By Troy Vincent
NFL Player Engagement
“Football is a great deal like life in that it teaches that work, sacrifice, perseverance, competitive drive, selflessness and respect for authority is the price that each and every one of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” ~ Coach Vince Lombardi
Similar to the Most Valuable Player recognition given out in the game of football, today’s workplaces are making it a practice to identify highly valued employees, also referring to them as MVPs. Those identified as a Most Valued Performer or Most Valuable Person, are recognized as outstanding employees whose individual contributions have directly contributed to the overall success of an organization.
Through our many programs and initiatives developed through NFL Player Engagement, we have many opportunities to work with former players interested in furthering their education, developing workplace skills, and pursuing career-building opportunities offered through the NFL or one of our partnering organizations.
Through my work in NFL Player Engagement and as a former player, I see the dogged determination shown by former players in their efforts to advance their careers and find new levels of personal achievement. I also witness how these men already display the necessary attributes identified as MVP traits – the same qualities that companies report to be essential to achieving success in today’s workplace. Former players transitioning out of the NFL and entering the job market now have a new opportunity to earn the title of MVP.
Here are the key traits that I believe MVPs in today’s workplace and former NFL players have in common:
They Play to Win: Both NFL Players and highly valuable employees in the workplace are willing to put in the time to get the job done. We are goal-oriented and accept a challenge head-on. We give it our best from beginning to end. Results count but so does execution and performance. Every play matters and every second on the clock counts. We, as former players, know that better than most.
Establish Strong Relationships with Boss and Team: As NFL players, we have tremendous respect for our coaches and professional authority. The bond between an NFL player and his coach almost always results in greater success on the field. Good communication between a coach and a player is essential. The dynamics between an employee and company leaders work the same way.
Highly Coachable: A Willingness to be Critiqued: We as NFL players understand how important it is to have all aspects of our performance critiqued. We understand it is a critical step in becoming a better player. Feedback, input, suggestions, assessment, identifying areas needing improvement, and positive comments regarding strengths are invaluable to us. Employees must be willing to receive input and feedback from company leadership as well as team feedback from “360 degree” experiences.
Audibles Matter: Both NFL players and workplace MVPs know the importance of following an overall team strategy. We support our team leader’s decision. We also understand how important it is for us to perform our individual roles as part of a moving part of an overall strategy. Working together, as a team, and not alone, is how we know results are achieved.
Credit Goes to the Team: Both Workplace MVPs and NFL players share the credit for any win. For us, it’s a “team win” even if we played a major role in its success. Being a team player also means we share the disappointments and losses our team may experience.
Open to Innovation: MVPs and NFL players understand that if a game plan isn’t working, we are ready to change it. We never say, “But, we always did it this way.” We are open to change and believe that innovation is the key to future successes. Good ideas and good employees/players working together will always win.