dispatches from the new world of work

"It's been a great year for New England Sports"

—Fearless Pats' Quarterback, Tom Brady!

Okay, I get it. Politics and sports, especially when you're a diehard Sox (as in THE Red Sox) and Pats and Bruins (remember the Stanley Cup?) fan may not be the politically correct blogging topics. Sadly, from living in NY and rooting for THE Sox in Yankee Stadium, I am fiercely aware that the topic of sports and politics can provide food for fight versus food for thought.

But who can resist, and who can sleep, on this historic night as Beantown marches toward yet another sport-on-record and we are dancing in the streets, or at least on snow-covered pathways! Go Pats Go!

Rejoicing aside, consider this—those guys played an awesome game (in the true sense of that word, I am in awe). They were "in the Zone"—focused, confident, and pumped as they faced the challenges of a level playing field and, then, the challenge of overdog at the start of the second half when "the other team" came on strong on their home turf—maybe a little too strong?

Consider this: What are the parallels to business? The pressures to achieve and push just enough but not over the edge, joys of success and being the overdog, and the agony of defeat on the wide world of sports are a lot like those on the wide world of work. What does it take to win and stay in the game when the pressure is on and you face a world class competitor? Ask Robert Kraft, Pats owner—"we're going to enjoy this moment for a while." Go Pats Go!

Pam Brill posted this on 01/24/05.

Comments

I am a die-hard Manchester United fan!

There is so much that organisations and leaders can learn by looking at sport.

In the last 12 months I have corresponded with Sir Alex Ferguson - Manager of Manchester United Football Club and a world icon.

I am insignificant in his world, but despite the gulf that exists between us, he took the time to give me support with fantastic comments on my book - a gesture I will always treasure.

Yes we can learn from sport - Sir Alex has proved to me what a fantastic leader he is. He also happens to be in charge of the most famous soccer team in the world.

If only all business leaders showed that example!

Posted by Trevor at January 24, 2005 7:10 AM

The Patriots are becoming / have become America's Team. They are smart, cool, and innovative - plus they win big games.

Posted by John at January 24, 2005 11:50 AM

Love to see a sports-themed blog post, Pam. Those of us who have worked or currently work in sports know this: there is as much to learn from sports about how NOT to do things as there is to learn about how to do things well. As I'm sure a laundry list of things-that-sports-organizations-do-well-and-how-those-ideas-apply-to-business will develop, I'll submit that one thing sports organizations find tough to build nowadays is culture. As in other industries, there is little loyalty among employees (players and staff) and management (ownership), and it's difficult for many teams to build a culture when favorite players are around for only a handful of years.

That said, I'm not sure that the Pats are yet "America's Team." They are certainly recognized within the sports world as a model organization, but their culture--and perhaps the culture of the league and sports (entertainment) in general--is only now leaning toward "dynasty". Alas, it'll be interesting to follow what organizational culture changes they have--if any--when their coaches leave for promotions with other teams.

Posted by Lee H. Igel at January 24, 2005 2:05 PM

The business of business and the business of sport often leave much to be desired, but on both fronts I think the Pats have it clicking. On the field Belichik and Brady lead a group of winners who check individual goals and egos at the door for the good of the team. Off the field Pioli (incidently a Bill Parcells relative)and Belichik have mastered the ability to go deep in drafts or sign team guys who can play multiple roles and do the grunt work needed to win. A recent article quoting NY Yankee GM Brian Cashman favorably comparing Tom Brady and Derek Jeter will be my segue to where things can go wrong when the team guys leave and are replaced by the ego/money guys. As a Yankee fan the signing on Jason Giambi in 2001 was the start of the slide after five glorious years of Brosius, Tino, O'Neil and Jeter who were all about winning. As a relatively new resident of Red Sox nation it pains me to see the Bosox take over that mantle as the Yanks have messed with their chemisty. Management in business and sport is difficult in our fluid economy. It will be interesting to see how the departure of the Pats Offensive Coordinator will effect them and multiple changes in the Sox lineup will also be fodder for this hockey-less winter. I'd argue the Pats have built a modern dynasty and will go down in history as such.

Posted by Greg Calkins at January 27, 2005 3:27 PM