I was in the 6th grade when my basketball coach, Mr. Hunter, kept me after every practice leading up to the start of the season to teach me about mastering the triple-threat position. I remember thinking at the time how silly and pointless it was to practice a move or a skill that had nothing to do with scoring, passing, and dribbling – I couldn’t have been more wrong. The funny thing about getting into a ‘triple-threat’ was that it had EVERYTHING to do with scoring, passing and dribbling!
I quickly realized how
important it was to develop this skill – after receiving the ball, being in a
‘triple-threat’ position would immediately help me to see the floor better,
find my teammates quicker and identify what defensive system the opponent was
playing. I believe that the triple-threat position is the most important
offensive concept to develop and if you can master it, you will be an offensive
force for years to come.
Similarly, as you strive
to become the most valued asset within your professional company/organization, it
is important that you individually identify what your own ‘triple-threat’ will
be comprised of. Ask yourself, “what characteristics can I exemplify to my
colleagues, coworkers, and supervisors that will help me build an excellent
reputation?” I believe that finding your own ‘triple-threat’ stance (aka three
qualities) can be defined within the following K.I.T. FOR SUCCESS.
( K ) INDNESS
“Be kind, for everyone you
meet is fighting a hard battle.” Ian Maclaren is credited with making this
statement more than 150 years ago; and it couldn’t be truer still to this day.
Be mindful that anyone and everyone you work with may be undergoing some sort
of challenge in their lives outside of work. Being kind enables us to
communicate better while recognizing that all beings are unique. Most
importantly though, remember that kindness is not simply about being nice to
other people because you believe that this will manipulate them into giving you
what you want (promotion, salary increase, etc); it is about making a lifestyle
choice that can transcend all those negative and worrisome feelings.
( I ) NTEGRITY
Be honest with yourself
and honest with your organization. Although I’ve already touched on having
integrity in an earlier posting, it cannot be overstated how important this
characteristic is for professional (and personal) growth and development. Webster
defines integrity as “the quality of being honest and fair,” or “the state of
being complete or whole.” Do not underestimate the importance of building good
habits as it will translate to how you are perceived amongst your peers and
your supervisors – character counts!
( T ) HOUGHT
Spend some time each and
every day in thought. Reflect on what you worked on (or didn’t work on) today
and take time to understand how your effort today will translate into continued
growth. Ask yourself questions about the role you play within your team and/or
company to determine if your short-term gains will lead to a long-term victory.
Marilyn Vos Savant stated it best, “To acquire knowledge, one must study; but
to acquire wisdom, one must observe.” It is important that you develop a deep
understanding of your particular field/industry so that it easier for you to
reflect on your success or failures; while making adjustments along the way for
the betterment of all parties involved.
Mastering your own
triple-threat stance will allow for you to become a force for many years to
come – just remember to enjoy the journey along the way by celebrating both the
big and small victories.
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Patrick is a MS, Sport Management candidate at Drexel University set to graduate in Summer 2014. He is the Business and Operations Graduate Assistant for Drexel Athletics and is responsible for supporting the Administration and Operations staff of Drexel's Athletic Cabinet this year. Gallagher graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, majoring in marketing and management, in May 2006 from Villanova University. During his enrollment, he was named Captain of the men's varsity soccer team and was appointed President of SAAC. He is looking to use his professional experience as a media sales consultant in New York, coupled with his passion for sports, to pursue a successful career in athletic administration.You can connect with Patrick Gallagher on LinkedIn
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