Why I’m Just Like a Professional Quarterback

Post written by Missy Johnson, Principal, MJMeetings, LLC | Meetings Consultant | Gourmet Food & Wine Enthusiast | Sports Fan

I’m a big sports fan. Many of you already know about my love of the Kansas City Royals, but I’m also an avid fan of the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs.

Most people today enjoy watching sports either live or on TV, so it’s probably no surprise that I often use a sports analogy to explain to those outside the meetings industry what I do and how I do it.

I’m a professional quarterback.

Yep, that’s exactly how I see myself. As a meeting planner, I need to have all of the same traits as a good quarterback – strong communication skills, ability to delegate tasks effectively, ability to inspire teammates, passion to work a plan of attack, desire to keep moving forward until the touchdown is achieved – and I could keep going.

I see myself as the quarterback of a group of people who are trying to achieve a single goal. To accomplish that, there are several skills the quarterback needs to possess to get into the end zone time and time again. Here are just a few:

Talent and Passion

All the best QB’s have enormous talent born out of years and years of practice.

They all have a burning passion for the game that shows itself through commitment, heart and grit for a game they love.

I DO THE SAME THING.

I have a talent for meeting planning that began over 20 years ago and I’ve had the same commitment to becoming better at it every day since.

My passion for this industry and my job is also evident in what I bring to the table and to my clients every day…it’s called enthusiasm.

Plan the Work / Work the Plan / Execute Effectively

Great QB’s begin with a game plan that has been carefully crafted based on study of the opponent and strengths of their team.

After the plan is developed, the team works through the plan by practicing to ensure they know their assignments for game day. Then, the QB inspires other teammates to execute their part of the plan to achieve the goal.

I DO THE SAME THING.

It’s my job to develop a great plan for my clients…timelines, budgets and planning templates are created and then followed up on throughout the planning process. The effective execution of the plan is easily done when a great plan in put in place. And when the game is on the line, that’s when you want a veteran meeting planner leading your team down the field.

Leadership and Communication

A quarterback is a leader because they have to be able to inspire others to action, communicate effectively with teammates and coaches, and bring their talent and passion to the field every day to create and execute an effective game plan. That’s a tall order but that’s what leaders do.

I DO THE SAME THING.

I must inspire those around me to fulfill their responsibilities and communicate effectively with every type and status of person in our society. I must lead a team of people to make every event successful and memorable.

If you’re looking for a professional quarterback for your next meeting or event, you can reach me at 913-645-6649 or missy@mjmeetings.com.