Even though it is a well known fact that I know very little about football, I learned an important lesson while attending the Philadelphia Eagles game last Sunday night where they prevailed against the Detroit Lions.
Yes, you read correctly – I attended my very first football game at the famous “Linc” stadium in Philly. One of Jack’s clients gave us two tickets to the game. The seats were amazing as we had two of the 60 seats which are located on the field, so we had a truly up close view of the game and everything happening on the sidelines.
Our view of the field was partially blocked by a netted contraption.
I didn’t know what it was, until I saw the Eagles place kicker, Jake Elliott. During the entire game, I had a first-hand view of him practicing. He practiced kicking. He practiced catching the ball from another player in the field. I watched him use his arms and hands in a certain way when he finished each practice kick. And then when the Eagles needed him on the field, he put on his helmet and went into position. He was ready at a moment’s notice even though the temperature was close to freezing.
Football is a team sport and each position has a key role. Although the quarterback might get credit for throwing passes, or the team captain may get kudos for coalescing the team, it was clear to me that each player understanding their role and being prepared when called upon during the game, is what makes an effective, and winning team.
The same is true for a company or any organization. Whether you are a member of the sales team or the operations team, practicing and being “warmed up and ready” when called upon improves performance. And creates a winning culture.
If you are in sales, how much time do you spend practicing? Do you practice your presentations in advance and often enough that when you are in front of a prospect you are always prepared? Or do you say to yourself, “I’ve been doing this a long time – I don’t need to practice.” If that’s the case, you are basically defaulting to “practice” on your prospects!
What if you are like many business owners or leaders and are raising money or working towards an exit? How much time do you spend with your team to perfect your pitch? Do you role play possible questions you’ll be asked or objections with which you’ll be presented?
As I watched Elliott practice from every angle, and slightly adjust his foot, his approach and create a consistent finish, I was reminded how important practicing and always being ready is. He had no idea if he would be asked to kick 5 times during the game, or not at all. But there he was practicing and keeping himself warmed up so he could support his team even though the temperature outside was near freezing.
No matter your role in your organization – think about how you can always be “ready to play”. You never know when you will be given the opportunity to perform: whether it is a sales pitch, a pitch for a new client or an opportunity to raise money.
Practice doesn’t always make perfect – but it certainly converts opportunities into more positive results.
Onward and upward,
Executive Coaching and Consulting for business CEOs, Owners and Presidents
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