I'm packing my bags, along with my son's, for a quick trip back to Maine, where I'll be the keynote speaker for my high school alma mater at Hebron Academy's Career Connect Day, in which high school seniors learn about the opportunities available in today's economy.
It's interesting timing for me, given that I left the Denver Cutthroats as president and GM at the end of January and am currently conducting my own career search. Gives one perspective. I've learned a few things that I'll likely share with these college-bound teens.
1. You Are Your Network
Personal accomplishments look great on a resume, but their true worth comes in their validation from others in your network. At the Pro Challenge, we always used media endorsements to demonstrate growth and scale and affirm brand attributes - we'd never make those claims ourselves. On the personal relationship side, a good introduction from a trusted friend or colleague is worth its weight in gold when you are vying for new business, career changes or simply want to broaden your own network. Make time for expanding and deepening your relationship.
2. A Good Team Changes Everything
Accomplishments (and failures) are best when shared among a family, friends or team of coworkers. When you surround yourself with great people and empower them to create and act on a shared vision, your team wins together. You will all lose together, too, and you'll get back up much more quickly than if you'd all been fragmented previously. What's the learning? Create an environment of trust and progress will come. As a younger employee, embrace the opportunity to participate and be part of the team. In business, there are no "waterboys."
3. Change Is Good, And Often
With technology now driving the pace of business, be prepared to pivot a lot. You may aspire for a stable mix of job responsibilities with inline promotions every 18 months. But, as your company's priorities change, yours must too. The more ready you are to embrace change and even seize the opportunity to change, the more successful you will be. I remember a meeting at Bonnier Corp. in the late 2000s and I could smell change in the air as soon as the meeting hit my Outlook calendar. I prepared myself for the meeting, knowing change would be coming and I could either help steer the new regime or get kicked off the bus. A few years later, I was publisher of SKI and Skiing Magazines.
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A wise business coach once told me you should never share more than three things in a public speaking engagement. Keep remarks concise and your audience may actually be able to remember more than your departure. I'm at my limit.
It's interesting timing for me, given that I left the Denver Cutthroats as president and GM at the end of January and am currently conducting my own career search. Gives one perspective. I've learned a few things that I'll likely share with these college-bound teens.
1. You Are Your Network
Personal accomplishments look great on a resume, but their true worth comes in their validation from others in your network. At the Pro Challenge, we always used media endorsements to demonstrate growth and scale and affirm brand attributes - we'd never make those claims ourselves. On the personal relationship side, a good introduction from a trusted friend or colleague is worth its weight in gold when you are vying for new business, career changes or simply want to broaden your own network. Make time for expanding and deepening your relationship.
2. A Good Team Changes Everything
Accomplishments (and failures) are best when shared among a family, friends or team of coworkers. When you surround yourself with great people and empower them to create and act on a shared vision, your team wins together. You will all lose together, too, and you'll get back up much more quickly than if you'd all been fragmented previously. What's the learning? Create an environment of trust and progress will come. As a younger employee, embrace the opportunity to participate and be part of the team. In business, there are no "waterboys."
3. Change Is Good, And Often
With technology now driving the pace of business, be prepared to pivot a lot. You may aspire for a stable mix of job responsibilities with inline promotions every 18 months. But, as your company's priorities change, yours must too. The more ready you are to embrace change and even seize the opportunity to change, the more successful you will be. I remember a meeting at Bonnier Corp. in the late 2000s and I could smell change in the air as soon as the meeting hit my Outlook calendar. I prepared myself for the meeting, knowing change would be coming and I could either help steer the new regime or get kicked off the bus. A few years later, I was publisher of SKI and Skiing Magazines.
---
A wise business coach once told me you should never share more than three things in a public speaking engagement. Keep remarks concise and your audience may actually be able to remember more than your departure. I'm at my limit.
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