Three Thoughts for a More Successful Career
Here you go: 3 thoughts that might help you amp up your ambitions and jolt your career or calling:
1. Know your stuff. When people reacted to Jesus, what did they say: “He spoke as one with authority.” Jesus knew what he was talking about and it connected with people. If you want to be respected and valued in your organization, then learn. Grow.
Jon Swearingen didn’t get the job as television producer for Joel Osteen because he’s clueless. From a production point of view, when you look at that program, it’s technical specs, and how it’s produced, it’s hard to find a mistake. Jon knows his stuff. If nothing else, really knowing your stuff will stop the tsunami of really bad screenplays written by Christians that pour into our office. Learn how to write. Learn how to direct. Learn how to do whatever you do better! The world respects authority.
2. Understand how people communicate. Two types of communicators you need to understand are people who think by talking about it, and people who think by doing. I’m a doer. Maybe it’s my ADD, but I’m not interested in details.
Matthew Phillips used to be C.O.O. at Cooke Media Group because he was a detail guy. That’s a big reason we brought him on the team. He had a white board in his office with circles, arrows, buzzwords, and other stuff – it was just filled. Matthew wants to look under the hood and rummage around in there. I just want to see the dashboard. Tell me how fast we’re going, and if we have enough gas and I’m fine. Which type is your boss? Your clients? Your team? The people you communicate with?
The point is? We are constantly frustrated because we don’t take the time to learn how people communicate. Know who you’re talking to, and make sure the message you transmit is the message that’s received.
3. Finally – As Aristotle said, “Know thyself.” Know your strengths, weaknesses, and abilities. Lately, I’ve been confronted with enormous numbers of people in denial. People convinced they are gifted and talented, when the truth is, they’re the only people impressed with their work. Control freaks, who deny it. People with anger issues who deny it.
Know who you are in Christ. And know who you are in you. When I meet someone for the first time, the first question I usually ask is “What are you good at?” And it’s amazing how few people can answer that question. Find a niche or skill that you can be the best in the world at, and pursue it with everything you’ve got.
Phil Cooke, PhD. has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” As a media producer, writer, speaker, and consultant, his client list includes major film studios and TV networks as well as major Christian organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, and others. He’s also coached and consulted with many of the most influential churches and nonprofit organizations in the world, helping them use media to tell their story. You can hear his podcast here.
