CAREER: Why Ordinary Just Doesn't Work

 

Which Path Will We Take?

   Have you hired anyone lately?  Have you created a resume?  Have you interviewed?  Have you given a presentation?  Have you been an athlete with desires on success?  Have you tried to sell something?  Have you looked around at those you most admire?

     I’d feel safe in saying that most have handled one of the following… and been forced to evaluate others… or even yourself.

     I can’t tell you how many times during my television career an agent, news director or network executive talked about the hiring process and the importance of separating yourself from the rest of the pack.  “How are you different?” would be the question or the challenge.  Why you?  What do you give me that someone else doesn’t?

    Now challenged with leading a department and shaping a staff with designs on making an impact and showcasing a professional sports product, I realize more than ever the importance of surrounding yourself with folks who bring great qualities, unique skills and a work ethic that doesn’t need monitoring.

    In speaking with college students and high school students – which I love to do – the first thing I discuss is the challenge that lies ahead, and an idea or belief that in today’s modern professional world there is no room for “ordinary” and there is no choice but to find a way to stand out.

     New graduates are looking for a way into the workforce, new professionals are looking for a way up the career ladder, middle management is looking for a way into upper management and seasoned and skilled executives have found themselves afraid to jump out of the workforce in a tough economy where little is guaranteed at the end of the line.  That's a crowded landscape with a tough on ramp and few exit ramps.

   

  Don’t want my take?  Try Seth Godin on for size… who wrote a terrific book (among a few he’s authored) called “Linchpin” which sells you on the belief that everyone needs to find a way to become indispensable.  In other words, don’t be the first one let go in a corporate downsize…. find a way to be the last.  And for those who are just learning the ropes, find a way to do something special. Find a way to change the marketplace.

    None of us can afford to settle for average effort.  Why?  Because average effort leads to work that nobody notices.  Success today requires that we do something different and better than the competition.

     I’ll always remember my inner challenge while hosting television shows … “work smart, work harder than others, work to make people around you better and make sure my work stands out.”  Doesn’t mean it always happened… but it was worth the energy to see results.  Now, the focus for me and everyone around me is the same... we work to create a great product, and build a following for it.

    Simple statement: we might not always succeed in being extraordinary. 

    Simple question: what are you doing each day to try?

    Thanks as always for following along.  In a short time this blog has surpassed 25,000 views – and much of that is because you’ve shared.  I welcome your comments and opinions… and you can follow me on Twitter @KraigKann.

Thought for the Day:  Those who chase real success are those who aren’t afraid to be daring and different and those who always seem to be more determined.