It’s time to address one of the many unanswered questions in life: ”do I play it safe or dive!?” The context of this question will be framed around sports and though it was often the result of years of participating, coaching and observing many athletes, it also has a strong parallel to behaviors demonstrated in the professional world. Quite simply I continue to be puzzled by the dichotomy that exists among top performers and those who merely play the game. In any sport most of us have observed or even played (past or present), athletes are often presented with a split second, yet uncalculated, decision as whether or not to dive in order to make the play or hold back and play it safe. There are no studies that I am aware of that measure the types of individuals that choose one option over the other, yet I have always been intrigued personally, by the instincts that take over with top athletes when presented with such a decision. Even at a young age the directive can be heard bellowing from a vocal parent at a little league game as a foul ball is hit…”dive for it Bobby!” Yet, more often than not, Bobby stares at the ball with clean pressed white pants as the ball lands on the ground before him. Dive??? Is the instinct to dive learned or acquired? There are numerous examples of sports heroes diving for a loose ball as it is heading out of play; sprawling with outstretched hands and body parallel to the ground in an all out effort to make the critical catch or perhaps a defensive stop. We have all seen these types of highlights or perhaps participated first hand, but have you ever stopped to think about what synapses are triggered in the human brain that drive the best of the best to sacrifice body and potential injury in giving it their absolute and complete best effort to make the play? Conversely, what triggers others who are notably talented and capable of performing at the same level to hesitate at the critical moment opting to let the ball drop, go out of bounds or merely hope another player will make the sacrifice so they don’t have to make the effort? Interestingly enough, when observing those who make the additional effort, it soon becomes apparent that they react similarly on every occasion when required…regardless of the circumstance. In other words, it isn’t always in the last period of a contest or only in the critical moments when the game is on the line, but rather every time it is required in order to achieve results. It is the very fiber woven into their being that produces the instinctive reaction which yields the envy and admiration of those who witness the extra effort. And to that professional it seems peculiar that others would find the effort to be anything out of the ordinary, for indeed it just happens…you don’t think about hesitating, delaying or abstaining during that moment. Rather, “diving” is merely bundled into the total mindset of passionately wanting to win…to be successful.
So here is the question I pose to each of you as players on your team: “Are you playing it safe or are you diving” when it comes to leading others and setting the standard in your business? Do you inspire others to take the risks necessary to achieve more than they thought capable? As a leader and coach to others, what standard are you setting with your leadership style? I would contend that neither ultra conservatism nor wild abandon are healthy examples for well-managed teams or organizations. I would suggest however, that those who are willing to “dive” and take calculated, informed risks will set forth a path for other team members to follow, demonstrating commitment to applying maximum effort in hopes of supporting team success. Furthermore, high performing companies are looking within their own firms to take inventory of their athletes and are most interested in riding the road to prosperity on chariots powered by the best and brightest individuals committed to their own personal development, leading by example, and always in support of achieving success for the greater good of their team.
Consider the differences:
Those who “Play it Safe”:
Spend most of their time each week reacting to situations more often than proactively developing new opportunities for growth.
Spend very little time working on self-improvement and their individual performance development.
Don’t find much, if any, value in being organized and prepared for meetings, appointments or other key engagements.
Resist technology. Considering it for the most part a nuisance and any effort to increase proficiency is forced by senior management for CRM or reporting requirements rather than seeing the productivity gains achieved by effective utilization.
Don’t see value in coaching or mentoring next level leaders. Instead, their focus remains on self and the narrow scope of their specific workload or individual performance.
Those who “Dive”:
Balance their time and prioritize effectively those tasks which yield the greatest ROI between time and effort.
Infuse a healthy dose of professional development time. Perhaps finding value in receiving coaching from external resources to help sharpen skills and strengthen their overall value to the team.
Continually lay the groundwork for success by developing a pipeline of potential opportunities internal and external to the organization.
Take full advantage of networking opportunities by attending events and social opportunities frequently in order to build personal relationships among other professionals.
Are extremely organized, efficient and prepared. Exude confidence and outwardly demonstrate professionalism. Have a game plan and a clear objective prepared in advance of every meeting with employees, suppliers and clients.
Willing to invest whatever time it takes to be successful in not only their professional lives but in making success in their personal lives a priority.
Pay attention to the details and place a high priority on doing the little things that make a big difference. These take time but they recognize them as significant contributors to their ongoing success. A few examples: writing thank-you notes for orders, appointments or just because…or sending periodic notes to employees as well as clients recognizing their achievements. Being present to “walk the floor” regularly among internal departments to actively listen and acknowledge both concerns and accomplishments.
Are persistent and almost always hold themselves accountable for their own success as well as those they lead. Recognize and remain grateful for support and humbly seek assistance when needed.
Use technology as an essential tool to increase efficiency and productivity. Embrace technological advancements in products or software and are not intimidated by the need to change if change produces better outcomes.
If you are a fortunate enough to be a coach and winning is not only expected, but required of you, who do you want on the floor or field when the ball is in the air…?
Game On….Dive for it!!!!
Authored by: Kelly Evans, Director