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Perfection, Or Is It Just ACTing R.I.G.H.T™?
By TWilson | December 30, 2007
Well, they did it. The New England Patriots completed their NFL regular game season undefeated. No other teams since the 34 and 42 Chicago Bears, and the 1972 Miami Dolphins who by the way also won the Super Bowl which means with the playoffs they were 17- 0. The question facing the Pats; can they go all the way and win the Super Bowl. To do this would be perfection. There are some great lessons we can take from what they accomplished for 2007.
First, they set a goal and did what they had to do to make sure they achieved that goal. Did everything necessary to make sure they got to the Super Bowl. This meant, coming to practice ready to work hard. Studying hours of game film in preparation for the teams they would play. It also meant taking one game at a time and not getting ahead of themselves.
Second, they held themselves accountable. As the season progressed and the possibility of the team going undefeated started to manifest itself, they took responsibility for their actions both on and off the field. When they played bad, no excuses where made, they talked about how they could do better and expected to do better at the next game. They stayed focused on the task at hand and didn’t get ahead themselves. For the team it was one game at a time. No looking ahead to the next team, no underestimation of their opponent’s ability. When the Pats took to the field they came ready to play and expected the other team to do likewise.
Third, they communicated their mission, clearly, concisely, and consistently to everyone on the team, the media, and public. The genesis of this mission began with last years playoff lost to the Colts. The communication of their mission came with the announcement of the trades made for Moss, Stallworth, and Wellker combined with trades made earlier that let people know they wanted players who would embrace the mission and work toward its fulfillment. Everyone on the team understood the goal, to get to the playoffs and win the Super Bowl. They kept their eyes on the ultimate prize.
Fourth, the Pats committed themselves to teamwork at the highest level. In my opinion the Pats are the epitome of teamwork at its finest. Their team leader – Tom Brady – is a leader both on and off the field. Tom demonstrates his leadership by the time he puts in as he prepares for a game. His example and work ethic is not atypical of the Pats, just about everyone on the Pats team works hard. They know more about their opponents than they do of themselves. You, don’t see members sulking on the sidelines because they don’t get enough playing time, or didn’t get a pass thrown to them. There is no individual self-aggrandizement, or saying look at me, as so many other NFL players do when they make a great catch, or score. I know it’s a cliché, but the Pats do believe there is no I in TEAM.
Overall, what the Pats accomplished this year is truly remarkable. They have cemented their place in the record books. But, in my opinion, the truly remarkable accomplishment is the willingness to come together for the achievement of a difficult goal, to get to the point where they can compete for the top prize, to play and win their fourth Super Bowl. I remember when the Dolphins went undefeated and went on to win the 72 Super Bowl, I got to see it on TV. It truly was a great day in sports. This year I may have the same opportunity. So, is it perfection or just ACTing R.I.G.H.T. ™? Perhaps it’s a strong mixture of both.
Go Pats.
Topics: ACTing Right, Communication, Team building |
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