By Troy Vincent
NFL Player Engagement
“We need to stress that personal integrity is as important as executive skill in business dealings. Setting an example from the top has a ripple effect throughout a business school or a corporation. After nearly three decades in business, 10 years as chief executive of a Big Eight accounting firm, I have learned that the standards set at the top filter throughout a company.”
~ Professor Thomas Dunfee, The Wharton School of Business
As former NFL players transitioning into the workplace, we are often concerned about what potential employers are seeking in a new hire.
According to business leaders such as Warren Buffett and top business school educators, the personal integrity of an employee is ranked as important as the executive and leadership skills they bring to the company. That’s good news for former NFL players. This is a quality that we all possess.
Our NFL experience should give us confidence to transition into a corporate environment. We as alumni of the NFL have the leadership experience and commitment that corporations desire.
Our ability to execute to game plans, analyze and adjust, and remain focused in hostile environments translates to various corporate needs. We naturally know how to analyze data on competitors, adhere to strict timelines, multi-task, handle several roles in promotion, marketing, and branding, and can handle ambush press conferences.
This is just a few of the qualities that we bring to our next workplace. From crisis management to strategic thinking, we as former players offer incredible skills and abilities to our new prospective employer.
Add to that impressive skill set a candidate that understands the importance of personal integrity. Most of us fully realize how essential personal or player integrity is to our success both on and off-the-field. We know how vital it is to develop strong bonds with teammates based upon trust, honesty and personal integrity. Not only do we understand the critical role of teamwork, but we have experienced how effective teamwork can add value to an organization accomplishing its goals.
Company cultures have something to say about whether integrity is expected or actively discouraged.
In conclusion, we as former players already have the skill set that employers are seeking. Foremost is our integrity. I will close with five points:
1. Whatever you do, do it with integrity;
2. Wherever you go, go as a leader;
3. Whomever you serve, serve with caring;
4. Whenever you dream, dream with your all;
5. And, never, ever give up.
Always remember, you are a tremendous asset to companies and workplaces, particularly those who wisely appreciate and recognize the value of your personal integrity.