The author and speaker, Tim Ferris, asks his podcast guests: “If you could write a word or a phrase on a billboard what would it be?”  One of my messages would be, “Dominate your Current Role.”  Many people have a negative attitude toward “small” and “unimportant” jobs.  This flawed mindset leads to missed opportunities.

Filling Water Bottles:

My first coaching job was an assistant baseball/assistant cross country coach.  I knew very little about cross country other than running that far and that often was not something I would ever want to do.  One of my jobs was filling the water bottles.   “Why do I have to do this?  This is stupid.”  I had many negative thoughts initially; however, I quickly shifted my perspective.  I took pride in my work realizing that hydration was critical.  I paid attention to the amount of ice I put into each bottle.  I made sure the Gatorade logo was “faced” properly in the water carrier (a lesson I learned stocking shelves at Coke).  While not glamorous, this was my role and I wanted to dominate it.

Over time, my role expanded.  I never became an expert on the science of training elite runners; however, I was able to impart strategies on team building and competition.  The head coach and I began discussing race strategy and I took a more active role in team meetings.  I earned the increased responsibilities because of my positive attitude toward the mundane task of filling water bottles.

Sports Application:

As a coach, I see it all the time.  An athlete is disappointed in their playing time or role.  This athlete has a powerful choice: either pout and complain or figure out a way to crush their current role.  Unfortunately, it’s common for people to think that a poor attitude will lead to more opportunities.  In successful teams and organizations this approach will get you buried and eventually removed from the program.

It takes guts and fortitude, but the athletes that make it out of the pile are the ones who are willing to keep pushing.  They are not playing in varsity games, but they treat pre-game activities like it’s their game.  During intra-squads they are flying around and doing everything they can to push the starters and win the competition.  While not content, they CHOOSE to face the situation as a challenge and they attack it with an “A” attitude.  They are relentless in their preparation because they have faith their number will be called, and when that time comes, they will be ready.

Business Application:

I work with 18-22 year olds.  It is interesting to hear their perspectives on internships and new jobs.  Not always, but frequently, they are disappointed in the early responsibilities and tasks. Getting coffee, proof reading the report, answering phones or emails are not what they envisioned. Most people miss a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate a positive attitude, competence, and a team first mindset by approaching these task halfheartedly.  I often ask, “how can they trust you with bigger roles when they can’t trust you with the smaller jobs?”

In business, just like sports, new employees have a choice: pout or figure out a way to stand out.  People notice when someone is working hard and trying to add value to an organization.  It doesn’t have to be a high profile assignment.  Sometimes it’s easier to make a positive impression during the “low burn” jobs.

A Note to Leaders:

It’s become quite popular to bash the younger generations.  The term “Millennial” has become derogatory.  There are many stereotypes that accompany the younger generation, one being that they don’t want to do the “grunt work.”  When are we going to stop blaming the generation and start demanding better leadership?  What if we took a different approach and became extremely intentional about acknowledging “lower-profile” jobs and tasks? What if we clearly articulated the importance of the job and explained the opportunity for growth within the organization?

Most of our time and attention goes to the “star” performers.  While the “A-players” need recognition, it is a better investment to spend time with those who are underappreciated.  The freshmen shortstop who is batting third is just fine; it’s the freshmen that is grinding and not seeing the results that needs us the most.  Celebrate and praise those individuals and groups who are doing thankless jobs with a plus attitude; the ones who raise the energy level just by stepping in a room.  Those are the future stars.

There are plenty of young athletes and workers who are special.  These gifted people will make a big impact on any organization.  We just have to look at the problem differently and ask better questions as to how we can best serve them.  It’s our obligation to help them dominate their current role!

Make it an Awesome Week,

Mike