Ok, so that may be overstated as I did learn a few things in college. But recently I attended a football meeting for parents and students entering high school and was quite surprised (and pleased) with what I heard. While I was expecting introductions to the coaches, talks about dedication and hard work what I did not expect was a talk that had nothing to do with football, at least not directly. The coaches gathered these incoming players and addressed them as students. They talked about grades, class attendance, behavior in class, and academic expectations. Their point was “if you don’t do well in school, you will not be playing football.” Now if you know anything about football and Texas, you know how serious that statement is!
Now on a personal note, I loved the fact the coaches held this meeting and what they focused on. There were a few things I have stressed to my kids previously, but as you know, it always makes more sense and has more validity when coming from another source. So, hopefully I am “that other source” for you. Here are some really basic and simple things that can help you focus, improve, advance or just get noticed by your supervisor/boss. Because as much as we might not like to think it, next to performance, image can be everything. If you are equally talented and perform the job equally as another employee, the one with the “stand-out” image will get the raise, the promotion, that one spot on the management training team.
Here is what the coaches told the incoming football players and how it can be applied to us in business:
- “Always be on time. This cannot be over emphasized. Nothing causes a teacher to turn off on a student faster than late arrival.” – This is really self-explanatory! Be on time to work, meetings, work lunches and dinners, and any work related event. In fact, try to arrive a bit early so you can be sure you are ready and prepared. Your supervisor/boss/client notices!
- “Zero absences; Always be in class” – Make every effort to be at work every day. Obviously, there will be times you should avoid work, such as when you have a communicable illness (giving all your coworkers the flu will definitely get you noticed, but not in a good way!) but just having the sniffles from allergies or tired from staying up too late the night before should not keep you from work.
- “Remember that in a classroom the teacher is the absolute authority, so follow his/her rules and show respect at all times. Be a leader in the classroom!” – The fact is you will probably not like every single supervisor/boss/client you will work under or with. You may have a conflict of personalities, conflict of work styles, or disagree on any number of issues. But, you should treat them all the same; with respect. Be a leader in your department, not a divisive element. (I will say, this does not apply when asked to do anything illegal, immoral or unethical. In those instances, you will need to take a stand, a respectful stand, but a stand none the less.)
- “Make sure that you turn in all of your assigned work, on time and fully completed. With proper planning you will get everything done in all your classes.” – There will be times when you get overwhelmed with everything you have to get done for work. And at that moment you will probably get assigned yet one more task your boss wants done ASAP. (Yeah, you know what I am talking about!) Don’t panic! It can be done. Here we apply one of the oldest strategies in the book; break it down! You need to break down each job into priority, steps and deadlines. Looking at your projects as a whole can at times be overwhelming and actually paralyzing where you get nothing done. But if you only have one small step to focus on it becomes very doable.
- “Sit on the front row. People on the first row tend to get more attention than further back.” – While you may not have a “front row” at work, make yourself noticeable. Arrive early (see first item above), volunteer for assignments, help co-workers, engage in voluntary continuing education and training to not only improve your own performance but to show interest in your job. When an opportunity arises at work, you want your name to be the first one your boss thinks of.
- “Answer every single question, don’t leave blanks.” “Proof read your test.” “Written work is a game of comparison. Make your paper one of the best in the class.” “Make extra credit mandatory. It may mean the difference between passing and failing, or it could be the difference between an ‘A” or a ‘B’.” “Make your work neat and presentable because appearance raises grades.” – Bottom line; your work is a reflection of you. If it is sloppy or incomplete that is how you will be perceived. Make it outstanding, make it noticeable, and give it value. That could mean do a little more research to add a new element, add visually appealing charts or graphics, or make sure your copy is easy to read yet still professional. If you think you do not have the skills to do this, there are so many classes available to help. Look into local community classes or continuing education classes at a local university or community college. Many of these are available online so scheduling is not an issue.
- “Education is the key to success and the fulfillment of life.” “We don’t want you to be the first generation of Americans that do not progress and improve the quality of life.” – No matter where you are in life, early 20’s, late 50’s, first job or top level executive, we hope education will be ongoing for the rest of your life. This will benefit you not only professionally but personally as well. This can mean pursuing a higher degree, participating in continuing education in your field of study, taking cooking or art classes totally not related to your job or simply reading/listening to personal development materials daily. Please do not ever stop learning. These strategies benefit you in keeping your mind active, your ideas and creativity fresh and help keep your motivation strong. (We totally promote personal development! Look for our previous blogs for recommended reading or contact us for a list of authors/titles to start your journey.)
Final statement: “Just do it!! Getting an education does require work…you can do it if you apply yourself?” – Again, this applies to education, your first job, that promotion you want or ANY goal you have set for yourself. And the key here is “goal”, you must set goals so you know what you are working for. As we continue this journey, we will help you as an employee or help you help your employees if you are a manager/supervisor achieve more.
While labor expenses, that is your employees, are one of the largest expenses you will manage, we are here to help you get the most form every labor dollar you spend. Don’t just focus on reducing expenses, focus on getting the most from your employees.
Thanks to Coach Lineweaver of the Trinity Trojans for this inspired advice and football program.
Moore Diversified Services, Inc. – Balancing Care and Business; MDS helps you take care of business so you can take care of your residents.