This time of year, it’s hard to avoid the constant chatter about the Super Bowl. So much so that we lose sight of what this event is all about; a showdown between the two best football teams in the National Football League.
Instead, we discuss what food to serve, the commercials that will be shown during the game, the halftime entertainment, even “Deflate Gate”. But both teams know that focusing on these things is just a distraction. Winning the game, and winning in business, comes down to a few key elements.
Offense
The team with the most points at the end of the game is the one that wins. Being proactive and concentrating on moving the ball further and further down the field will put points on the scoreboard. What is your strategy for moving the ball down the field?
Defense
Blocking the offense from scoring and protecting your team’s lead is the only objective of the defense. In business, this means protecting your business so there are no setbacks. This includes solving problems, protecting your integrity and your reputation, and defending your delivery mastery to ensure that the offense won’t have to overcome.
Communication
Regardless of whether you are focusing on the offense or the defense, communication is crucial for winning. Having pre-laid plans and being able to execute the plans with your team, changing up the plans to accommodate for different strategies, even calling an “audible” or last minute strategy requires constant and effective communication with all members of your team.
Teamwork
No football game, or Super Bowl, has been won by one person. Everyone plays an important role, from the Coach to the Waterboy. But what gets teams to this point is their ability to work well together. They train and practice together and work like a well-oiled machine. How are you training and motivating your team to ensure you win?
When building a winning business, it’s important to acknowledge the people and the processes to get there. It’s not a one-day event, but something that has been built through months and even years of planning, strategizing and preparing. With a Super Bowl mentality, your team could win too!