Every year, a high-stakes meeting of current and former baseball writers takes place to decide who will be elected into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Retired players are evaluated on a wide range of factors, and every journalist casts votes for those he or she thinks is most deserving of the sport’s most coveted honor.
In the corporate world, various other “Halls of Fame” exist as well, from exclusive societies to networking groups that boast high-profile industry titans among their members. In the more general sense, however, a Hall of Fame career is one that can be distinguished as exceptional – and this can be achieved by practically anyone. Given the proper circumstances, effort, and key successes, even wayward young professionals can reroute their career course to an illustrious path.
What are the primary attributes of a Hall of Fame career? How do we measure the overarching success and value of one’s performance over the long run? The AP Professionals team discusses four key factors instrumental to any Hall of Fame performance.
Excellence
Simply and obviously, no player will ever be inducted into their respective Hall of Fame if they perform at a mediocre level for the entirety of their career. To be truly exceptional, one must demonstrate their value above and beyond the average expected performance. In baseball, key accolades include career home runs, hits, batting average, MVPs, Gold Gloves, World Series titles, etc. In the workplace, accomplishments that might distinguish a Hall of Fame career could be sales figures, size of one’s client book, total network strength, number of people served, number of direct reports, compensation, years holding a particular license, and many more. To be an excellent performer, you need to prove it with tangible, trackable milestones.
Longevity
There are few players who make it to Cooperstown playing less than 15 years in the MLB. The average is 18. To undergo world-class training and sustain professional output for that long takes an iron will and incredible discipline. To distinguish yourself in your chosen career field, longevity can play a major role. The length of your tenure is a signal of your expertise and your ability to weather various seasons of challenge. Longevity and excellence also work hand in hand: the longer your career, the more chances you will have to rack up your career totals.
Consistency
Anyone who has ever followed baseball has probably heard of Cal Ripken, Jr. When that name is said, one thing comes to mind: consistency. The MLB season holds 162 games – with only one or two off days per month, playing in every game in a single season is a difficult feat that few players can manage. Cal played in every game of every season for 16 years. Though he was an exceptional player in his own right, his dependability solidified him as a Hall of Fame pick in the minds of countless fans.
If your family, team, or company can rely on you day in and day out to produce results, you are on the fast track to a Hall of Fame career. Being dependable is an incredible asset to your firm, but also helps strengthen your relationships throughout your industry by painting you in a positive light. One day at a time, strive to show up and perform your best. Stack enough of those days together, and you’re on your way.
Teamwork
A great player stuck on a lousy team is a classic tragedy in sports. The quality of a team generally rises in unison. In baseball, a great hitter can fall behind in the league rankings for RBIs (runs batted in) simply because they never step up to the plate with other players on base. Conversely, average players who hold a spot just behind great hitters can capitalize on those base runners more easily. Most goals or baskets come with at least one assist, and wins are most often a team effort.
To be a Hall of Famer, you have to be part of a team that strives toward a collective goal with excellence. Whether you are a leader or a utility player on that team, you need to leverage the skills and strengths of each unique member to create the best results. Being exceptional means being a great teammate. Grow your network, treat people well, and win together.
Start Designing Your Hall of Fame Career
Looking to craft your own Hall of Fame career? Whether you are a minor league prospect looking for your first break, or a grizzled veteran seeking a steady roster spot, AP Professionals can help. In an uncertain and competitive market, having the right teammates makes all the difference. Partner with a trusted and proven recruiter who can help alleviate the stress of the job search process. We will get to know your strengths, strategize with your career ambitions in mind, and source quality leads that put you on an amplified trajectory. Visit us online today to learn how we can source the solution that’s right for you.