Always be who you are
A week ago today, I was in Miami excited for the BCS National Championship game. As I reflect on the week and the experience of working the event, I'm reminded of the relationships that I have built.
I'm also reminded of what is important to me--authentic interactions.
I've spent many years working in collegiate athletics as a publicist and have met hundreds of people. This post is about members of the media. In my position, it was my responsibility to pitch stories to the media, add context to the success of my student-athletes and serve as the expert for my teams.
Media members surround Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo following a 2010 Final Four practice.
I was successful at all of those things, but more important, was the authentic relationships I built with media members. It has been one of mutual respect and genuine interest. Sure we talk shop—Xs and Os, personnel, the landscape and the future of the sport, but what is more important to me is who they are as human beings.
While in Miami last week, I saw so many media members with whom I've worked with throughout my 15-year career. To experience genuine delight in their eyes upon seeing me, let me know that I've done right by myself—by what I believe in and how I conduct my business. Don't get me wrong, we've had our differences, as my loyalties lie with my university, my team and my coaches, but at the end of the day, it is the authentic interactions that continue the relationships.
While interacting with these writers all week, I was reminded of a few conversations during my career that made me do a double-take and then realize that I would pick the authentic interaction each and every time.
One in particular occurred during an annual evaluation. I was told that if in my shoes, an hour spent on the phone talking the sport with a national writer was not how time should be sent.
Hmmm...the primary responsibilities of my job included being the expert on the sport, speaking with ease about the sport, telling the stories of the student-athletes and earning respect from the media.
Check. Check. Check and check.
So when a national writer called (or any writer, for that matter), I picked up the phone (or returned the call shortly thereafter) and chatted. One hour or five minutes, every time, I'm going to take the call.
They are making that call because of my authentic interactions, mutual respect and expertise—that made me humble and proud at the same time.
I'm currently not working in collegiate athletics, but still maintain these relationships, and there is still a mutual respect. Sure, I know them from our professions, but that has no bearing on my interactions and I appreciate and treasure that. (Translated=I’m not interacting with you because I can benefit somehow).
Now, I'm off to meet a friend, who happens to be a national writer, for dinner. We'll talk sport, but then about life, family, politics, whatever comes up. Again, I'm still loyal to my athletic families and that is respected.