CHOOSING A FIELD

Every field is either player centric or coach centric. Players are on the field doing things, whereas coaches manage and direct players.

There is quite a bit to consider when deciding which field you want to work in. How many jobs are available? What sorts of things will I be working on? Can I see myself here long term? Does this align with my priorities?

One question that doesn’t get asked a lot is. What role do I want to play within the organization, and am I okay with how they’re valued?

PLAYER CENTRIC FIELDS

Player centric fields value the player over the coach, which means that the players are the most notable figures in the field even if they’re not calling all the shots.

SOME EXAMPLES INCLUDE

  • Music
  • Sports
  • Film & Television

Hollywood is player centric. Take Saving Private Ryan. Everyone knows Tom Hanks played the leading role, and most people know Steven Spielberg directed. How many people do you think know Sid Ganis, president of Paramount in 1998? Paramount Pictures was one of the production companies behind the film, which means they most likely took on the bulk of the financial risk for funding and producing the movie and helped manage the movie from concept through its execution.

Music is another good example. Most people know The Beatles. But fewer are familiar with George Martin who undeniably helped magnify The Beatles’ fame.

COACH CENTRIC FIELDS

Coach centric fields value the coach over the player, which means that coaches are the most notable figures in the field even if they are less hands on.

SOME EXAMPLES INCLUDE

  • What I will just broadly classify as business
  • Politics

Most businesses are coach centric. CEOs and founders like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are household names while players’ fame in the same field are decidedly more niche. Their fame is less universal and more confined to being famous in certain circles. Nicholas C Zachas is a great example of a player within the software industry who has had an enormous influence without seeing widespread fame.

SO WHAT?

Players are neither better than coaches nor coaches better than players. However, it’s useful to understand what you’re looking for in a role, industry, or career and set your sights accordingly. If you want to be a player in a coach centric field, it’s useful to understand that fame and glory will most likely go to your coach and that it will be difficult to outshine her or him.