If you have ever watched a speech from a Hall of Fame enshrinement from any sport or facet of life, you may be surprised at what you see and hear. You might be like I was the first time I tuned in to a broadcast where a new Hall of Famer was speaking a TV audience and friends, family and fans. I thought I would hear the individual boast and gloat about his or her accomplishments throughout the course of their speech. I mean why not? The stage is there. All the focus is on them! Instead what I saw and heard was that particular individual identifying each and every person, (whether it be a former coach, teacher, family, friend, trainer, or locker room attendant) that had a hand or helped that individual attain in the success that was being celebrated that day. Yes, accomplishments may have been mentioned like the amount of Super Bowl rings, passing/rushing yards, sacks, tackles, and games played to name a few to their playing days, but what I saw and heard was more than 90% of their speech being dedicated to others and not entirely to themselves. I bring this up because in sports, attaining a coveted spot in the Hall of Fame is one of the greatest achievements an athlete can realize. In the world of business or the major/career of your choosing, you undoubtedly have or will identify and outline the goals/achievements you wish to conquer over the course of your days. So as entering the Hall of Fame is more often associated with pro sports, attaining a Vice President or President role may be more associated and aligned with one of your greatest goals/achievements, if met. While you may reach that Vice President or President role as an individual, there are may be any number of individuals that had helped you in one way or another along the way, such as a mentor, coach, professor, pastor, friends and/or family members. The takeaway here is to be humble and thank those that have helped you get to where you are now and when you get to that coveted role or position. Why? Because if a Hall of Famer on his or her most special day of enshrinement could take their turn at the podium and microphone to tell everyone why they’re the best and the sole person responsible for their success, but doesn’t, then so to should you and I take the high road and be thankful to those who have helped us or will help us get to OUR ‘Hall of Fame.’
The author of this blog is Justin Alan Hayes, architect of The House of You and the leading Expert on career preparation, advancement and achievement, including how to maximize your collegiate career and inspiring others to make their dreams come true.
The House of You (https://www.thehouseofyou.com/shop/), has the most epic career preparation, achievement and advancement books available, titled “The House of You'“, which is being used inside and outside of the classroom by Professor’s, students and student athletes across the world, along with Professional instructional materials, cases, and resume consulting.