Watching Football Can Help Develop Business!

In a few weeks it will be my oldest son’s last week playing college football. What I have I learned after 18 years of watching my oldest play football? Perhaps some of these tips would apply to your business. 

1.      Team sports teach the value and importance of how to work as a team in tandem with shared goals.

2.      The team relies on each individual to add their contribution to creating a winning game.

3.      Teams with a winning season stay focused on long term goals with good coaching and a shared commitment.

4.      A team is only as strong as its weakest link.

5.      A team only moves forward when they believe in the mission from the top down.

6.      Consistency is demonstrated in cumulative performance not in random occurrences.

7.      Talent needs to be nurtured and directed. 

8.      Every coaching style is not a fit for every player.

9.      Great coaches find what motivates their players and how to best use the skill sets among the players given or recruited to shape the play into a form of teamwork that will generate results.

10.  A strong coach sets a tone and demonstrates consistent actions to reinforce their message; one where only teamwork with a united focus will be tolerated.

11.   When coaches build trust among the team for acknowledging each members contribution, that coach is in turn creating an environment of respect.

12.  A motivated player or coach can shake off the negativity of fans and move past set backs.

13.  Visualization on a desired goal keeps competitive players learning, developing, adapting and changing. 

As a business owner, I can relate to the position of the player or the coach on any given day. Staying focused on long term goals when faced with short term set backs can be a challenge; especially when it’s tied to income. However, like a bad game or a bad play the larger message learned is –“move on” and “don’t let that set back define you or own you”. 

Seeking ways to adapt ones business model to the strengths of their team and learning from the weakest moments is the secret weapon gained by the entrepreneur.  Whether a business is a small brand in the making or a large brand known nationally, shared ideas and goals are essential to a successful year. As companies look toward the last quarter, most likely they will be looking internally at their strengths and weaknesses for answers to help shape that last drive for 2013 towards profits. 

As I read business journals and publications related to sales, leadership, and client relationships, I’m always looking for the take away that resonated with me for reflection, focus and change; coaching tips that both fit my style and push my comfort zone. 

What’s the best take away you’ve had in recent weeks?