Something Jerry Maguire Taught Me

In the 1996 Cameron Crowe film Jerry Maguire, Tom Cruise plays a sports agent who after having an attack of conscience over the way his firm works and manages clients, decides to write a company memo to express the need for more quality and purposeful relationships with the athletes managed. After his memo is released his company fires him (as they don’t share the same sentiments Jerry expresses) later prompting Jerry to build his own sports management company. Along the way one of the employees (who he later falls in love with #spoileralert) from his former firm, joins him on his journey of highs and lows as he manages his one and only client, a football player named Rod Tidwell, and in the process, Jerry begins to learn a lot about life, love, and what it means to establish purposeful relationships in massive ways.

This film is well-known for two lines: You complete me and show me the money! But I gleaned something deeper from the film than those quotes or a romantic-comedy plotline: the relationship between Jerry and his client, Rod. When Jerry is fired, and Rod agrees to keep Jerry as his agent, they both endure a lot of challenges together as they try to renegotiate Rod’s professional football contract and career. Jerry believes in Rod, even during some of their lowest and most discouraging moments. And as the film progresses, the vision Jerry had in mind for establishing quality and purposeful relationships begins to unfold. When I think about work or any career opportunities, my mindset goes far beyond a paycheck or accolades as well. I enjoy doing meaningful work, investing in other people, helping them see their potential, and encouraging them to believe in themselves.

Quality and purposeful relationships should be at the forefront. It’s an incredible investment. If you can establish those things, profit and praise usually follow anyway.

Towards the film’s conclusion, Rod lands a lucrative contract deal and as he thanks his loved ones, he also thanks his agent, Jerry Maguire, who he refers to as his “Ambassador of Quan.” The word quan has a significant meaning throughout the film and if you’ve never seen this movie, I highly recommend watching it. Pay attention to the meaning of quan. Jerry Maguire is a great film to take in with Thanksgiving coming up. Check it out.

A Year Of Being Ghosted

Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. I’ve been ghosted by every guy I’ve met within the past two years. About six to be exact. · The first guy pursued me and then got shady whenever I asked him about what he did for a living and where he lived. When he started dodging and avoiding questions, wouldn’t initiate dates, and slowly stopped keeping in touch with me altogether, eventually, all communication ceased. · The second guy was someone I met through a family member. He was super cool, very smart, handsome, and funny, but didn’t want to be in a relationship and acted like he didn’t want to be seen with me publicly. When we had plans to meet for an outing, he didn’t show up, and then texted me about a week later with an apology. We chilled at my place a few times, had a few phone conversations, and exchanged occasional texts, but eventually he stopped responding to me

How To Respond To A Nasty Email

Technology has made many people bold, rude, and incredibly messy. Often to the point where some may hide behind words they’ve typed instead of verbally communicating a message they want to convey. Such can be the case when it comes to sending emails. Ah, emails. You know what they are. Electronic messages that can be quickly drafted, sent, and misinterpreted (because you can’t always interpret tones or emotions through them). Which is why it’s key to know how to respond to nasty emails if they should ever come your way – especially in the workplace. As a working professional, there have been plenty of times when a coworker or superior sent an email my way that was petty, mad disrespectful, and unprofessional. And before I learned how to properly utilize email etiquette, my first instinct would always be to clap back. I just felt the need to respond and to communicate that I wouldn’t allow anyone, no matter who they were, to disrespect me. And while I haven’t taken things too far

Teacher Table Talk: When Parents Attack

As an English teacher, a core belief I’ve held close since the beginning of my career has been the importance of relationship building. I believe that if great relationships between teachers, students, and parents are established at the beginning of the school year, everything else will fall into place. Authentically modeling, practicing, and establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships within my classroom has been the bridge for effective communication, solid classroom management, and creating a safe and effective learning environment that fits each of my student’s needs. And though I’ve seen and experienced the benefits of great relationship building, unfortunately, there have been times when some students and parents have not been receptive or interested in my efforts to establish connections that would best serve all parties involved. I’ve also noticed and shared spaces with other educators, school counselors, and administrators who’ve experienced the same. And

Making Waves