In Part 1 of the GetSET2Connect Series, we defined what it means to be strategic — aligning your daily actions with long-term career goals.
In Part 2, we emphasized that strategy without execution has no value.
Now, in Part 3, the focus shifts to application — what it actually looks like to operate strategically in your day-to-day work.
Strategy Requires Honest Evaluation
At multiple points in my career, I’ve had to take a step back and evaluate whether my current role was positioning me for what was next.
At both the start of my career at Columbus State Community College and currently at Spartanburg Methodist College, that meant looking beyond my responsibilities and asking:
Am I growing, or am I just maintaining?
That question forced me to think beyond task completion and focus on development. It led me to pursue opportunities outside of my defined role — expanding into areas like storytelling, digital strategy, and content development.
In doing so, those efforts contributed to measurable outcomes, including:
Increased social media engagement
Expanded digital reach across platforms
Enhanced visibility for student-athletes through award recognition and coverage
Those decisions weren’t always required, but they were intentional. And over time, they created separation in both skill set and impact.
Focus on Impact, Not Activity
One of the biggest traps in any profession — especially in communications — is equating being busy with being effective.
Early on, it’s easy to say yes to everything. But strategic growth comes from identifying what actually moves the needle.
In my experience, that meant prioritizing:
Storytelling that went beyond standard recaps
Content that enhanced visibility for student-athletes and programs
Initiatives that strengthened the overall brand, not just filled immediate needs
Those strategic shifts led to:
Growth in audience engagement and interaction rates
Improved performance across digital platforms
Stronger positioning of programs within conference and regional recognition
The shift is subtle but important: from completing tasks to creating value.
Relationships as a Strategic Asset
No meaningful career progression happens in isolation.
Some of the most impactful opportunities I’ve had came through relationships — mentors, colleagues, and industry connections who provided guidance, perspective, and opportunity.
That includes being recognized nationally, including receiving the CoSIDA President’s Award in 2020, which reflects the impact of both professional work and engagement within the industry.
Being strategic with relationships means investing in them consistently, not just when you need something. It means showing up, adding value, and staying engaged over time.
That approach builds trust — and trust is what ultimately creates opportunity.
From Motion to Progress
Talent and work ethic matter. But without direction, they can only take you so far.
Strategy is what ensures your effort is aligned with where you want to go.
It turns daily work into long-term progress.
And it creates a career path that is intentional, not accidental.
No comments:
Post a Comment