Lessons Learned on The Road to Kona

Does your career plan include "March Madness"?

Like many of you who are reading this post, my attention has been fixated on the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament this week, otherwise known as "The Big Dance" and "March Madness".

Whether you are a college hoops fan or you just tune in this time of year to watch this ultimate team competition, whether you have a particular school you root for or you fall in love with the Cinderella team, I think we can all agree that is exciting, inspiring and, (if you pay attention), a lesson in leadership and career management for all of us.

While the field of 68 teams start off with an equal opportunity to advance in the tournament and ultimately get to the Final Four, there are qualities and attributes that the successful teams all demonstrate over the 3-week tournament:

• Preparation: while all of these teams had successful seasons, when they are selected to participate in the tournament their coaches and staffs start a massive and detailed planning process to maximize their chances of success. Nothing is left to chance, every detail, move and play is scrutinized, practiced and re-played for perfection, and they adjust their plan when it isn't working
• Commitment: from the initial tip-off to when the buzzer signals the end of each game, you can see how the players are totally committed to their team and to winning. Their energy and enthusiasm, the way they throw their bodies after the loose ball, their "never give up" attitude even when then they are losing. You you can feel their absolute commitment to the game
• Unselfishness: it's all about the team. Star players willingly give up the ball for someone else to score; personal stats and success are not in their game plan. Relying on others and tapping into their unique talents and skills is what makes them successful
• Anything is Possible: while teams are seeded in the tournament, and the odds of beating their opponents sometimes seem overwhelming, they don't think about that. They believe - with absolute certainly - that any team can beat any other team on any given day, and that talent, preparation, and commitment are not enough; you have to believe you can be successful, and back that belief with massive action to make it happen

For today's corporate leaders, it is very challenging to be successful in your roles, while also taking the time to plan for your own career advancement. Take a few minutes to watch a game over the next couple of weeks, and find the career lessons you can learn from March Madness.

 

 

A Lesson in Resilience from the Indy 500

Sunday's running of the Indianapolis 500 had a dramatic and improbable finish: heartbreaking for rookie J.R. Hildebrand, who crashed just yards away from the finish line in a miscalculated move: humbling yet victorious for Brit Dan Wheldon, who steered past Hildebrand to take the checkered flag.

 Wheldon, winner of the 100th anniversary if this historic race, is once again unemployed. He had won the Indy 500 once before, but in the competitive, big money, sponsor-driven world of professional racing that was not enough. He didn't have a fulltime "ride"; the car and team he took to  victory lane was a one-off, part-time commitment. So while he has proven himself once again, he will now have to find a new gig, a committed sponsor, a full-time employer.

What is useful to learn from his experience is that he never gave up hope of racing again, of doing what he loved, of experiencing success one more time. He did what many professionals who need to be  actively managing careers should be doing:

• Understanding what you do well and like to do
• Staying engaged in your field of expertise - even if it is only on a part-time basis
• Building your own "success team"  who will help you over the rough spots and cheer you on
• Unconditionally believing in yourself

Dan Wheldon may not have another full-time ride for awhile - maybe not ever again - but his spirit of perseverance, commitment to his craft and gratitude for his success will keep him resilient wherever his career takes him.

We could all do well to learn from his example.

 

Who gives you confidence in the "locker room"?

I was listening to an interview with one of the San Jose Sharks players after they advanced to the Conference finals following a tough, nail-biting series with the Detroit Red Wings. The Sharks have never gone this far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs before, and the interviewer asked what was the key to their success so far: was it their maturing roster, never-say-quit determination, the unbelievable play of their goalie?  While all of these could be factors in their advancement, his answer was surprising - and very insightful.

No, he said, it was actually something outside of playing in the NHL. It was the experience that several of the team's players had in last year's Olympic Games. He shared that being in the locker room with so many other NHL stars who had extensive playoff experience brought a calmness, composure and confidence that was contagious. They had been in those high-stakes circumstances before - they knew what to expect, how to prepare and how to act. That, he said, was what they learned and that gave them the edge to outlast a very experienced opponent in Detroit.

So think about your field of work: who are the best-in-class leaders in your field that you should be learning from? Who are you leaning on for experience and insight? What are you intentionally doing to surround yourself with the best - to get exposure to those from whom you can learn the keys to success in your field?

Who is in the locker room with you - giving you the confidence and composure to reach your goals?

 

Is 2011 the year you will say "I QUIT!"

We've all seen the various reports that cite how many executives are not really "engaged" in their work, don't feel fulfilled or appreciated in their roles and don't see a future for themselves with their current employer. And yet they have been reluctant to explore new opportunities and launch a job search given the tough economic climate and executive job market.

Until now.

A recent report from BlueSteps of nearly 900 executives found that they are cautiously optimistic about 2011, with an increased willingness to look for new job opportunities. Interestingly, 79% of those surveyed said they were ready to make a career move in the coming year.

With that projected level of mobility comes increased competition - much of it coming from younger executives and returning expats. Forward-thinking executives realize they need to be proactive in managing their careers, and that now, more than ever, they need to stand out from their peers to attract the attention of recruiters and hiring authorities.

That means  three things:

1. developing your personal brand
2. building and nurturing your professional network
3. having a well-thought out career transition plan 

Are you ready to say "I QUIT" this year?

 

 

Welcome to "Lessons Learned on the Road to Kona"

Welcome to my blog where I share my "lessons learned" as an Ironman Triathlete with other corporate leaders who want to gain a competitive edge in today's demanding workplace and achieve more than they ever thought they were capable of doing.

Join me in my 9 month journey as I turn 60 and train for my fifth Ironman race! I invite you to check back here often for training updates, inspiration for leaders who want to get to "The Top of Their Game", and places where you can connect with me on my journey.