DALLAS (SMU) - In support of the department's commitment to the university's educational mission and the departmental values of S.P.I.R.I.T., Director of Athletics Rick Hart hosted the first of a series of monthly professional/personal development "Lunch and Learn" discussions on Wednesday, Aug. 17, with coaches and staff.
 
"As members of the SMU Athletics Team, we are held to the highest standards in all that we do. We are expected to consistently give, and be, our best. In order to meet these expectations and standards, we must continually expand our knowledge and adopt a best-practice, forward-thinking mindset," said Hart.
 
In his first session, Hart focused on the "Path to the AD Chair," discussing the mapping of a career path, establishing points of differentiation, assessing opportunities and closing the deal.
 
A selected reading will accompany each topic and be provided to attendees. The first selection, The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olsen, encourages readers to tap into the compound effect of incremental improvement over time in seven "simple disciplines" - show up, be consistent, have a good attitude, be committed for a long period of time, have faith and a burning desire, be willing to pay the price, and practice integrity. This message aligns well with the department's "why, hows and whats" – in particular, our commitment to passion, integrity, innovation, teamwork and leadership. Together, these form the SMU Advantage.
 
The monthly series, coordinated by Executive Senior Associate AD/SWA Monique Holland, will include a presentation as well as hosting a Q&A with attendees. Future topics to be covered include: Leadership; Managing Conflict & Navigating Difficult Conversations; Strategic Planning; Cultivating Internal Partnerships; Effective & Meaningful Networking; The Hiring Process; Performance Reviews; Making Personnel Changes and Fundraising Strategies.