Every once in a while something comes a long a rocks your reality. No so long ago was my day for a rocking. Not so much a rocking but a little humbling reminder.  I had interviewed for a position as head strength and conditioning coach/lecturer at a local university.  It had come down to two individuals; myself and a colleague that is equally qualified. We were asked to submit a proposal, which included a written philosophy, a series of sample per iodized workouts and a written portion on how I integrate an sports performance team (athletic therapy, sport psych, etc.).

The interview I feel was not one of my best.  I felt unfocused right from the start.  A lot of the questions revolved around how I as one coach would organize training for 5 full college teams.  When the questions started coming about organization I think that’s what threw me off first.  I mean I didn’t even know what each of the individual coaching staffs wanted for times space availability and number contact per week.  Once I started to flounder I felt the downward spiral.  The last portion of the interview was a practical coaching experience and that’s where I was going to shine.  To be honest I owned that coaching situation.

When all was said and done and the dust settled I got a call three days later.  They commented and how they were very impressed with both the candidates experience however I did hear this little buzz of the word but… “the committee decided to go with the other candidate.”

I sat there for couple moments and realized I actually didn’t get the job.  Don’t get me wrong I’m not upset that I didn’t get the job-based on the candidate that I was up against.  The person who got the job I highly respected think they’ll do a great job at what they are looking to do.  I just am a competitive guy and didn’t want to lose this job to anyone regardless of who it is.  That’s what we’re all here for, to compete for position.  My wife made a point that I might’ve not been 100% into that interview because of the position I have a Canadian Sports Centre Calgary and I’m completely 100% happy being there.   She could very well be right, my mind was somewhere else in that interview.

But this gives me a chance to sit down and reflect.  It wasn’t so much being beat of a position but more so how did I prepare for the situation.  One of my references suggested doing the interview because at some point in time you will be up for a position that you want so badly and you have been in that position already, you will be more prepared.  I think Dr. Tubman was right because I know I’ll sit down and have a good look at how I prepared for the interview and what I need to do differently next time.  This was also a good reminded to get off our own podiums, when something like this happens.  I will be the first to say that all things happen for a reason.  And trust me when I say that you are only as good as those you place around you.  When I am winding my career down the legacy I wish to leave is one where I am described as humble, and a teacher of others.   I never want to be known as the person who was unwilling to share and guide others; to help those that are seeking answers to questions that I may have the answer to.  Be humble because as good as one thinks he or she is, there are those that are as good or better than you.  And when you find them, learn from them.  And when the situations arise, learn from them as well.

Yours in Health and Performance,

Jeff Osadec, Mkin, CEP, CSCS