Rob Knox, Towson University associate director of athletic media relations who also is CoSIDA's second vice-president, penned this blog post on giving back, mentoring and leading young professionals. We are running this blog as part of our outreach to the membership to become volunteers, join our Mentorship Program and get active in CoSIDA activities and committees. Knox is a graduate of the NCAA Leadership Institute and a 2011 CoSIDA Rising Star Award winner.
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Sign up for the 2017-18 CoSIDA Mentorship Program (both mentors and mentees are needed!)
Why Helping Others Should Be Part of Your DNA
by Rob Knox, Towson University, Director of Sports Information/CoSIDA 2nd Vice President
• Original post:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-helping-others-should-part-your-dna-rob-knox?
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” — Hebrews 13:16
As I shuffled from office to office during my intense two-day interviews at ESPN a few years ago, I was consistently asked one question, which had nothing to do with my sports knowledge, problem solving ability and people skills.
While they were all critical components in being considered for a position at my dream job, there was a qualification not listed on the job application that proved to be the most important character trait.
I was consistently asked “Tell me how did you help somebody grow and reach their potential?”
It was a great question and clear that while being considered for a Statistics Manager role at the most prominent sports network in America, helping others was something that was paramount. Maybe 20 years ago as a young adult starting my professional journey, this question may not have been easy to answer.
Fortunately, I had terrific mentors that stressed the importance of being accountable, working hard, bringing energy to every endeavor, and inspiring others with encouraging words, selfless actions and your time.
This circular effect along with the terrific guidance I received during my career by those who spent time helping me in the pursuit of my dreams and goals fueled my passion for investing in others. It’s a treat sowing seeds and then watching them blossom.
I recently opened an email from “Culture Wins Championships”, a daily leadership devotional and read this gem, “Our life is not for us. Our success is not for us. Our knowledge and experiences are not for us. They are to be shared and passed down to those we lead, so that they can learn and grow and succeed, and then do the same for those they lead.”
Helping others is soothing for the soul and has had a positive impact on my physical and mental health. Focusing on others with a cheerful heart has significantly reduced stress levels for me.
We all have unique experiences. Many of us have been exposed to some awesome quotes, strong reading materials, and terrific motivational speakers throughout our lives. It’s up to us to share, reach back and be the rock for those coming behind us needing to drink from our fountain of wisdom.
Some of the happiest moments in my life have been watching others succeed. I am always filled with pride when watching someone getting their dream job, receiving awards and honors, being inducted into the school hall of fame, earning a promotion, and having acknowledgements in the newspaper.
When you invest in someone and see them winning, everybody triumphs!
I understand that in order to accomplish your goals you must help others achieve theirs by being their ambassadors, spending time with them, delivering feedback when requested, and remaining in constant communication.
I strongly believe that my purpose is to help and inspire others to reach beyond their potential by being enthusiastically dedicated to their growth. It’s why I believe I was led back into athletic communications after working two years at ESPN. Since returning back to the athletic communications field, I’ve been blessed to speak on panels, serve as a facilitator to a group of student-athletes and be a moderator at major NCAA functions.
It’s exciting to receive emails, text messages and/or see social media posts from some of my colleagues, former student-athletes, interns, and graduate assistants sharing all of the wonderful things they are accomplishing in their lives.
As an athletic administrator, the greatest blessing I have is the ability to make a significant impact in the lives of student-athletes, interns and graduate assistants. It takes a special person to be a leader and want to stand out from their peers. I can use my experiences to help them confidently become leaders and champions in life.
Remember, Muhammed Ali said “service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Giving of yourself is required part of the recipe for living a happier and healthier life. Success comes when you find something you are passionate about and perfect it.
Helping others grow should be part of everybody’s DNA.
If someone asked you how you helped someone grow and reach their potential, what would you say?