Super Bowl… Whatever it Takes
Tomorrow, two NFL teams will be going at it, hammer and tong, to determine which team deserves to be be known as the champion. For many, if not most of the players, every day of their lives since sometime back in high school has been oriented toward the moment – this moment, when they will play for all the marbles.
Most players in the NFL never get the chance to play in a Super Bowl, let alone wear the champion’s ring. Because of that, one thing is absolutely certain… every player who steps on the field tomorrow will be be giving it his very best, leaving nothing in the tank. They will all be going the extra mile to wear the ring that signifies the rarity of their achievement.
I was exposed to “the ring” about fifteen years ago while on a business trip. After taking my assigned seat on the plane, I happened to glance down at the arm rest which was covered by a hand belonging to my seat mate. Adorning the ring finger of that hand was the biggest gosh darned ring I had ever seen. Upon first glance, I could make out the letters, C O W B. A moment later, when the hand moved slightly, I could make out the remainder of the inscription, which identified the wearer as a member of the one (no, many) time world champion Dallas Cowboys, Gil Brandt. A very interesting conversation ensued, in which we talked about the ring, the Cowboys, and various NFL players. I came away with the distinct impression that more important than the game check, fan adulation, and everything else, was that ring which served as a permanent reminder of the fact that this guy had once been at the very top of the mountain in his profession.
Not everyone plays (or is interested) in football. And, as mentioned above, few players earn the right to wear “the ring.” But setting that particular game aside for a moment, deep down, we all want to be winners in whatever it is we do. Just as Tom Brady (he with the gimpy right ankle) will do whatever it takes tomorrow, under capable leadership, we will expend every ounce of our discretionary effort to be known as a winner in our chosen endeavor. We think it is indeed worth it, for those of us who have chosen to lead, to take the necessary steps to help our teams be winners in whatever it is we do.
For those who’d like to learn more, Richard and I will be keynoting a webinar entitled, “Work is Contractual… Effort is Personal”, on February 21 (11:30AM, EST). The session is free of charge, and is being hosted by the folks at Globoforce Ltd. http://www.globoforce.com. We invite your participation.
As for the Pats and Giants, here’s a not so fearless prediction: Patriots 27 Giants 17.
Godspeed!
A thought leader in the areas of leadership and employee engagement, Bill Catlette is a seminar leader, keynote speaker, and executive coach. He helps individuals and organizations improve business outcomes by having a focused, motivated, capably led workforce. For more information about Bill, his partner Richard, and their work, please visit their website at www.ContentedCows.com
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