« From core competence to core attitude | Main | A brand is first about why, then about who »
“I put my team first.”
That was Patriots head coach Bill Belichick's response to reporters on last night's failed decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 from his 28 with 2:08 left at Indy. And I happen to both believe in and respect Bill's decision and intent. Here's the entire quote:
"I told the team, and I think they believe I do what I feel like is best for our football team to win every game. I put the team first, I put those decisions first. I just hope everybody understands that."
As a leader, did Belichick make a bad call? Absolutely not. A leader's job is to acutely examine the changing situation, assess his or her organization's resources and abilities in the evolving environment, and make a decision that best favors the entire organization's chances for success.
Most pigskin pundits have panned Belichick's decision. They're almost unanimous in their criticism of the controversial call, declaring that he should have played the percentages and punted the ball. Some have even called his decision a slap on the face to his defensive unit.
Bullshit. Great leaders make decisions for the benefit of the entire team, not to make certain folks feel good about themselves. I know I have many Boston friends seething right about now, so . . . sorry. Now answer me this (and be honest with yourself):
If last night's exact scenario presents itself in a do or die playoff game in January 2010, wouldn't you want Bill to go for it . . . again?
Especially considering the fact that since 2000 when Belichick has faced the Colts, on fourth down he has gone for it 12 times during the regular season and gotten it eight times. And during the postseason he's gone for it four times against the Colts and gotten it all four times.
You bet you would. We all want a leader who goes for it. One with an inspiring vision, who makes both informed and bold decisions for the benefit of the entire team.
I say thumbs up to Belichick on a courageous and correct call last night. We desperately need more leaders like Bill with the passion, intelligence and guts to go for it with the game on the line. Because for most of us in business today, every game is on the line.
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d8341c684b53ef012875aa540e970c
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference In today's marketplace, every game is on the line:
The comments to this entry are closed.
(Rest assured, we will never provide your email address to anyone. Period.)
RSS feed
Tom on Twitter
@tomasacker
Tom is timely, thought provoking and all about the new brand vision packaged as a Seinfeld stand up. I went to school on his ideas.
Jeff Taylor, Founder, Monster.com and CEO, Eons.
This game was just fantastic. So exciting, it lived up to the hype.
The 4th and 2 call was definitely all or nothing, I don't mind the call Belichick made. I don't think it was lack of confidence in his defense as much as more confidence in his offense. And it is Peyton, he would've went 65 yards as easy as he went the 30 or so.
Hope they meet again in the playoffs.
Posted by: Andy | November 16, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Simply the most memorable game of the season. So exciting. One team's victory is a just the fans' reward. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Mitch | November 17, 2009 at 03:59 AM
Tom,
After recovering from my initial angst over the result of the game, I came to the same conclusion. What your piece made me further realize is that this game is a cause to be hopeful for the Patriot's prospects this season, rather than a cause for pessimism. It's leadership, rather than talent that's the real difference between the great teams and the good ones.
Posted by: Jon P | November 17, 2009 at 11:57 AM