Know the field

With football playoffs and bowl games going on it is interesting to observe how some coaches and teams really understand what they are involved in and others don’t. I heard one coach personally calling out a star player of a opponent in a upcoming game. One coach got fired because he really didn’t understand the program and the tradition. Some players got cut from their teams because they didn’t understand the culture and team mentality.

So why is this so important? In the case of one coach who had the privilege of coaching football at a school with a great history and a tradition of winning, it was more about him, his system, and how he was going to show everyone how it’s supposed to be done. A new coach is hired and immediately it seems he knows what the job is about and is embracing the tradition, making it better and not about putting his stamp on it.

Another coach is continually railing on one of the best players in the game and picking on him personally. As a leader, he should know that there are 11 players on the field and each one has a job to do. If one fails, the entire play and sometimes the game, can be jeopardized. If I were coaching that team, I would be working on a plan to defeat the other team and customizing a strategy designed to expose the weaknesses of the opponent; not focusing on one player. A coach must get everyone playing as one man. Also, I would focus on my team and my players and making sure they are prepared and when interviewed by the media I would be professional and praise my opponent (until game time).

In relationships, whether personal or business, it is imperative that we recognize where the other is at and understand what is going on with them as well as where they want to go. It’s never about what you bring to the situation. It’s about the impact you have, within the situation, and how you can help them go in the direction they want to go. We will always have to answer to someone, so it behooves us to be clear on the goals and initiatives they have, rather than assuming we understand it all. It is always easier to conform to the situation and adapt what strengths we have, rather than thinking we can change someone against their will or impose our will.

Everyone thinks differently. If we adapt and are able to put ourselves in the others shoes and truly see their point of view, we will be able to connect in a specific and unique way. That will differentiate us from others and allow us to comprehend the way our character affects those around us.

And don’t assume you know. You know what happens when you assume. So don’t. Just because you understood something last week, doesn’t mean you still do today. Things change. So stay fresh, and keep asking questions, keep growing and be open to the consider how another thinks. Not saying you need to compromise on your values, but you will have more success if you at least are open to relate to others.

Ignite your passion!