dispatches from the new world of work

Football: Failing Forward Fast

We all know Tom is a die-hard San Francisco 49ers football fan. (Yes, American football.) But in this article from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in which he is asked his opinion about a pre-season game, Tom likes what he hears about the new coach of the Miami Dolphins and his attitude toward young players and failing the first time out.

Erik Hansen posted this on 08/15/07.

Comments

As a coach I want to simulate game conditions in practice that provide players with opportunities to "fail forward fast." And maybe preseason games are really a different type of practice session. But in the games that count I want a six sigma process. Perfection--great execution! Yes, I realize it's a dynamic world and things go wrong. There are always new things to learn. But I want a surgeon who has perfected his/her craft (done a lot of failing forward fast) prior to cutting me open.

Posted by Paul B. Thornton at August 15, 2007 7:47 PM

Paul B. Thornton -- not a good analogy. High school and collegiate football players are amateur kids playing a sport. Even during the games they should be expected to make mistakes and fail forward fast in order to learn from the experience. A surgeon is an accomplished, professional adult who is in a completely different situation.

How could you even think to equate something like amateur football with six sigma, perfection, and surgery? I'm glad you weren't my coach.

Posted by Red Island Rhodes at August 16, 2007 6:40 AM

Red,
The article was discussing "professional" football players--not a bunch of amateurs--not high school or college players.

Posted by Paul B. Thornton at August 16, 2007 7:01 AM

The incredible $10M+ annual salaries of too many sports' celebrities - an issue with anybody? Especially given their tendency toward deviant lifestyles - like Michael Dogboy Vick and Barry HGH Bonds!

Posted by John at August 16, 2007 10:40 AM

"And maybe preseason games are really a different type of practice session."

Paul, preseason to me is 100% practice under game conditions

Posted by tom peters at August 16, 2007 11:33 AM

Ahh nuts folks....am still a diehard Lions fan...pretty indicative of Detroit in general...give the all time losing GM a five year extension. Tom, going to use the Boston office address so I can say I am a Pats fan.....

Posted by Mike Neiss at August 17, 2007 8:59 PM

Here is a great business leadership tip from another football great, coach Pete Carroll of the USC Trojans. This is a power tip on how to lead more effectivley without having to resort to fear and intimidation.

http://bigideastobigresults.com/archives/10#more-10

Posted by Mike T K at August 18, 2007 4:51 PM