Lessons From the Field.
This article is part of Finding the Words, a newsletter that delivers practical insights on the day’s issues.
This weekend was as magical for some football fans as it was miserable for others. And while I don’t claim to be much of a football fan, I do know this: there are few better places to learn lessons in leadership than the playing field—particularly a high-stakes playing field.
Here are five lessons for leading and communicating effectively, as inspired by this past weekend’s football games:
1. Conditioning is Key. Elite athletes know that getting to the top of their game requires intense practice and conditioning. If you want to become a confident public speaker, an improved writer, or a better manager, don’t expect to improve without putting in the dedicated hours and practice—before, during, and after your big event. And remember: we make our worst decisions when we’re tired, so practice rest too.
2. Analyze, Learn, and Move On. There will always be something to second-guess in how you answered a question, led a meeting, or showed care in a crisis—and there will always be sideline critics waiting to second-guess you too. While some second-guessing is good for self-awareness and learning, excessive second-guessing slows us down from moving forward. The next time you feel yourself second-guessing how you did or over-analyzing a situation, park your thoughts aside for a while. With time, it will become clear what you need to learn, what requires action, and what is worth leaving behind.
3. Stay True to Yourself. Often, coaches lean on a specific strategy to get them to the championship game and then change strategies in that championship moment, hoping for more—not always with clear rationale or communication. If you’ve committed to a specific approach, and have proof that it works, don’t toss it aside lightly. And when you need to shift course, communicate clearly and often through the transition.
4. Don’t Drop the Ball. If your teammate, colleague, or manager has set you up for success, don’t miss the moment. Perhaps someone has offered you coaching, guiding advice, or a fresh set of eyes on an important document. Catch those passes with appreciation rather than the sting that you might be underperforming. If someone wants to invest in your success, take the ball and run with it. Acknowledge the gesture and receive the ball with both hands.
5. Let the Celebration Follow the Win. Take it from Detroit Lions’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Don’t pack your bags for the big game until it’s time. Reporters caught Gardner-Johnson celebrating prematurely after the Lions took a 21-7 lead in the second quarter. There was only one problem. The 49ers still had half the game to play and ultimately clinched a historic comeback to win. Whether you’re celebrating a new contract, a new hire, or a new donor, practice patience and let the celebration play out in due time.
Bottom line: It’s easy to believe that our team can clinch the win, just as we can imagine landing our own big wins at work. But those magic moments don’t come without conditioning, reflection, authenticity, and follow-through. Stay true to who you are, and keep your end goal in sight.
This post is part of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights direct to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week.
