The Here After

Don’t worry, I’m not about to get “religious” on you. This is about professional success, in fact, success in general.

What got me thinking about “here after” was a random memory about a colleague of many years ago, now sadly departed. Back in the day he was handsome and charming and something of a lady’s man, and he had a wonderful pickup line. He would ask the lovely lady in question, “Do you believe in the hereafter?” Generally she would want to know what he meant,to which his answer would be, “Well, if you’re not here after what I’m here after, you’ll be here after I’m gone.”

As cute, or cheesy, or scandalous as that might be, it actually illustrates an important concept in professional and business relationships– partnerships, associations, and companies. Because if those with whom you associate are not here after what you’re here after, you should move on. As simple as that.

Frankly, the same goes for clubs and friendships, and perhaps even conjugal relationships. If you’re not “on the same page”, then why are you still here?

Remember, the key to professional success is to focus on your individual Giftings, and to perfect the Alignment between your Giftings and your ideal clients’ Needs. (All terms of art.)

So if you yourself are clearly focused on your professional Giftings and sharply attuned to the Needs of your ideal clients, growing your reputation and constantly enhancing your position in your professional world, while your partners and associates are bumbling along doing a little of this and a little of that for whoever comes through your door, how long do you think that will benefit you?

Can you imagine Kylian Mbappe or Harry Kane limiting themselves to kicking the ball around with a bunch of lads on a pickup team after a few beers? Shohei Ohtani playing nothing but church league ball? Connor McDavid skating with the Thursday night beer league? Of course not – these guys are pros, and they play with the pros. And get paid accordingly.

If you’re a pro, who are you skating with? Is everyone on your team a pro, keenly focussed on their best talents, constantly honing their skills, learning new and improved techniques, and, most importantly, always thinking about how the team wins and excites the fans? You want them to be their best, no matter which position they play, and they want you to be your best.

If you’re a professional, what you should be here after is the very best you can be, and that can only happen if all your teammates are here after the same thing. Their best, your best, the team’s best.

It was Adam Sandler who said, “It’s hard to soar with the eagles when you’re surrounded by turkeys.” Are you here after high flight, or scratching in the barnyard?

If your team is not here after what you are here after, maybe we need to talk.