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Professional Philosophy
Introduction to Sports Administration
Scott Van Hende
Wayne State University
Professional Philosophy
Professional Philosophy
individual ideas. I believe respecting the opinions of others is not only good policy but it
also lets individuals know that they are valued, as Anne M. Mulcahy said employees
who believe that management is concerned about them as a whole person not just an
employee - are more productive, more satisfied, more fulfilled. Satisfied employees
mean satisfied customers, which leads to profitability. (Mulcahy, Anne) Simply put
treating other as people with respect and appreciation can go along way for you and
your business.
Ethics by definition are moral principles that govern a persons behaviour
(Oxford Dictionay); people of a society have an unspoken agreement on ethics which
govern society as a whole. This general agreement defines what actions as a whole we
think are right and what we think is wrong. But as history shows doing something that is
socially acceptable is not always ethical, society can become ethically corrupt like Nazi
Germany or pre civil war U.S. This is why it is important to continually study our own
moral beliefs and conduct despite societal norms. I believe ethics is two things, first it is
standards of right and wrong, what we as humans ought to do, what were obligated to
do, what benefits society, what is fair, and to be virtuous as a society. Secondly I
believe it is a personal standard which you must continue to examine and strive for. For
myself I strive to be honest, compassionate, understanding, loyal, and tolerant. Being a
professional you meet, work with, and communicate with many types of people from
various backgrounds and belief systems, by following my own ethical standards along
with societies I am able to create meaningful personal relationships and successful
business relationships. Trying to enter the sports industry I believe these traits are
important to successfully find a career and prosper in it.
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Professional Philosophy
Professional Philosophy
Richard). Richard goes on to say, If you ask any successful businessperson, they will
always have had a great mentor at some point along the road. If you want success then
it takes hard work, hard work and more hard work. But it also takes a little help along
the way. If you are determined and enthusiastic then people will support you. (Branson,
Richard) Nothing worthwhile comes easy and hard work is a necessity for success but
at some point everyone needs help. In my life I have been blessed with these
individuals who have been there for me during these times and continue to be there
when needed. For me both my mentors came into my life through sports and
education, one being the head football coach at my high school and the other being my
strength and conditioning coach at university. Both mentors being extremely different
people have taught me a wide array of invaluable skills which I use in my personal and
professional life. Going through the mentoring process myself I often find I share the
skills I have learned with friends that are younger than me, thus being becoming
something of a mentor myself. It is hard to understand the process if you have never
experienced it firsthand but mentoring has helped me develop not only professionally
but also personally, and is something I look forward to when I am in a position to a
mentor.
As a soon to be professional it is important to have a philosophy in place both
personally and professionally. My philosophy reflects my beliefs, attitudes, values, and
life experiences which shape who I am as an individual. It is not stagnate but continues
to develop through my education, training, and experiences which I have shared. Sports
has allowed me to develop my style of leadership, off and on the field I have found what
I believe in ethically, it has created relationship and experiences with others that are
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Professional Philosophy
lasting , has introduced me to mentors that have greatly affected my life, and this is why
I value a profession in sports industry.
Professional Philosophy
References
Branson, Richard. (n.d). The Importance of Mentoring. Retrieved October 21,
2014. From < http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/the-importance-of-mentoring>
Ethics [Def. 1]. (n.d.). In Oxford Dictionary Online, Retrieved October 22, 2014.
From <http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/ethics>
Mandela, Nelson. (2000, May). The Power of Sports. Speech presented at the
Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award. Monaco 2000.
Mulcahy, Anne. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved October 21, 2014. From
BrainyQuote.com Web Site:
<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/annemmulc424887.html>