Career Lessons from Former Athletes

This Superbowl Sunday we’re reflecting on what the world-class athletes on the field can teach those of us in transition in our careers.

For some of the all-time greatest players, the lesson is: quit while you’re ahead. They hung up their jerseys after a Super Bowl win and turned to new pursuits. Some, like Ray Lewis and Jerome Bettis, became sports commentators. John Elway owned a number of successful car dealerships. Ted Hendricks started a charitable foundation. And Michael Strahan went on to become an Emmy-winning talk show host and even launched his own men’s clothing line.

Read the full article: 9 players who quit after Super Bowl win

Writing for CNBC, Abigail Hess discovered that a remarkable 90% of high-level women executives, and a good number of male executives, were athletes in school or beyond. The adjustment from athletics to the business world can be difficult, but a life in competitive sports can translate to success elsewhere. Hess notes that the team skills, the discipline, and determination of a great athlete are the same traits that make a great business leader. 

Read the full article: If you want to be a CEO later, play sports now

On Viktre, Zach Seybert expands on the notion that athletes are primed for business success by quoting five lessons from former pro lacrosse player and entrepreneur Drew Westervelt:

• Be prepared – injury or other circumstances can end an athlete’s playing career at any time. It’s critical to have a long-term plan.
• Be persistent – the job search and transition can be full of rejection, but persistence and positivity will lead to success.
• Trust your team -“surrounding yourself with great people and identify(ing) team goals and metrics to achieve those goals is key.”
• Ask for feedback – and listen – In sports you make adjustments to your play and improve your performance with the help of a coach. In business, feedback “helps us become better workers and even better people.”
• Lead, don’t follow – Self-confidence often translates from the field to the office. “Have the confidence to make your value seen by actions to drive your team or business.”

Read the full article: Lessons former athletes can use in a second career

Michael Strahan Image credit: Heath Brandon