This isn't news - anymore. But I couldn't see how I could post this Friday's Career Makers without Kobe Bryant front and center. The news shocked not only the US but the sports world. As a mom, I can barely imagine the grief at losing a spouse and child, let alone having it happen in such a tragic, public forum. 9 precious humans lost their lives and as the world seeks to process, grieve and understand, Kobe's NBA career came out of the shadows and back into the limelight.
This week's top 3 career makers will be about Kobe. His life included the ups and downs that come with fame and fortune. But without a doubt, he parlayed his larger-than-life persona to help and promote others. We can all learn a few things about how to manage our career from Kobe.
1. Lesson #1: Your Career Involves Not Only You - But Your Spouse/Partner and Family
I don't care what you do - you can be a barista, engineer, accountant, doctor, lawyer, Youtube influencer, or donut maker. To be successful in our careers, we need support from our family and friends. I have worked with people who were let go and afraid to tell their spouses/partners. They worried - not because they would be letting them down - but because they would be ridiculed, embarrassed and belittled. If you have a bad day at work, you want to be able to go home for compassion and empathy.
Your family is your rock. They will support you. They help you be successful. You can't be a "successful" working parent with a demanding job who needs to food shop, clean the house and drive kids to activities without a partner that supports you. You can't start a new business and be away from home all the time without support. You can't move your family around the country from job to job without unconditional support.
Make today the day you "thank" him'her for the unconditional support you receive. And remember to give that same support in return.
2. Lesson #2: Your Career Doesn't Have to Define You. What you Do WITH Your Career Can Have a Bigger Impact
Kobe granted more than 200 wishes through the Make a Wish Foundation - most without any fanfare. He wanted to inspire others, make their lives a little better and support young children facing difficult challenges. He wasn't just a basketball legend. He wanted to use his career to help other people and make a difference in their lives.
You aren't your career and your career isn't you. Your career doesn't define your self-worth. I talk with clients who have been "let go" about this all the time. Let your career be how you learn, grow and develop. But don't let it be who you are. You can use your career to figure out "what's next". I work with a lot of people who have "been there, done that". They want their next career move to better align with their professional and personal goals. You can work for companies with a strong social agenda and corporate giving philosophy or actually work for companies who are trying to change the world -it could be through urban living, food, healthcare or numerous other ways. Or you might want some more work/life balance so you can donate your time to other causes.
Either way, don't let your career define you.
3. Lesson #3: Use your Influence and Success to Promote Others
Kobe used his star power to promote women and sports. He opened doors for other athletes. He recognized that he could pave the way for other people. Kobe put his star power behind the WBNA commissioner - Cathy Engelbert - to help her navigate the politics, build the brand and grow the organization. He helped give women basketball players credibility and influence.
We can achieve our career goals and help others at the same time. Sometimes we focus so much on smashing our own glass ceilings, breaking down our own barriers and climbing our own ladders that we forget that other people came before us and helped make the road a little easier to travel. Once you have reached a milestone or hit your goals, don't forget to actively help other people move up their own ladders. Be a mentor, advocate for someone's training, skill development or promotion or speak up when you see an injustice and someone being treated unfairly at work.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Your career is a family affair. You need to support your partner/spouse as much as you need them to support you in order to be successful
2. Don't let your career define you. Only let it be part of your story - but not the whole story3. Use your career - your own personal "star power" to help others advance their careers and take a step forward
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