How to Win and Lose like a Team

Leadership through difficult times 

A good lesson was illustrated in a Sunday Night NFL Football game on 10-23-2016 between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals that ended in an overtime tie of 6 - 6. The lowest overtime score in NFL history.

Arizona was the first to strike with a winning field goal. The ball hit the left goal post. The Arizona coach slammed his playboard to the ground from his head with an angry face when he realized the kick was bad. Seattle received a big gift from Arizona. 

Seattle was able to get in position with a game winning field goal with time running out. The kick went wide missing the inside of the left goal post. The Seattle coach reacted with anticipation for the kick and then showed disappointment in his face with the bad kick.

The Seahawks coach Carroll:

“I love him and he’s our guy,’’ Carroll said of Hauschka.

The Cardinals coach Arians:

Arians said of Catanzaro “Make it. He’s a professional. This ain’t high school. You get paid to make it.”

Two different reactions and comments towards players that could have been a game hero. 

The Cardinals coach is not a leader. Slamming a player is poor leadership. Develop and work with the player.

The Seahawks coach is a real leader. He knows he will need that kicker in the future and he stands by him.

In the business world we should lose as a team and win as a team. No finger pointing. Learn from failure and regroup. Move on with synergy. It's all about a cohesive team.

Managing with style

The character Winston Wolfe aka "The Wolf" from the movie "Pulp Fiction" is what every Project Manager should be like. Exude confidence, not arrogant, in control, charismatic, accountable, and able to respond fast.

Project Managers are called upon to deliver results on-time within a budget. They are under pressure to get the job done. You could come across at times as a bossy Project Manager when dealing with sensitive people. Some people just get offended when you deliver your orders to them. Deal with these people by making some adjustments to your style to reach them better so they don't feel offended. You have no time to make enemies when you are on a tight deadline. Don't play hardball with these people. Get them onboard with you. If they are a lost cause dump them, because you have no time for pretty please with sugar on top of it. 

Always keep your composure. You are the center of focus with everyone relying on you to direct them.