Don’t Tebow Yourself

The old saying “Pride goeth before the fall” helps remind us that we should be careful not to be too proud and overconfident.  Misplaced or ill-timed pride causes us to make mistakes that ultimately lead to our defeat or downfall. This isn’t the “take pride in what you do” kind of pride; but the “You can’t tell me anything…I got this…I’m too good for that…My stuff don’t stink” kind of pride.

Remember Tim Tebow?

• Heisman-Winning Quarterback
• 2-time National Champion at the University of Florida
• Poster boy for good behavior
• Ex-Denver Bronco
• Ex-New York Jet
• Ex New England Patriot.

All of these “Exes” have led him to be an Ex-employee of the National Football League. Not because there weren’t opportunities to play (offers from NFL teams at other positions, The Arena League and The Canadian Football League), but because Timmy has a pride issue.

“Past accomplishments do not guarantee future successes. We must always adapt and be flexible with our plans.”

Mr. Tebow is like many of us today that have our minds made up too early and get stubborn. We are determined to do things our way, even when our way may not be the best for the situation. If it’s not my dream job, then it’s beneath me and I’m not taking it! As a professional athlete, he clearly has talents and abilities, but he wants a position that all 32 of his potential employers don’t want him in or think he’s ready for…right now. He wants to be a quarterback, typically the highest paid, most influential, critical and high profile position on a team. Games are won and lost at this position. Owners invest in and rest the future of their entire company on the skill, decision making and leadership qualities of this one person.

We want positions or jobs right now that we are not ready for…right now. It may be that we need to learn a different skill, grow to become more familiar with that particular organization and how they do things, or we may quite frankly need to take what we can for now, show our value and move up in the company! Who does that anymore? Right, that’s the problem. Everyone wants to graduate and move straight to the C-Suite. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

To help put things in perspective, as a Nashvillian, I’m a Tennessee Titans fan. On game day, our “reserve” or 3^rd quarterback is Damian Williams, a Wide Receiver who has admitted that he has no interest in playing that position and hopes that he never has to! All it would take for him to assume the quarterback position during a game is 2 bad plays; one injuring Jake Locker (the starter) and another injuring Ryan Fitzpatrick (the backup). But he’s there, he’s dressed for the game (being paid) and while his chance of taking the reins on game day is minuet, he has one. And isn’t it better to have the chance of winning a shot at the position you want while being employed, than to be sitting at home (not being paid) hoping that someone will bring your name up when there’s a need or an opening.

The bad pride will cause us to be underemployed and unemployed. Everyone can’t start at the top. Somebody has to occupy the other roles on the team and those roles are critical to the team having depth in case something happens. And when that un-glamorous work is done well with the good pride, people take notice and opportunities come available. Decision makers in your building will see and recognize your character, work ethic and commitment to the company, along with your willingness to help in whatever capacity to help the team win. A position may even be created FOR you if you make the most of your opportunities, but there are NO options if you’re not even on the roster.

“Get on the roster and then we can talk about dream jobs.” – Justin Harris, 2013