Preseason is a Professional Sports Temp Agency

THE PATH TO THE ROSTER...

The preseason in professional sports is the time in which the unnecessary roster additions come to light and athletes are waived because of poor conditioning, unpreparedness, lack of performance, increased competition, reevaluation of worth based on the remaining roster, or inability to fit in with the work ethic and style of others on the team.  Not unlike what goes on in work environments that don't involve cheering fans, a stadium or arena, and intense schedules, this is exactly what temporary workers and employees who contract for hire experience.  But here's how to prepare for the end of the evaluation probation period?

1. Work harder and longer than the rest. Be present before others arrive and after they leave.  Put in more time and effort to be better and deliver stronger.  The results will be evident during the regular workday (on the field or watching film for athletes) while others are competing.  It is a competition and the more you prepare, the better the chances are to compete and win the roster spot.
2. Talk less and prove more.  Solidifying the spot on the team is the only focus.  Making friends by going to happy hour and nights out on the town are not appointments that need to be scheduled until after a contract is signed and the probationary period is over.  Still be friendly but keep personal and professional business private.
3. Keep the image intact.  The character shown outside of work or off the field is just as important as the one on the field or in the workplace.  There are no boundaries for upstanding behavior regardless of the environment.  No one wants a risk to the team because there is work to be done, games to be won, and/or deliverables to be completed.  Be sure to think before reacting to any situation and remove or at least eliminate interactions with people that bring drama and conflict.  Be the person that keeps great references.
4. Move on from the good and the bad performances.  Celebrate the good work and mourn the bad results only for a minute.  Do not get lost in celebration or sulking because it moves the focus away from the next opportunity to shine.  Learn from the poor performance and make the appropriate adjustments.  Remember the good outcome and practice to repeat whatever it took for the positive outcome.

A once in a lifetime opportunity can not be underestimated.  It is a process that the million dollar athlete and the hourly worker go through to solidify a job.  While one might be more glamorous than the other, it's always business and nothing personal.  And what is exhibited working with one company or team that did not work can easily translate to success in another company or for another team. 

For more business and professional career information, follow on Twitter (@temekoruns) or purchase the book, Get A  Clue 10 Steps to an Executive IQ.

Posted in: corporate etiquette,employment,nba,NFL,preseason,professional athletes,professionalism,sports business,Temeko Richardson