OK—I'm not the new guy anymore. Wow, it's coming up on a couple years. We have had 14 graduations since Mary and I settled on Morrill Road. What a trip!! Mississippi State University just finished a great year—new records for enrollment, new records for research and development, new ways to extend our services to the citizens of Mississippi, new jobs enabled by our economic development services, the College World Series, and a trip to the Liberty Bowl. But it's what have we done lately that counts.
The energy level is up across the Bulldog Nation—you can feel it everywhere. The challenge—or all of us—is to keep that energy level up and keep moving forward. Here's what I intend to do to set my personal tone for maintaining our momentum.
Doc's Bulldog Resolutions for 2008:
- Work to be a leader—not to be louder. Being loud doesn't necessarily equate to leadership—in fact, it's often a sign of a lack of information and confidence.
- Work to be a good follower if that role fits in the organization--that doesn't mean you have to be smaller in your role in the organization. We all experience times when we are in leadership roles and times when we are in the role of a follower. Do both to the best of your ability.
- Execute the tactics of your profession, but do that in the context of the vision of your organization. If you are working outside the vision, that effort is not contributing to the forward movement of the organization.
- Be accountable for your successes, but do that quietly. Others will recognize your success without you having to remind them.
- Be accountable for your failures—do that publicly. Others will recognize your failures just as fast as they will recognize your successes. Acknowledging your failures is not a sign of weakness—it's a sign of strength.
- Build a Team—you can't be successful without one. We are better together than we are apart. We just proved that.
- Everybody won't want to be on the Team—work to enroll them. But stop short of selling out your character and the Team's reputation.
- Have fun!! That's the only repeat from last year. Laugh about something each day. If nothing else, laugh at yourself. Remember, it's more fun when you are winning.
That's my flight path for the year. Hope these resolutions give you some insight into what's in the play book. Thanks for being part of the Dawg Pack.
—Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong
Dec. 24, 2007