The Power of Thinking Like an Entraployee

The Power of Thinking Like an Entraployee

One of the most painful, defining moments of my career happened on crutches.

It was the final day of my pro football career.
I had just limped off the field with my second major knee injury, and I knew the dream was done.
My goal of being a pro athlete, finished.

But instead of heading home, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I grabbed the vacuum.

Crutches under my arms, leg throbbing, I vacuumed the meeting room while watching my teammates from the second story window play the game that was now part of my past.

Why?

Because I could not be on the field, but I could still contribute.

I did not vacuum the room to get noticed.
I did it because champions contribute, no matter the circumstances.
And interestingly enough, years later, many of those coaches still remember me for that moment.
Not because I became the team janitor, but because I finished well.

That experience taught me a principle I have carried into every career since.
You do not have to be in charge to lead.
You do not need a title to own the outcome.
You can always find a way to serve, show up, and do more than expected.

The Entraployee Mindset

I call this the entraployee mindset, treating your job like it is your business, and treating your business more like a job.

What does that mean?

If you are starting out in business, here is the first thing you will realize.
You are now in charge.
If you do not show up and learn to kick butt when no one is looking, and you fall victim to waiting for a boss to get mad at you, you will fail.

You must learn to show up for yourself, consistently.
As John Maxwell says, leaders see more and before.
"They see more than others see it, and before others see it."
See the vision and go after it.

What about your job?
This is the perfect practice field for excellence.
Become the person who is known for doing more than they are asked for.
Take pride in your work ethic.
Do not wait to be told, lead yourself.

Why Think Like an Entraployee?

Most people clock in, do what is required, and clock out.
They operate like employees, doing exactly what is asked and nothing more.

But when you start treating your role like it is your business, everything shifts.

You begin to see the bigger purpose behind what you do.
You stop clock watching and start contributing.

You naturally stand out because you are not just doing the bare minimum. You go the extra mile.

Leadership notices. People with this mindset are the ones who get tapped for new opportunities, promotions, and roles of influence.

And more than anything, it feels better.
You feel ownership. You feel purpose.
You feel in control of how you show up and how you impact the team.

John Maxwell says it perfectly,
"There is no traffic jam on the extra mile."

That extra mile is where leaders are made.

So here is my question to you:

Maybe you are not the acting manager right now. Maybe you are overlooked, underutilized, or waiting for your big opportunity.
But where can you grab the vacuum today?

Where can you show up and contribute to something bigger than yourself?

Do that, and you will never get stuck in the people pile.