By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services
In 2000, the New York Giants faced off against the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl. Despite the magnitude of the stage, there was not much I would consider memorable about the game. After all, I have engaged in a love affair with America’s Team (the Dallas Cowboys) since I can remember, and as such, the only Super Bowls really worth my attention are those involving the Cowboys. I digress. One thing I do remember about the game is Kerry Collins, New York’s quarterback, who threw an uncharacteristic four interceptions. As he left the field at the end of the game, with the camera fixed on his every move, his young son ran up to him. Collins scooped him up in his arms and said, “We’ll fight another day.” In that one interaction Kerry Collins earned an infinite amount of my respect.
Having played football at the high school level, I learned there is an extremely aspirational and optimistic aspect to the game. Allow me to explain. When the Giants realized they were heading to the Super Bowl, and Collins day dreamed about his performance, I think it safe to say he never imagined they would lose or that he would throw four interceptions. Like most quarterbacks, he probably imagined the game coming down to the final seconds, ending with a Joe Montana to Dwight Clark moment where he emerged victorious. He probably thought of what he would say when he held the Vince Lombardi trophy in his hands and how he would say, “I’m going to Disney World!” Though in fact, none of that would happen, and he would go down in history as 2000’s runner up in the biggest game of the season.
That game made me think about how we handle disappointment in our careers. If you have worked long enough, I am sure you have experienced some level of professional disappointment. Perhaps there was a promotion you felt really qualified for that you did not get. Or maybe there was an interview for which you meticulously prepared, though none of the questions you reviewed were asked during the meeting. How do you handle that sort of disappointment? I have seen people lose big games and lose their cool, yelling at opposing team members, fans, and the media. I am not standing in judgment of anyone. The truth is that failing hurts most when you tried your best, but wouldn’t it be great if we could handle our disappointment like Kerry Collins? If we could absorb the pain of losing, dust ourselves off and fight another day? The next time your boss fails to recognize your hard work, or you do not get the position you applied for, I have a few suggestions for how you might want to proceed:
1) Follow up with the interview panel or your management team requesting to know the areas where you could become stronger. This could even include seeking a mentor.
2) Continue to educate yourself about the position of interest by reading, seeking certifications, or pursuing an advanced degree to prepare yourself for the next opportunity.
3) Finally, and perhaps most important, try again!
It is this kind of resilience and class that will help you obtain your goals. Do this not only for yourself, but for the person you are inspiring that you did not even know was watching.
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