Watch Your Behavior "Off the Field" A Lesson Learned From Mike Vick

At times unfortunately it takes the misfortune of others for us all to learn great life and career lessons. Mike Vick's misfortune can serve as a great lesson to all talented young professionals that no matter how talented and successful you become, we all can fall hard if we don't watch our behavior "off the field." This is not to say that Mike Vick isn't innocent, and we should all take a moment to pray that this talented young brother somehow is innocent, there has been a terrible mistake made, or that somehow he will learn a great lesson in this situation and help others to learn from his mistakes.

A few lessons all young professionals can learn from Mike Vick's situation:

1. To whom much is given, much is required. You have all been blessed with a great gift of talent, college education, and employment with a good employer, or in starting your own business. Don't take these things for granted. No matter how much you may think, "you are your own man (or women)," "untouchable" and "arrived," you must remember to be a good steward over your career and new personal and material success.

2. You are hired for the complete package you represent to employers, not just your performance on the job. Like it or not, when you accept employment you are committing to a complete lifestyle of what the employer sees as acceptable personal and professional behavior "on and off the field." If you don't believe me, try dancing on the table at the next corporate reception, and see how long you are "your own person"; or better yet, get arrested over the weekend or while on business travel---see if they care "how great a professional" you are after that! Companies do not want their brand to be damaged or associated with inappropriate or questionable behavior. Like it or not, you are expendable.

3. All professionals (adults for that matter), need to know when to cut the old "posse." If your old neighborhood "posse" is becoming destructive and starting to derail your professional and long term life plans, it's time to move on. Remember that you have a lot to loose if something goes wrong, many of the old posse unfortunately may not feel that way. Quite frankly, some of your old posse may even want to see you fall now that you have become a success and starting to acquire some of the finer things in life. Don't worry if they see you as a sell-out if you move on, so what, lay aside the weight, move on, it is better to be a sell-out, than to be held back by people who will not respect your values or dreams of having a happy and productive life.

4. Lift them up...don't let them drag you down! Your old friends deserve to hear and witness your ascension to success, you are actually a living testimony to them that they too can succeed. Don't put them down, encourage them to achieve by following their own dreams, guide them to positive information, resources and people. But if they won't aspire to do any better, don't climb back down to their level by trying to relive your "thug days,"or by becoming a "thug-want-a-be."

We can all succeed and experience great personal, professional and community successes in life. But the formula for success always requires discipline, and the need to realize that to move forward, some things, behavior, and people may have to be left behind.

Many including my 7 year old son who adored Micheal Vick now are also hurt and affected to see another bright young Black man and professional fall to the misfortune of a destructive lifestyle. Keep Mike in your prayers, and watch your behavior "off the field".

Let us know what you think.

Kim R. Wells

kwells@howard.edu