There’s a great scene in the Disney film “Miracle” about the 1980 US Olympic hockey team.  Coach Herb Brooks is making the team endure countless punishing sprints following a lackluster effort in an exhibition game.  At one point he reminds the players that who they play for is bigger than them:  “The name on the front of the jersey is a hell of a lot more important than the name on the back.”

That may be true for team sports, but it’s not the case when it comes to your career.  Recognizing that ultimately we all work for ourselves and are responsible for our own careers doesn’t mean you are a bad employee, disloyal or any less a team player.  It means you’ve taken ownership for your career choices and fulfilling your dreams.  The moment you do otherwise you diminish yourself and hand your employer the keys to your future.

So with all do respect to Herb Brooks, one of my heroes, never forget that the most important name on your business card is yours.