Sport and the Growing Good #156: Big Ten Chief Operating Officer Kerry Kenny: Intentionality, positivity, credibility and the everyday aspects of conference leadership
Kerry Kenny has worked at the Big Ten Conference for 17 years, holding multiple positions leading up to his current role as chief operating officer. In this role, he collaborates with the commissioner and many others in leading the conference through a rapid period of change.
1. Lessons learned playing basketball for Lafayette University. “I showed up every day.”
2. Attributes that Kerry looks for: note-taking and listening; authenticity, credibility, accuracy, positivity. “They may not be the most outspoken, but when they do choose to speak, they have credibility.”
3. Having a positive attitude.
4. Knowing the names of others as a sign of respect.
5. Kerry’s strengths. Hand-written notes. Being intentional with every interaction. Learning about others.
6. Kerry’s key components of work: 1) being “the best #2” for Tony; 2) managing the office day-to-day; 3) point person for television and media deals, HR, scheduling, etc.
7. What prepared him: exposure to different parts of the operation over the years. “I’ve sat in their seat.”
8. The importance of the conference’s physical office space: replay center, meeting spaces, everyday office spaces.
9. Importance of geography: “Chicago holds a special place in Big Ten lore.”
10. Office’s convenient proximity to the airport.
11. The importance of face-to-face conversation – both planned and unplanned. Creativity. Collaboration. Camaraderie.
12. Continued learning. Staying on the cutting-edge.
13. Routines with external partners.
14. Nuance, skill, and discretion in communication. Being an “information merchant.” Understanding how much information to offer in a given conversation. Separating the personal from the professional.
15. Mental preparation and “re-setting” before important conversations. Understanding who you’re talking with.
16. “KYP.” Know your personnel. Know your plan. Keep your poise…
17. Discipline as a leader.
18. Stories that illustrate what is unique about the Big Ten.