Having run a business for over 10 years, I have been an observer of a lot of different types of employees and types of “work personalities”. Often I say to people, it is not bad if you “do not want to work hard” or “feel like you give it your all and that is good enough”, but that may not be good with us. For sure, different people have different perspectives on their work life – how hard they want to work, how much they are willing to sacrifice for work, and what the balance is that they are willing to have in their life.
This brings me to this weekend. I was fortunate this weekend to watch both the Celtics and Patriots games live. While I am a fairly avid sports fan, I watched these games and was surprised by something I noticed. In both games, there was one player – an unassuming player – who turned out to be a standout and a game changer.
In the case of the Celtics – I went to the game wondering why the Celtics had jus given a $55 Million contract to Rajon Rondo. I knew about him but nothing really stood out. But then I saw him play and was thoroughly impressed. He was not a flashy player, but his control of the game, the way he settled the rest of the players, the way he improved the play of the rest of the team was unquestionable and impressive.
In the case of the Patriots – the story is fairly similar. Here is this guy – Wes Welker. In football terms a little guy. Many would look at him and wonder why he is on the field to begin with. But watching him play – he is always there, workingg hard, making himself available – someome the rest of the team can look at and count on and feel secure he will perform.
So – with that in mind – I am changing my advice to employees everywhere to simplify my message. Know your game. Play your game. Be a standout. Know one things for sure – employers are smart enough - like these coaches – to see the qualities of a stand out player and employee. You will get noticed. You will be rewarded.
Stay focused. Be a standout!
