Playing Favorites and Earning Trust
Quarterbacks play favorites.
So do prosecutors.
QBs have receivers that they just “click” with – an almost preternatural connection like ESP. A deep understanding of the other and what they like or will do in a certain situation. And they see things in the same way at the same time.
In the crunch, QBs are looking for their favorite receivers.
Prosecutors have law enforcement agents they prefer also. They are agents who do things the right way. Work hard. Have integrity. Understand the prosecution process. Are effective investigators and interviewers. Provide solid testimony on the stand. Agents they just “click” with.
In the crunch, prosecutors are looking to their favorite agents.
2017-18. After Matthew Neff, EIT transferred to Christian Heritage School, he immediately connected with Zach Gentry – a small yet cat-quick unguardable receiver with a high football IQ who tormented defenses. Matthew and Zach saw defensive weaknesses, openings, and opportunities at the same time. They communicated without talking. And it led to incredible success.
As soon as Matthew arrived at the new school, Zach sought him out, befriended him, and worked to get on the same page – knowing he would need Matthew to throw to him in games. They ran and threw countless routes together. They grew to trust each other implicitly.
When I arrived in Chattanooga as a new AUSA, I sought out agents I could trust. I already knew and was friends with one of the finest FBI agents Chattanooga has ever had: Jeff Blanton. In fact, Jeff and I had been good friends since we played college football together at Davidson College. Working cases with him came easy.
But I quickly found more from the ranks of FBI, ATF, DEA, IRS, Secret Service, TBI, CPD, HCSO, and others. Neil H., Thomas "Andy" A., James Melia, David Kukura, Dave Shelton, Paris Gillette, Gordy ., Paul Healy, Bryan Freeman Dr. Van Hinton, and more. Superior law enforcement agents, each of them.
After working with them and seeing how they worked, I knew I found kindred spirits that I could trust and who would go through walls to accomplish the mission with me. If any of them brought me a case, I knew it was solid. And I would take their cases immediately without a worry.
Find your favorites, earn their trust, and then watch your results skyrocket.
Pic: Matthew and Zach both saw the same thing -- cover 0 and a blitz. Without a word, they each converted the route called by the coach from a corner to a post. TD. And the 1st score in an incredible comeback from down 26 points in the 2nd half.
