WARNING! YOU’RE ABOUT TO GET FIRED
by Jeff Carroll


I was lining up my shot on the third hole, par 5, and just ready to “pull the trigger” and my golf partner decides to share some career wisdom with me. Not that I asked for it and probably not the best time either, but here’s what he blurted my direction, “You know, there are only two types of NFL coaches out there............those that have been fired and those that are going to be fired”. Not exactly a quote to smooth out my golf swing, but nonetheless, a cold slap of career reality. Wow, I thought, we’re no different than those NFL coaches whether today, yesterday or tomorrow! And, that’s probably where the similarity begins and ends, but it’s a BIG one!

You see, these veteran coaches are well aware that from the first day they are announced as the new head coach, their days are numbered. It’s not a matter of “if”, it’s just a matter of “when”. They can’t escape the reality because they’ve lived it and they’ve seen all their fellow NFL colleagues live it...............here today, gone tomorrow. So, how do they do it. I mean, how do they perform day in and day out with the axe clearly hanging over their heads. Talk about stress. Talk about anxiety. Talk about pressure. Is it just the big bucks that gets them through each day, each week, each season? Maybe for some, but I have my doubts ‘cause despite what everybody says, money is a satisfier not a motivator.

So what is IT? And, how do they do it? Is it in their genes, personalities, discipline, up-bringing, education, the coaching industry................what is it? Well, to be honest, it’s most likely more than one thing as it is with many professions. I’m sure it’s a collection of leadership, communications, recruiting, building relationships, the playbook, and on and on. But if I had to call out one thing that drives them, keeps them going (even after they get fired) is their passion for the game, the love of competition, and the desire to win. But it all starts with their passion, some might say obsession, for the game of football..............plain and simple.

So, good for them. Glad to hear about their passion for a game where players have fun beating the s___ out of each other on a field with numbers, stripes and goal posts. But what does that mean to me? Anything? Everything? Nothing?

I’m just me, yes me, trying to whack my way through this volatile and uncertain world of work. Trying my best and hoping it all works out..............whatever that means. So, what am I missing here and if I find it, will it really make a difference? Will it allow me to respond and perform in the face of knowing my days are numbered at any company or firm?

Good news and bad news! The good news is that each of us have a passion for something, we do. We have embedded in our DNA a particular “career genius” molecule. It’s there and deep down.... we know it. Maybe we've even observed it. And, hopefully we’ve actually pursued it at some point or time in our lives.

So, like the NFL coaches, we have what it takes. The only challenge is discovering it or rediscovering it. That takes some time, effort and most of all courage or guts. But, well worth the work because it is that one thing that can look “being fired” squarely in the face and say, “So, what’s next?”.