By Dr. Howard Gauthier
It’s been a month since the 2015 Super Bowl. Now that the dust has settled a bit, what are your thoughts about the Seahawk’s final play on 2nd and goal? To recap the situation, the Patriot’s scored a touchdown with about 2 minutes remaining in the game to take a 28-24 lead. The Seahawk’s battled back, made some tremendous plays, and set up the Hawks for a second straight Super Bowl victory. On 1st and goal from five yards out, Marshawn Lynch plowed his way to the one-yard line. Lynch is arguably the best power running back in the NFL.
It was now 2nd and goal from the one with 26 seconds remaining. The Seahawks also had one timeout remaining. Nearly everyone in the stadium, and watching on television, knew that Lynch’s number would be called for the go-ahead touchdown. But it wasn’t. Instead, the Seahawks called a slant pass to the right side. The play was recognized by the defense and the pass was intercepted – game over.
Mark Maske of the Washington Post called the play the worst play call in the history of the Super Bowl. But what makes this play such a bad call? Pete Carroll is known for his creativity, strategy, and motivation. His players love to play for him and he does nothing but win. But in this case, he may have over-strategized. In theory, it could have been a great play call, especially if it had worked. Instead, Maske is probably right. Put the ball into the hands of the NFL’s best power running back and let him plow his way into the end zone.
Positive leaders focus on utilizing the strengths of their people and the strengths of their team. I consider Pete Carroll a positive leader. He always believes his team has a chance to win. His communication style is upbeat and positive, and he has strong relationships with his players. However in the recent Super Bowl, on the Seahawks last play from scrimmage, the Seahawks appeared to be more engaged in a chess match of sorts, instead of using their strengths. They seemed more focused on finessing their way into the end zone instead of smash mouthing their way in from the 1-yard line.
What are your strengths and the strengths of your team? Do you have your best employees assigned to the projects with the greatest upside potential? Are you using your strengths to be the best you can be? Football, like business and life, needs a lot of vision and strategy in order to achieve success. But when the game is on the line, you need to use your strengths in order to win. In other words, put your best sales person on your biggest account. Get the ball into the hands of your best shooter for the game winning shot. And when you have the best power running back in the league, let him smash his way into the end zone. The 2015 Super Bowl is a reminder that we need to utilize our strengths in order to be successful.
Howard Gauthier is an Associate Professor of Athletic Administration at Idaho State University. He is a former collegiate athletic director and collegiate basketball coach. He is an author, speaker, and professor. Check out his book, Execute for Success, at www.execute4success.com.
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“In Execute for Success, Howard conveys with clarity and precision how anybody can become the best at what they do. Though his model is simple, it is also profound, and I’m convinced that anybody who follows it diligently will more readily reach their full potential. Howard also demonstrates the difference between theory and practice. You cannot articulate a model with such clarity unless you practice it yourself. Howard walks the walk.”
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