Get In The Game

“If football taught me anything about business, it is that you win the game one play at a time.”

Fran Tarkenton
Retired NFL Quarterback

I’ve Been Thinking. . . how much time and energy team members can waste on the sideline preparing to get in the game.

A group of animals decided to organize a football game. Somehow, the teams got organized according to size. All the big animals, including the bears, lions, elephants and giraffes were on one team. Rabbits, squirrels, gophers and insects formed the second team.

The game got off to a lopsided start, and at the end of the first quarter, the big animals were leading 28 to 0. By halftime, their lead had expanded to 63 to 0. The small animals and insects had produced little offensive yardage and were unable to make a single tackle.

As the second half started, the lion received the kickoff on the 25-yard line and was tackled on the 37-yard line. On first down, the bear went up the middle and was toppled at the line of scrimmage for no gain. On the next play, the cheetah attempted to run around an end but was tackled for a one-yard loss. The cheetah looked around at the bottom of the pile and saw a centipede smiling back at him. He looked at the centipede and said, “Did you tackle me? This is the first time I’ve been tackled all day.”

“I sure did,” the gutsy, multi-legged critter responded. “I also tackled the lion and bear.”

One of his rabbit teammates questioned, “Where were you the first half when we failed to muster a single tackle?”

The centipede replied, “I was on the sideline tying my shoes!”

The animal football game reminds me of a few comparisons we can make to the world of business and the need for team members who show up ready to play the game.

First, players need to be prepared to contribute.

On any team there are players who were recruited, some have the courage to walk on and still others decide to transfer in. Regardless, high performers all have one thing in common: they all want to play for their chosen team – they have a passionate desire to make the team and contribute to the team’s success.

One thing is for certain, the right players aren’t satisfied to sit on the sideline waiting to get in the game. They want to play. Every profession needs people who want to make a difference. There are times it might be more popular, comfortable or safe to sit on the sideline pretending you’re not ready to get in the game. That’s not an option.

Secondly, know what they are doing.

Any successful team makes sure they have players who know how to play the game. They are well-trained and possess the “how-to’s” for achieving the level of performance that makes them winners.

Knowledgeable players do whatever they can to be prepared, stay healthy and ready when called on to perform. They train for a certain position, understand the requirements of that position and know how to execute correctly.

Third, be willing to work.

Sounds elementary, doesn’t it? Not so. Finding the right players willing to work their tail off to succeed isn’t as easy as you might think.

Working hard. Hustling. Committed enough to go the distance. The right players with the right work ethic are willing to do “whatever it takes” to meet the needs of the team. And, it is all about the team.

Fourth, be sure you understand the expectations.

Every team has team rules that are expected to be followed. More importantly, are the character standards that will determine the public reputation of the players, coach and organization. Knowing the play book and regulations are important. Knowing, understanding and living the personal and professional expectations and values are paramount to team success.

Fifth, be willing to prepare.

It’s simple. Players willingly practice with intensity, prepare themselves for games and show up ready to give their absolute best. As Roger Staubach advised, “In business or in football, it takes a lot of unspectacular preparation to produce spectacular results.” Not much I can add to that. It speaks for itself.

Sixth, nurture an incredible, impenetrable spirit.

The best players I’ve watched over the years possess two attitudes of imperative importance in any company.

First, is the will to win. Nothing gets in the way of their outstanding performance. They leave it all on the field. Seeing the winning outcomes (win or lose) of their efforts is self-gratifying and certainly impacts everyone who experiences or observes their performance.

Second, they play with a “Yes I Can” attitude. There is a spirit of grit and determination that far exceeds the ‘normal’ player.

So there it is. These are the kind of people who “tie up their laces,” get in the game and make every day a winning day one play at a time.

Be one of them!

“In every contest there comes a moment that defines winning from losing. The true Warrior understands and seizes that moment by giving an effort so intensive and so intuitive that it could only be called one from the heart.”

Pat Riley
Rule of the Magic Moment