Even if you are not a sports fan, it is easy to get swept up in the hype of the Super Bowl. It’s a great reason to get together with family and friends, and to cheer on your favorite team. If you happen to know which state in the U.S. I live in, then you can easily guess which team I’m rooting for. However, regardless of the outcome, my day tomorrow will be the same.
Sure, I might be quietly celebrating my team’s win, but then again, I might also be thinking through the game events which contributed to the outcome of a loss. Either way, I will have personally learned something from this experience, and so will many other people watching the game. Of course, the players from each team will have also learned a great deal too.
Both teams playing today are extremely well prepared for this game, and most of them have been playing the sport for their entire life. Many of the coaches potentially were players at one point, and they too are equally as invested in the outcome of the game as the players. However, so are the fans, and all of the supporting contributors it takes to broadcast and put this event on.
As we know, this is one of the highest watched events in our country. Some people who will tune into the game are actually more interested in the halftime show, and watching the bevy of creative advertisements meant to entice us to favor their brand. Regardless of why you are watching the game, from my perspective this event provides a fantastic opportunity to focus on why winning or losing this game really does not matter.
Why do I say this, and think this way? Because when I look at this event from a different perspective, and from one which is potentially what many would say is “outside-of-the-box” thinking, they would be right. It is, and this is one of the things I enjoy doing, as it allows me to flex my thinking and deep understanding of a team and their complex dynamics simultaneously.
Having a creative and strategic mindset, doesn’t always have me looking at the game from a win or lose perspective. Anyone can do that. What’s fun for me is the twist of looking at what can be derived from such an event. Here’s my take on what you can learn from this once a year extravaganza.
- Being on a team is an extraordinary experience, and how well the team actually plays as a team can significantly impact the outcome of the game. This same concept can be applied to non-sports teams too.
- Trusting one another to do their best and bring their A-game today, or every day is critical. There is a saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The same concept can apply here. Work on strengthening your entire team, and you’ll see far better results than you anticipated.
- Communication is critical, especially during periods when there is extreme pressure to win. A team that has strong communication skills can often beat a team who is not on the same level as your team’s communication abilities.
- Experience plays a critical role in the outcome. Both muscle and mind memory experience will factor into the outcome, especially if the players were able to learn from their prior experience, and apply it to help the team.
- Discipline, focus and hard work will pay off, and sometimes the payoff is different than you might have expected. However, there will always be a solid return on investment from anything you apply discipline to. It’s one of the secret ingredients to success.
Yes, winning can be fun, and losing certainly isn’t the desired outcome for either team. However, both teams will both gain tremendous lessons they will be able to apply both to their future teams, to their life, and as representatives of sharing their experiences and lessons learned with others.
Teaching others and applying your experience to another person’s life is one of the greatest gifts. Regardless of the outcome, each team will be able to have valuable teaching lessons to share. Remember, winning isn’t everything, but having a positive perspective on the outcome is something both teams can benefit from. Let the game begin.
Kathleen E. R. Murphy is the Founder, Chief Performance Strategist and CEO of MarketMe Too. She is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, author of Wisdom Whisperer, and is a well-respected motivational and social influencer who has a global following from her numerous speaking, print, radio and television media appearances.
Our expertise is in uniting and bridging teams (sports & business). What does this do for our clients? It provides them with an acceleration boost to reach their goals sooner, and interact with a renewed efficiency, focus and energy level.
Market Me Too also works with individuals from students to C-level executives. The individuals, business and sports teams we work with are coached on how to leverage and apply their peak performance talents on a daily basis. Our coaching produces repeatable, measurable and amazing results personally and professionally. Need proof? Just talk to our clients, or read through our testimonials.
If you want better and different results, let’s talk. We know how to help you get them. Contact Kathleen at kathymurphy@me.com or (339) 987-0195.