Interesting thought – Do you rent or do you own? We understand this from perhaps a housing, equipment, or vehicle perspective, but what about in our personal lives? John Ryan is president of the Center for Creative Leadership previously serving as chancellor of the State University of New York and superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He retired as a vice-admiral following a 35 year career as a pilot with the Navy. In an article written for Forbes, entitled “Owners or Renters: Which Is Your Workforce?” he tells a story that took place early in his career as a U.S. Navy pilot. He received an unexpected opportunity, the privilege to fly a $100 million, state-of-the-art airplane and lead a 12 person crew. He writes, “As a brand new lieutenant, I was surprised but delighted by the opportunity. What had I done to deserve it?”
He goes on to write, “‘It’s because you’re an owner, not a renter,’ my hard-charging commanding officer said. Every organization, even the U.S. Navy, had both types, he explained. Owners accept full responsibility even when it is not formally assigned, believe deeply in their mission, collaborate with others, take initiative and hold co-workers accountable to the same high standard. Renters, meanwhile, approach their work with an ‘it’s just a job’ mentality, tend to make statements like ‘that’s not my problem’ and point the finger at others when things go wrong. ‘Stack the deck with owners!’ my commanding officer proclaimed. And also work hard, he cautioned, at remaining an owner. It was a label we needed to earn every day. His advice stays with me 40 years later, and I’ve shared it recently with the women and men in my organization. I believe that all workers should strive to see themselves as owners, no matter where they are in an organization. Give of yourself as if you owned the company.”
Several years ago the faculty in the Department of Kinesiology made a commitment to each other and to our students to “raise the bar” on professionalism encompassing all areas including teaching, service learning opportunities, research, our presence within the university and the community. This did not only apply to faculty, but “raising the bar” on the expectations we have for our students – holding them to a higher standard as well.
Freshmen need to learn how to become owners and not just renters of their time here at Louisiana Tech University. In FYE, the First Year Experience class that all incoming freshmen are required to take, the Kinesiology instructors spend time allowing students to get to know each other, after all they will be spending the next 3-4 years in classes together, many going on to professional programs together such as physical and occupational therapy, physician assistant, or graduate school. They are given opportunities to make a connection with each other, many of which will become lifelong friendships. In this class they are given the tools and learn the resources available to them to allow them to be successful in their tenure here at Tech. This enables them to become owners, not just renters of their time here.
Owners have a vested interest, a stake in the outcome so they work hard to accomplish goals and strive for success. They make life happen! According to Ryan, owners model passion, accountability, and collaboration. Renters rely on others to take care of things for them, they sit back and watch life happen. Renters drain morale and creativity. As a Kinesiology major, how do you become an owner? (This applies to all students regardless of major.)
- Realize this is not just school. You are here to develop your passion by becoming the best professional you can be. Each class you take is preparing you to be the best you can be. Make the most of each and everything you learn. You never know when information you think is not pertinent actually is something you use down the road.
- Go to class, but don’t just sit there. Be involved. Prepare before class by reading the material that will be discussed. Ask questions. Make sure your professors know you are interested.
- Get the most out of your practicums in the Senior Adult Fitness Program, out of your student teaching, or your internship. Make connections. Remember, people regardless of their age don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
- Join and become actively involved in your professional student organizations. Run for office or class representative. Go to and assist with events that the organizations host or assist with. In Kinesiology we have ESPE (Exercise Science and Physical Education majors club) and PEK (Phi Epsilon Kappa honor fraternity). ESPE host an annual 5K – The Mustache Dash, and participates in The Big Event – a community service event. This year ESPE will be assisting with events sponsored by the Children’s Coalition of NE Louisiana.
- Attend as many of the seminars hosted or sanctioned by Kinesiology. Learn as much information as you possibly can about a variety of topics. You may even change your career path just because you didn’t know of some areas that exist.
- Get to know your professors and instructors in your major. Make sure you are a positive presence that they can call you by name when they see you out of class.
- Get to know your advisor. They are your go-to person while here at Tech.
- Volunteer, but don’t over extend yourself.
- Get involved in the community.
- Make friends and network, network, network.
In closing, let me tell you a story about a young man who had a passion – a love of coaching basketball. This young man did a very risky thing. He quit his job, a great job with Eli Lilly. He went to work at Butler University as an unpaid assistant basketball coach. His superiors were impressed and eventually he became a paid assistant coach and after seven years he became the head coach. At age 33, he took Butler University, an unrated team to the NCAA Men’s National Championship game in 2010, a first in school history. The next year he once again led his team to the Final Four. This young man inspired others to become owners because he himself was a committed owner. Who is this man? He is the current coach of the Boston Celtics, Brad Stevens. His own college coach describes him as an “extraordinarily passionate and hard-working man, one of the most selfless and team-oriented players he’s ever seen”.
So take a moment to reflect on where you are right now, this moment. Are you a renter or are you an owner? If you are an owner, keep on keeping on. Keep the passion and keep motivating others. If you are a renter, don’t let college life pass you by. These next 3-4 years will be some of the most crucial years of your life, but also some of the most memorable. Own them. Own your education. Own your passion.
The Exponential Factor 