Back in 2007, I was watching a television sports program and a journalist was interviewing former Ohio State University football coach Earle Bruce. He asked Coach Bruce, “Do you think the Buckeyes have a chance to win the National Championship game?” He was referring to the 2008 College Football National Championship game where the Ohio State Buckeyes were slated to play the Louisiana State University Tigers. Coach Bruce kind of chuckled a little, and then said, “Of course they are going to win. I don’t ever go into a game thinking that my team is going to lose!”
Spoken like a true leader! Your team, just like your children, learn from your behavior. How you act in certain situations, how you respond to situations, as leaders, determine how your team or family may respond in those situations. If a coach thinks the cause is lost even before they take it on; then they are sending the wrong message to their team. Have these coaches never heard of David and Goliath?
Attitude and Preparation Can Help You Win!
On any given day, with the right preparation, attitude, and determination, any team can be a winner. While it may be seen as an upset in the eyes of others, to that team, it is the result of a well executed game plan. Talent can only take a team so far. The most talented, athletic teams don’t always win the championship. The team that may be less athletic, less talented, with proper preparation and planning can significantly close the gap between them and their competition.
And it all starts with the coach – the leader. The coach’s attitude at the start of a task ultimately determines the success or failure of that task. If you think you are going to lose even before you play the game, then your are probably going to lose. Oftentimes before the first snap, tip, kick, pitch or swing, the game has already been lost by the coach. Make sure your team is well prepared. Study your opponents, your competition. Know their strengths and weaknesses. Put together a winning game plan. But more importantly, communicate that winning spirit to your team.
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