What Kevin Durant can teach us about a job search

I heard over the weekend that Kevin Durant plans to fly to New York next week to host up to six teams and hear their individual pitches as he embarks upon free agency. I got to wondering how those teams may feel about it and what they will do to prepare.

While most job searches will look and feel nothing like that circus that will ensue, I did think of a few common denominators that may help in your individual situation:

1)  Be open-minded. While I truly believe there is a good chance Durant doesn't leave OKC (his current team), he wants to hear how other teams may better position himself for a chance to get his elusive NBA championship. As you consider career opportunities, at some point most people believe that not making a change is the easiest route. No one likes change. But if you have serious career goals that you hope to achieve, perhaps you need to wear your heart on your sleeve a little more and listen to new ideas.

2)  Be good at what you do. Let's be honest - the reason six teams are willing to go through with this charade is that they all believe they have a chance to make an offer Kevin cannot refuse. Those teams would not be pursuing him so actively and risking so much if he were not one of the best players in the NBA. Especially with this summer's free agent class. If you are good at your job, you will get noticed by others. You can use that to your advantage.

3)  Be likable. In addition to being a tremendous basketball player, Kevin Durant sure seems like a good teammate. It is one thing if you can be a good employee and do your job well. It is an entirely different thing if in addition to that attribute, everyone likes you. This is sometimes called the "X Factor" when companies look to make an integral hire. Possessing that skill will take you far.

4)  Make those around you better. Showing that you will impact the development of others is huge. The manner in which you contribute to the bottom line is exponential if you improve morale, teach skills, or mentor others. Far too often people watch out only for themselves. While that may work in the short term, it is always better in the long run to help others along the way.

The final thing is that if you can find a way to have six employers fly to one place at your request, you're bound to get the job you really want. Keep me posted how many of the six respond if you do go down that path.......HA!