Super Bowl Strategy to Business Strategy
Author
Thomas Wiest
CEO, Aspirience Home Care
I know its old news by now but, you know, I was excited to watch the Super Bowl game last weekend. It was a good game with each team getting to score one up on each other virtually every time they gained possession of the ball. And what a victory for Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy and MVP quarterback Payton Manning! Even the half time entertainment was great without any Janet Jackson costume surprises like last year. It was a perfect setting for Prince to end the show by playing Purple Rain in the rain.
There were a lot of firsts in this game, too. Dungy’s Super Bowl ring was his first. He was also the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl. In fact, this was the first Super Bowl where both competing head coaches were African Americans. It also was the first 100% rainy Super Bowl game and the first time an opening kickoff was run back for a score, when sensational Bears rookie Devin Hester, sped downfield for a 92 yard touchdown.
In hearing and reading the many recaps of the game since last weekend there appeared to be some common traits that winning team’s possess. Mainly, I have discovered three of them.
Field Position – It’s just that, your position on the field. Being able to out maneuver your opponent to another position on the field that gives you more strength and conviction to score. Hester’s spectacular return provided a stunning beginning — and a severe jolt to the Colts. He pumped his arms to excite the crowd before the kickoff, then lifted the fans from their seats with an electrifying run on which he never was touched.
Execution – Regardless of who comes up with the plan, it all boils down to execution or how well you play it out and put the plan into motion. It was validation of Dungy’s leadership. He helped build Tampa Bay, one of the NFL’s worst franchises, into a contender before being fired after the 2001 season. The next year, the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl under Jon Gruden. It doesn’t matter who comes up with the plan, just execute it flawlessly. Perfect practice, makes perfect.
Turnovers – Or how well you limit your exposure to giving up the ball or letting your opponent get one up on you. The first half of Super Bowl game was marred by six turnovers, three for each team. Even football’s most clutch kicker, Adam Vinatieri, missed a chip-shot field goal for the Colts, who botched an extra point attempt, too.
Well, I don’t bring this sports analogy to light just to cover a great football game. I didn’t even say who I was rooting for. It doesn’t matter. What matters is winners are proactive and take a stance to position their team to win – not only for themselves but their fans.
It’s important to know, when looking for a home care provider, it’s as much about making the client happy as it is the company being positioned to make the client happy.