTourneau University. One thing that was important and remains important is that I was responsible for leading people, who know more than I do. While reading this article, I thought it was important to pass along that knowledge to the readers of this blog. You can read it online at https://hbr.org/2015/06/leading-people-when-they-know-more-than-you-do?utm_content=buffer0e959&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Key points:
1) Focus on relationships, not facts

2) Add value by enabling things to happen, not by doing the work 

3) Practice seeing the bigger picture, not mastering the details

4) Rely on “executive presence” to project confidence, not on having all the facts or answers

Finding a Job - Using Social Media from Columbia University

As many of you know, I engage on various social media channels and one of the purposes of this blog is to extend the reach on how individuals can access jobs in sports but also utilize tactics that apply to any and all job pursuits. One of the angles that I have been reading and studying quite a bit about for the last three years is the role that social media plays into the mix. Here is an online source that I found that I think really communicates well to all audiences, not just in sports.

The sun setting on a Thursday evening in East Texas...photo by: Danny Kambel

https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/tipsheets/finding-job-using-social-media-intro

"Success is doing the little things that most people are not willing to do every single day." - Dr. Coyte Cooper

I am currently reading Dr. Coyte Cooper's book entitled Impressions that I won via social media. Ironically, Dr. Cooper was a wrestler that I worked with when I was an intern at Indiana University from 2000-01. One of the many fine examples of student-athletes that I have worked with that have gone on to levels of excellence.

Embarking on the 2015 NACDA/NACMA/CoSIDA Convention

Does this picture look like learning to you?

Starting on Saturday, February 13th, this will be the laboratory and the site of the 2015 NACDA/NACMA/CoSIDA Convention in Orlando, Florida. Due in part to receiving the NACMA Mike Cleary Stipend, I will be able to take in the convention and attend the convention. I have set up my schedule to attend sessions with veterans and newcomers in marketing as well as sports information. I will also engage outside of sessions with colleagues that I have met through Twitter chats (#scachat | #mnmchat) and ones through other affiliate organizations such as YC. It is in these outside of the session programming that I have met colleagues that have helped me in my personal and professional life. I will share my behind-the-scenes and some in-depth experiences with you on this blog. As like my other posts, some of it will be authentic and written by me...some will be from outside sources.  

Presenting at the 2014 CoSIDA Panel on How to Work with Parents & Fans

This is my business card, do you have my contact information?

Motivation image

Motivation image

Autonomy

Recently, I read an article by Eric Chester about autonomy and it made think about how we crave it throughout our career. (Complete blog) Autonomy is defined as the independence or freedom, as of the will or one's actions. As I migrated from student assistant to intern to assistant director to director in the field of sports information, I have always been on a quest for professional autonomy by co-workers to do my own thing. Just like the young child, who wants autonomy from their parent to do their own thing. Well, in reflection of reading the blog, I am reminded that there is a step by step and a gradual approach to achieving autonomy. I encourage you as a leader but also as a follower to examine, where you are at in the process. What step are you on?

Are you ...

There's a profound impact that negative thinking can have on you and everything else associated with that. Yesterday, I wrote about passion. You'll never reach the level of passion, if you are negative. I've been doing a self study on value. I don't have a theory or solution. I just reiterate my two philosophies:

SET (Strategic-Engagement-Teamwork) and Relentless Pursuit

Passion...

I was always encouraged by my father to bring passion into my work, everyday. In reflection of that, I came across this infographic and I think it is important to share with those who are trying to enter the workforce, especially in sports.

Another set of motivational thoughts...

"Excellence means when a man or woman asks of himself more than others do."

Jose Ortega y Gasset

"You cannot NOT communicate. Everything you do says something, so take  ownership of the messages you are sending, even when you're silent." - JD Schramm

Motivation Image

Motivation 101.

Each day, I'm thankful that I have a friend who's willing to share an image as well as lend their heart and mind to encourage me. I hope people see the same thing in me.

#1 Trick for Exceeding Your Wildest Career Goals by Ryan Niessen

This article originally appeared on Careerealism.com on May 18, 2015.

Recently, I’ve become more and more interested in pursuing what Tai Lopez calls “The Good Life.” It means having health, wealth, love, and happiness… which are really the four big things everyone’s after.

What really caught my attention is Tai’s thoughts on “impatient patience” and how to go about setting goals, and then meeting or exceeding them.

See most people’s perspective on goal setting and achieving big things is totally backwards. It’s not our fault – it’s just how we’ve been trained… and it’s one of those funny cases where once you hear it… it just clicks.

Once you understand this, it can change your entire future.

So, in the article, I’m going to tell you Tai’s secret to meeting and exceeding your wildest career goals, and give you a few resources for getting to the next level.

“Impatient Patience” Vs. “Patient Impatience”

According to Tai, the vast majority of people act as if they have all the time in the world to achieve their goals. They’re patiently waiting for things to come together, or fall into place for them.

However, as soon as they see an opportunity come up, they jump in as quickly as possible and throw all caution to the wind.

If you’re like me, you can identify at least a few instances in your life when this has been the case. That means that you know – just like I do – that this approach doesn’t end well, and doesn’t provide the results we were seeking.

The reason why is because this is living in a state of what Tai calls “impatient patience”.

The key is to flip it around, and be “Patiently Impatient.”

How To Be “Patiently Impatient”

Here’s where things really clicked for me:

“Freak out if you’re not getting the dreams that you wish you had. Don’t even say, “tomorrow I’m going to get good at this”… freak out now, but then patiently build your dream.” – Tai Lopez

It’s like Will Smith says:

“You don’t set out to build a wall. You don’t say ‘I’m going to build the biggest, baddest, greatest wall that’s ever been built.’ You don’t start there. You say, ‘I’m going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid. You do that every single day. And soon you have a wall.”

Getting inspired, motivated, and starting to take action TODAY, and then patiently building your dream, brick by brick, is how you can be “patiently impatient.”

… And it’s how you can meet and exceed your wildest dreams.

The Ideal Length Of Time To Set Goals

Another problem many people have with this approach is that they set 10 year goals. However, Tai says that this only serves to give you an excuse to wait until year eight before taking any action.

Instead, set 18 month goals. This gives you enough time to make it happen, while still encouraging you to take action today.

Republished: 3 Reasons You Keep Getting Interviews, But No Offers

By: Lily Zhang

What hurts more than rejection? 

Multiple rejections. 

Being told over and over again that you’re not right or not good enough for whatever reason is painful—and at some point, you have to begin wondering where the problem lies. 

One angle that needs to be explored, despite the discomfort, is whether you’re the one doing something wrong. The good news is warning signs are pretty clear. Here are three red flags—and more importantly, what to do about them.

1. You Never Make it Past the Final Round Interview

This can be an incredibly demoralizing situation to be in. It’s also a huge red flag that I doubt you’ll miss. You’re clearly doing something right to get all the way to the final round interview. So, what’s preventing you from sealing the deal?

Frequently, when you get this far along in the process, you’re only competing with one or two other people. Plus, it’s likely already been established that you have the right experience or qualifications for the role. The last thing, then, is how well you understand the position, the company, and the team. If you’re not getting past the final round, you’re probably not getting across what you know about at least one of these.

This means you need to dial up your company research. Do your homework on the company by reading everything you can get your hands on about it, ask thoughtful questions about the role throughout the process, and make an effort to really connect with the team and show them just how well you’ll fit in. Finally, don’t forget that all this only matters if you actually show off what you know during the interview. Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re getting across everything you need to.

2. You Only Get to the Phone Screen

You definitely have a polished resume, because you’re landing plenty of first round interviews and phone screens, but strangely, you’re not progressing beyond that. What gives?

Your skills and experiences are obviously eye-catching and relevant enough to get someone’s attention, so it’s not that you don’t have anything to talk about. Instead, you’re probably not conveying your stories well. Sometimes it’s all about the delivery.

In the end, the only way to address this is through practice. You have the raw goods. Now, polish them up by going back to the basics and answering practice interview questions aloud with a friend. Read up on how to structure a response to a behavioral question here. Then, go to town with these 31 common interview questions. 

3. You’re Not Getting Calls Period

Assuming you’re applying for jobs you are qualified for, not getting any callbacks after numerous applications is disheartening. Something is up, but with so little information to work off of, it’s hard to say what. 

Of course, your first step is to check your materials. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the position, then put your editor cap on and follow these tips to make sure what you’re sharing will impress your audience. If you’re doing that already and the problem doesn’t lie with your documents, you’re probably not networking enough. 

Networking turns people off for lots of different reasons. It’s uncomfortable. It’s nerve-racking. It’s not meritocratic. It also works. And, right now, that’s what you need to focus on. Conduct informational interviewswith people at your target companies, and put your immediate network to work by letting them know what you’re looking for. Here’s a template that will help you out. 

It takes perseverance to get through a long job searchwithout going out of your mind. The key is to constantly be focusing on and reevaluating how you can better tackle the problem in front of you—even if the problem is, well, you.

Internship 101

For those of you, who are not aware after earning my bachelor's degree I did a pair of one year post-graduate internships in sports information. Prior to my graduation from college, I thought after working as a student assistant for four years during my undergraduate years along with working the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta that I was equipped to be a full-time Assistant Sports Information Director. Reality did not set in until midway through a post-graduate summer mission trip in Mendoza, Argentina and my first trip to the annual CoSIDA Convention which was in Orlando, Florida. I met with many sports information industry leaders, who I still look up to as mentors in this profession. It was not until the rejection from one internship opportunity did the door arise for me to arise and eventually arrive at the U.S. Naval Academy. That internship set the stage for what has been my professional career. I hope that as you read this article that you'll see the value of an internship. ---This article comes via PRNews' recap of most read stories in May.---

 What does it mean to be an intern in 2015? Is it any different than when our parents started working? In some ways, yes, and in others ways, no. Our parents still had to get summer internships and work experience like we do, but they weren’t working for seven or eight months before finally getting hired somewhere.

Today’s internships are more competitive than ever, especially in big cities like DC, New York, Atlanta and Chicago. And good PR firms know that they can now hire an intern for a couple months (or much longer) and give them great work experience, but pay them $10 an hour or less. And some firms know they can get away with unpaid internships by offering school credit instead. From my experience, today’s intern will have do whatever it takes to put the most substantial experience on their resume and to ultimately get hired.

But let me be clear: the firm you intern for may never hire you. There may never be that window of opportunity you have been hoping for, and your intern experience will end up being just that—an experience. Many PR firms offer you a deal where you can intern for anywhere up to six months and have a “chance” of getting hired anytime in between. But what happens when you’ve done your time and still don’t have the salary to show for it? Or when family friends ask how your new life after college is going and you respond, “Yep, still an intern!”

You show up early, stay late and prove yourself to the firm; but sometimes it’s not enough. So use that uncertain time as an intern to your advantage – it’s okay to be selfish and figure out what you really want to be doing, even if you have to start at the bottom to get there.

What you’re passionate about

• Where to start - There is no better way to learn about what you want to do, or better yet, what you don’t want to do than by starting your career with an internship. Start at an agency and switch to working in-house. Work for a big firm and then transfer to a smaller. Be versatile! When those job offers do start pouring in, it will be easier for you to choose which one you actually want to commit to. 
• The eye of the tiger - Internships are so competitive now, and in the PR world, it’s almost unheard of to start as anything but an intern. So use that time to learn the basics. 
• Practice makes perfect, or close to it - Internships are a time where you can ask stupid questions and mess up— but you have to be able to learn from your mistakes VERY quickly. Pretend that everything you work on will be the final copy sent to the client. 
• Play the field - Don’t just stick to your team. Ask to pick up new projects and accounts when someone needs help. You never know when there will be a position open on another team. 

The pay isn’t parallel to the experience 

• The new intern - Most interns today aren’t about getting coffee and filing papers. When I was an intern, I hardly did anything administrative. I even refused to accept an administrative job after my internships because I felt like I would only be going backwards in experience. 
• No longer a cog - Today’s internships are more valuable than they’ve ever been. Your company actually relies on you to ensure that their company keeps driving success. 
• You had me at hello - The experience you have on your resume will stand out more to future employers than how much you got paid. 
• Rookie of the year Although I spent more than half a year making less than all of my friends with salaried jobs, I was getting to work earlier, staying later, and had worthwhile experiences that many people were jealous of. I was doing more as an intern than my friends and classmates who took assistant jobs after graduation. 

Use your experience for leverage 

• Eeny, meeny, miny, moe - With social media profiles such as LinkedIn, people will see your experience and continue to recruit you to work for them. With all of the intern experience, you can leverage your legitimate, tangible work experience when choosing between multiple companies. 
• Show me the money - It’s about showcasing what you can do and reaping the benefits if you can prove it. 
• You can go the distance - The more you prove yourself to be indispensable, the harder a firm’s decision will be to keep you as an intern or hire you. Be honest with your superiors. Experience is great, but you also have to make a living. 
• Don’t minimalize the intern - The most that I got out of being an intern was that I didn’t feel like an intern at all. I was able to speak to that experience in interviews, and many were impressed at the level of work I had under my belt. 

 Internships—we’ve all been there. While brutally frustrating at times, they are also the most worthwhile, rewarding experiences you will ever have. My internships created the path that has led me to where I am today, and from that, I assure you, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Reprinted: How Great Do You Want to Be? by Mark Myers

For the first post, I thought it was important to share some important wisdom from Mark Myers. Read here at http://greatleadersserve.com/organizational-effectiveness/how-great-do-you-want-to-be/

Just trade out the word, "organization" and put your name in.

Or if you want to just read it here:

Momentary greatness is common – sustained greatness is rare. You may have experienced it yourself. I have. I can hit an amazing golf shot or make a 25 foot putt and then, reality sets in. My next drive goes 30 feet rather than 300 yards and I can easily miss a 2 foot putt! The same challenge exists in organizations. The great ones are able to consistently Excel at Execution… how?

Why are some organizations able to achieve AND sustain greatness? The quick answer is they are never satisfied. Regardless of the level of excellence they achieve, they always Raise the Bar. The leaders in these High Performance Organizations understand, it is better to raise the bar yourself vs. waiting on your competition to do it for you.

The following is an excerpt from the Chess Not Checkers Field Guide. Randy Gravitt and I wrote it as a blueprint for creating your own High Performance Organization.

Do you know what you would find if you visited your chief competitor? There would be a group of people huddled in a room, focused on one thing … how to eat your lunch! One of the best practices of High Performance Organizations is they are constantly attempting to Raise the Bar and distance themselves from the competition.

May I remind you, “Records are made to be broken.” Those six words have pushed individuals, teams, and yes, even organizations to the rare air of record performance. Occasionally, we see a glimpse of a group who can sustain such excellence over long periods of time, and we label them as a “dynasty.” Do you have dynasty potential? I’m guessing you do.

As you assess your organization, do your current results lean toward ordinary or extraordinary? Would your competition describe you as average or awesome? When is the last time your people set their sights on something great and pursued it together? Not just your leaders but everyone in the organization. Amazing things can be accomplished when leaders Raise the Bar and call out the best in the people around them.

High Performance Organizations refuse to settle for good. Instead, they lock in on being great and maintain focus. No team drifts to greatness, and yours is no exception. You will never hope your way into high performance. Hope is not a strategy. If today finds you at a place where your business is merely blending in with the competition, it is time to Raise the Bar.

 There’s an old Latin word that is a great reminder to leaders. Quantuvis means “as great as you choose.” The reality is, your organization can be as great as you choose it to be. Make the decision to Raise the Bar, and you’ll be amazed. And you might even give your competition a reason to worry. The rare air of high performance is waiting on you!