Lessons from NFL Star Charles 'Peanut' Tillman You can start your own business and still make the work about others.

By Jim Joseph

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Streeter Lecka | Getty Images

I recently attended and participated in the Dad 2.0 Summit in San Diego, where a collection of daddy bloggers with different perspectives came together to talk about life, career, fatherhood and a dozen other issues -- racism, sexism and homophobia; blended families and vulnerability.

The entire conference was terrific, but one keynote speaker particularly touched my heart, as a father and as a professional. Charles "Peanut" Tillman is an NFL superstar. He's also a great dad who's been through a lot, both personally and professionally -- enough to break most people. Not him, though.

While Charles (Peanut) spoke on several topics, he also touched on the concept of success with a very interesting perspective . . . one that I live by but have never called out by name. One that applies to us as parents as well as professionals.

Play for the person next to you.

Related: 5 Kinds of People Who Will Help You Succeed as an Entrepreneur

When you get to a certain point in your life, you're not really in it for yourself anymore. In our younger years, we are working hard to make it, so of course we must be self-focused.

But after a certain point, our focus shifts to those around us.

This is certainly true of parenting. My kids are older now. I'm no longer changing diapers, making school lunches or applying bandages to cuts and scrapes. But I am helping them navigate the world and hopefully helping them to build the confidence it takes to succeed on their own. It's all about them and their successes, and what I can do as a dad to facilitate it all. I'm measuring my world based on what they do in theirs.

I'm playing for them.

Related: Lonely Entrepreneur? How to Build a Support System

This is also certainly true at work as well. I'm really not climbing up the corporate ladder anymore; that's not my focus at this stage. Sure, I've still got some life left in me so watch out, but that's not the driver now. I'm here to help others to succeed, knowing that our collective triumphs rely on teamwork and making sure those around me have exactly what they need.

I'm playing for them. How?

  1. Review others' work. Take a look at your team's work before they pass it along to their bosses or clients. You can teach them a thing or two in real time about something they know will help them in the future. It's the best kind of learning and teaching!
  2. Give feedback. Continual feedback is the best way to help those around you, whether they report to you or not. By coaching on a regular basis, you can put others first and help them improve.
  3. Be a mentor. When I started at Johnson & Johnson in the late 1980s, mentors brought me in and taught me the craft of marketing. Those relationships were invaluable and helped propel my career. There don't seem to be as many formal mentoring programs around anymore, but you can still serve that role for an up-and-comer in your organization.

Related: 5 Mentors Every Entrepreneur Should Have

None of us can truly be happy and successful if we are amongst people who are not. Our collective spirit relies on our joint compassion and comradery, with each of us helping the next to better themselves.

We must play for them, if we want the world to thrive.

At home, at work, and in the world at large, play for the person next to you.

Jim Joseph

Marketing Master - Author - Blogger - Dad

Jim Joseph is a commentator on the marketing industry. He is Global President of the marketing communications agency BCW, author of The Experience Effect series and an adjunct instructor at New York University.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Franchise

These Are the Secrets to Long-Term Franchise Success, According to Top Industry Leaders

Want to build a lasting franchise? Copy these strategies from executives at top brands.

Leadership

Why Personal Responsibility Is the Secret to Effective Leadership

Leadership isn't reserved for a select few — it's a choice. True leaders take ownership of outcomes, embrace radical honesty and confront hard truths head-on. Those who step up create lasting impact.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Franchise

Here Are the New Menu Items Coming to Taco Bell in 2025 — And Other Updates From Its Latest Live Más LIVE Event

Taco Bell unveiled new menu innovations, technological advancements and a strategic roadmap designed to keep the brand at the forefront of quick-service dining.

Branding

Why Most Branding Advice Is Wrong — and What Actually Works

Forget the buzzwords, the fluff and the empty mantras. Real branding isn't about catchy slogans, slick logos or vague notions of authenticity — it's about trust. If your brand strategy isn't driving credibility, customer preference and real-world results, you're wasting time and money. Here's how to cut through the noise and build a brand that actually works.

Business News

'I'm the Best Boss I've Ever Met': Barbara Corcoran Says It Takes One Principle to Be a Good Boss

Corcoran says her perspective is always rooted in what she can do to help her employees.