Encouraging You To Mix It Up

by Chris Frede on June 20, 2011

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courtesy of HBO

“Besides winning, (the most fun thing is) getting out there and mixing it up with friends; it’s the competition.”  Al Unser, Jr.

Good or bad – I have always been a competitive person. This could be because I like a challenge - but most likely it is because I like to win.

When I was younger,  I enjoyed watching John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. They took tennis to the next level and were not only professional athletes, but they made the sport cool and fun. Over the weekend I watched a new documentary on HBO Sports Legends and Legacy show called McEnroe/Borg – Fire and Ice . This documentary is about the rivalry in the late 70′s and early 80′s and the relationship between these two very different tennis players.

This documentary surprised me. It not only focused on the competitive nature between the two, but how the relationship and competition made both better tennis players. John McEnroe said that the competition with Bjorn Borg lifted him as a player and as a person. As the competition ended, so did the success of both tennis players.

Is this true in our professional lives as well – can we raise our game by mixing it up? Here are some thoughts:

  • Embrace those who have a different view - Learn from those who have a different style than you do. Do they approach things differently, taking a different route from point A to B?  This varied approach and thought process, although you may not agree with it, offers a different perspective and can help you grow.
  • Embrace your weakness - We tend to do what is comfortable for us. Embracing your weaknesses may be intimidating, but it may help you learn to combat your weakness. Shrink it. Don’t be afraid of your weakness, instead confront it.
  • Seek out friendly competition - Let the passion of others drive you to a level above where you are currently performing. You will be amazed of what you are capable of. Don’t forget to compete with yourself and continually challenge yourself to be better. Learn something new each day.
  • Learn how to win gracefully but more importantly, learn to lose - We cannot win all the time. Did you lose because someone else out performed you or because you did not play your best game? The only thing you can control is your game, so always play your best one.

Let’s put ourselves out there, have fun and mix it up.

A special thanks to those people who have helped me raise my game and be a better person, colleague and HR professional.

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Sports, Mentors & Glee

by Chris Frede on October 27, 2010

Photo credit Fox.com

Fox has a television show on Tuesday night called  GleeGlee is a musical, comedy-drama based on a high school glee club.  A high school friend of mine recently informed me that the character who plays the cheer-leading coach on Glee, was based on my high school tennis coach.  The name of the coach on Glee is Sue Sylvester and the name of my coach is Sue Silvey.  Besides the similarity in the names, the resemblance is uncanny.  Coach Silvey wore an Adidas jogging suit, had similar hair and demeanor.  Could this be true? 

Returning home, I ransacked my house looking for high school photos.  There she was, Sue Silvey – the memories rushed in.    

Coach Silvey was my tennis coach for all four years of high school.  She had a smile that said she was not going to be fooled, had her eye on us and knew exactly what we were up to.  She was competitive, a driver and pushed me all four years.  At the time I did not realize how much I learned from her, and would not until I was much older.  As I reflect on my teenage years, here are few things I learned: 
 
Action speak louder than words                                                
  • How you play a sport is more important than winning.
  • Learning to accept constructive feedback – often.
  • Healthy competition is good!
  • How to win and lose gracefully.  (not sure I really learned this one)
  • Enthusiasm is contagious!
The power of constructive criticism 
  • Coaches are always telling you how you can improve your game.  Take their advice and try it.
  • Don’t be offended about the feedback given.  Take it in stride and work towards improving.
  • Always be reflective about yourself and your contributions.
  • Listen, watch and observe. 
  • There is always something you can improve on.

Discipline 

  • How to balance school, sports and fun.
  • Establish a routine that provides the necessary training to improve skills.
  • Work as a team, collaborate and be supportive of each other.
  • Know your limitations and learn ways to work around them to achieve the desired results.
  • Push yourself and always go above and beyond.
  • Never be satisfied and having a strong desire to deliver results.  

These lessons I learned are applicable to my every day work environment.  Playing team sports taught me so much and made me a better professional.  Coach Silvey led me on this path while I was a young, energetic teenager.  It has been many years since I have seen Coach Silvey.  I would like to thank her for all she did for me.   

What do you think?  Did you have a coach or mentor that had an impact your life?

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HR Technology Conference Day Two – Blogger Insights Panel

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My highlight of the second day of the HR Technology conference was the Blogger Insights panel.  The panel was led by Kris Dunn and panelists included Laurie Reuttimann, Michael Krupa, Trish McFarlane and Bryon Abramowitz.  Each panelist discussed the types of blog they have and how they get their inspiration.  The room was full of [...]

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HR Technology Conference – Social Recruiting

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 The 13th annual HR Technology Conference & Exposition started yesterday in Chicago.  This is my first time attending the conference and the day one was outstanding.  I wanted to highlight one session that I enjoyed very much.   Get the Best Advice on Social Recruiting I was really looking forward to this session and it [...]

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Twitter Is Just A Fad Anyway ….

September 23, 2010

“I don’t understand Twitter, but it does not matter.  It is just a fad anyway.” Three different people made this statement to me yesterday so I felt the need to blog about it.  After this statement was made in one conversation, initially I took a step back.  Listened to the individuals rationale behind the statement, then mentally composed my response.  Anxious to respond, [...]

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The Tribe Has Spoken

September 16, 2010

Photo Credit CBS.com The 21st season of Survivor began last night with 20 people competing for $1 million dollars in Nicaragua.  With a new season of Survivor comes the fun of watching the interaction within a new group of people.  As the social game begins, we get to see who starts playing the game first, who tries to be the leader and who [...]

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Continually Reinvent Your Career

August 13, 2010

Last week, I enjoyed a Fistful of Talent  post  by Steve Boese titled The LeBron Effect.  The post discussed how LaBron James’ decision to move to the Miami Heat created a domino effect which resulted in 30 Miami Heat ticket sale employees losing their job.  One thing stuck with me after reading the post.  It was not the news about LaBron James or the news [...]

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Have You Checked Out The Women Of HR Blog?

July 12, 2010

One cool night in Chicago, a group of women representing various ages and backgrounds gathered in a room filled with laughter and great conversation over pomegranate martinis.  From this gathering, an idea to create the Women of HR website was created.  The goal of this website was to create a place where women can go to get information, discuss [...]

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From Intern, To Secret Weapon

June 24, 2010

Interns can be an asset to any HR department.  About six months ago, Ben Eubanks wrote this post in response  to a post about interns written by Matt Cholerton.  I agree with Matt that interns can make your department more efficient while providing the intern with a great HR experience.  This also gives you an opportunity to see [...]

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What’s On Your Dry Erase Board?

June 15, 2010

I love dry erase boards.  Every time I see one I want to write and draw on it.  Maybe it is the teacher in me.  Saying that, the dry erase board in my office is relatively blank.  Currently, I have pictures of my dog and nieces taped to the board.  My dry erase board is used more like a [...]

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