Do Your Job
Pride, Preparation, and Presence
Three simple words that contain a whole lot of significance — do your job. This phrase has been stated by many employers, teachers, coaches, and parents; but many times the expectation can be lost in translation. Many simply default to ‘task completion’ or a ‘check the box’ mentality. Then they get defensive if called out for a sub-par performance, stating that they did their job or completed the task.
Future Hall of Fame head coach, Bill Belichick implemented the ‘Do Your Job’ mantra into the historic dynasty of the New England Patriots during their run to 6 Super Bowl Championships in 9 appearances from 2001–2019.
The one word that isn’t in that phrase, that is implied, is Do Your Job — Well! It can be enough to make the difference. — Bill Belichick
The old cliche is — “it’s not what you do, but how you do it.” I like to view both as extremely important. Details matter! Do your job, roughly, means being prepared, working hard, paying attention to the details, and putting the team first.
As a strength coach/employee, husband, and father, I have many responsibilities and teams that I have to put first in all my actions. At work, my actions not only affect my job but the jobs of those I work with. Simply completing the task is not always enough. How well I do my job can directly impact fellow employees as well as the coaches, athletes, and parents that I serve. They have to be at the forefront of my mind as I am working through even the simplest of responsibilities. In this instance, what it really comes down to is taking PRIDE in all that I do. Put your best foot forward and be proud to attach your name to your work.
For the student-athlete, one of the first jobs they have every day is showing up prepared. Prepared for class — on time, assignments completed, supplies in hand, etc. Prepared for training or practice — on time, correct apparel and equipment, hydrated, fueled, etc.
Without handling the preparation, you have failed to do your job. At this point, it does not matter what the work is in class or at training because you will not be at your best to complete the job — well. This results in letting down yourself, your teammates, and your coaches. Be PREPARED!
To deliver your best work, you also have to be present. Showing up and being in attendance is much different than being present. Presence is being where your feet are in the moment and blocking out any outside noise that may be distracting your effort and attention. Part of my responsibilities as a father is simply being there with my two boys — playing, teaching, conversing, and creating. I can complete most of those things while scrolling social media on my phone. Technically, I am spending time with them, but I am not present in any way, shape, or form.
To do my job well, I must be present and intentional with my time and my boys. Intent is where your attitude and effort meet. A purposeful attitude combined with an all-in effort is how you deliver INTENT into everything that you do. That all begins with being where your feet are, present in the moment.
I wholeheartedly believe that you can place yourself ahead of the majority of others by simply doing your job. So many people show up unprepared, only work hard when they feel like it, skip over the details, and carry a ‘ME’ attitude.
By taking pride in what you do, showing up prepared, placing the team above yourself, and being present and intentional in the moment you are giving yourself the best shot to be successful in whatever it is that you do.
DO YOUR JOB!
