Do You Know What Your Job Is
- Advoco
- Dec 11, 2020
- 2 min read
At the Golden Globe Awards this year, there was an incredible speech given by Tom Hanks. He was given an award and gave one of the best acceptance speeches I have ever heard. He started with a joke, gave a heartfelt thank you to his family, and took the rest of the time to humbly give some advice.
He went back to a time before he was a star and was just an unpaid actor. He said he and his fellow actors were out too late the night before and when they came in the next day, late and unprepared, they were asked directly, “Do you know what your job is?”
Taken aback they waited for the answer. They were told three things:
Show up on time
Know the text
Come with a head full of ideas
While those three things are specific to acting, I think it relates to whatever we do in life. First, by showing up on time you are meeting your commitments. You are present and are not making your team, or your customers wait for you. Second, by knowing the text you are prepared. You can participate and contribute to the success of your project. Finally, if you have a head full of ideas you can come up with novel solutions to problems you encounter. While they may not always be followed, having ideas and the confidence to pitch them will lead to your team’s success.
These words helped motivate one of the greatest actors of all time, hopefully they impact you as much as they did for him and me.
Until next time…we are Advoco, make every minute count.
About Colin: Colin Whitney is a Solutions Architect with Advoco and looks forward to helping others achieve their EAM goals. He is a graduate of both the University of Iowa and the University of Georgia. When he is not working he enjoys getting outside and watching college football. Questions? Send Colin an email!
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