Orlando Jobseekers: You can learn some very Valuable Career Lessons from Dwight Howard

By Roger Lear

Dwight Howard may leave Orlando and go play in another city doing the same job with a different team. Being a lifetime Magic basketball fan, I would hate to see him leave; but I certainly understand if he does. What you may not realize is “player” movement like this happens every day in the business world as well…it just isn’t broadcasted in the media. Great talent that is developed at a company (any business sector) gets recruited away by a competitor or other business opportunities all the time. The reasons top talent leaves one organization for another is usually on of the following:

1. No more challenge in the current job.
2. Management issues. (you don’t leave a company, you leave a manager)
3. New and different challenges with another company. (Technology, products, etc.)
4. Compensation
5. Lack of internal support.
6. Life changes. (Family, kids, etc)

It isn’t just professional athletes, CEO’s and doctors. It is web developers, administration assistants, front desk supervisors and customer service personnel. Yes, if you are the best at what you do and have a skill set that everyone needs, you are in demand.

Dwight Howard has many skills in common with many top employees at any company:

1. No matter what the skill set, top employees perform it at a high level. Web developers, sales professionals and hostesses all have the potential to be like Dwight. Dwight’s size, strength, enthusiasm and athleticism makes his skill set in his occupation tops in the NBA. What competing NBA wouldn’t want to recruit him or at least try? You can do the same with your career if you stand out with a specific skill set others need. People will notice!

2. Great employees bring value to an organization. Dwight makes the Orlando Magic tick and fills seats. He also is awesome in the community with his charity work through his foundation. What value do you bring to your company? If you left today, would anyone notice? To be recruited by the competitors, you have to have a value that automatically makes that company better. Even if you are a food server, if you are awesome at your job you will be surprised over time what opportunities may come to you either internally (management) or externally (other restaurants hiring you).

3. Top employees are honest and have integrity. Dwight is a leader in this as well. Orlando is very fortunate to have an athlete that makes off the court news when he is visiting hospitals or attending charity event. He is the guy you think he is because in all his years in Orlando, his honesty and integrity has never been an issue.

We want Dwight Howard to stay in Orlando for the next ten years. I also want to keep my top employees forever as well. The reality is that life allows you to make changes. Those of you that perform at a high level, bring value and are good honest people will always be in demand. Not all changes work out, but top employees with skill sets always land on their feet!