Go Fail Somewhere Else
“Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.” – Ann Landers
While listening to a sports radio show on Sirius XM Radio, I heard a popular host talk about the many requests he gets from family, friends, and even strangers to hire their kids or loved ones on his show.
The requests go something like this …
“My son loves sports! He would really like to learn from you and your production team!”
“Our daughter is a huge college football fan, and she is majoring in Journalism. It would be so nice for her to get a job on your show so that she can learn from the best.”
“My friend has been in the insurance business for many years, but he is looking for a career change. I’ve seen that he is really good with audio/visual equipment. Do you have a need for someone with these skills on your team?
The influential sports talk show host, who has millions of listeners, said the following about these requests …
“We have an established and proven product on the radio waves, and we only hire professional people who have a ton of experience. The best thing for these people who want to get a start in radio is to find a lower-level job where they can make a ton of mistakes, and no one will know about it. In short … go make mistakes somewhere else!”
Starting at the Top
Have you ever been promoted to a position for which you were not ready? If you have, you know how difficult it is to get your footing.
Here’s my example …
I was hired to officiating Div. I men’s collegiate basketball at the age of 23. I still remember working my first ESPN game featuring Wisconsin at Texas Tech. My supervisor was clearly aware of my inexperience, so my two other partners were veteran referees.
The easiest part in officiating is to referee the game. I can get to the right position and get nearly 100% of the block/charge calls right. I can spot a traveling violation by quickly identifying the players’ pivot foot.
However, the most difficult part of Div. I men’s basketball officiating relates to managing hostile situations. The coaches can go absolutely irate in no time, and they are going to pick on the referee with the least experience.
Whether on the basketball court or in the corporate office, we know that managing people, especially those with tough personalities, is challenging.
The other thing we know is that experience over the years helps us manage difficult situations (and people) better. We have learned from mistakes made in the past.
Get Started
As a professor, I receive many emails from students asking me for advice on their careers. Instead of giving them “advice,” I relate my experiences.
Here’s what I share with the students …
First, determine where your passion lies. What type of work excites you?
Next, select a company where you would like to work and submit your application. Do whatever you can to get your foot in the door, even if the job is not exactly what you want. Yes … even if it pays less than you would like to earn.
Once hired, never complain about anything. Put your head down and do the work assigned. If you can take on any additional tasks or projects, reach out to your manager.
Focus on yourself, even when your company does not pay for it. This means you should earn the highest-level degree possible and pursue the professional certifications applicable to your career field.
That’s pretty much it! The steps are easy, but the work is hard.
The sports talk show host is saying the same … Don’t expect stuff to be given to you.
Instead, know that your path to success will be challenging, but overcoming these obstacles is what prepares you for future success.
See you next week, my friends!
Inspiring Quotes
“Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.” – Booker T. Washington
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. – Pele
Homework Inquiry
During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: How will you focus on what really matters to you?
I use this opportunity to share with you a unique story and a couple inspiring quotes. Oh ... as a professor at heart, you guessed it, I have a homework inquiry for you. This is a powerful question that might just trigger you to take action on something that really matters in your life. If you feel the Catalyst Newsletter brings benefit to you.