Let It Rip! – Coming from Behind
Courtesy of Bob Bever, RLB Partners
With the Eiffel Tower lighting up that night, the showdown in Paris was a truly epic sight. In a gripping Olympic semi-final match against Brazil, the USA Women’s Volleyball team showcased their resilience and determination, emerging victorious in a thrilling tiebreaker. The match was a true dogfight, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and tenacity. After four hard-fought sets, the two teams faced the fifth-set tiebreaker. The Brazilian team took the early lead, 5-3, only 10 points away from playing for the gold against Italy. But then the American team ripped off a rally to tie it 6-all. turning that 5-3 deficit into a 15-11 victory.
Karch Kiraly, reflecting on the intense match, remarked, “It’s kind of sad that either team has to lose a match like that because both programs are legendary in terms of a consistently high level of play in good tournaments like the Olympics and world championships.” His words highlighted the high stakes and the exceptional caliber of both teams.
In business and life, we can find ourselves needing to come from behind in the winner-take-all tiebreaker. So, what can we learn from this clash of the Volleyball Titans that will propel your team to the gold?
Work Harder, Not Smarter
Kathryn Plummer, a key player in the match, shared her mindset during the crucial moments: “We just told ourselves to let it rip, have confidence, be fearless, it’s a quick game to 15. That’s what you have to do, you don’t really have time to fix things or make adjustments very quickly, so it was just play the game you know how to play and let it rip.” This fearless approach was evident in their performance, especially during a 30-second rally in the fifth set, an eternity in high-level volleyball.
If you don’t learn to work hard, working smarter will not get you there. In the face of challenges, sometimes you just have to dig deep and push your limits. Professionals must be prepared to work harder to achieve their goals. Working harder can sometimes yield better results than working smarter, uncovering solutions that smarter strategies might miss.
Innovate and Improve the System
Oscar Wilder is credited with saying, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” However, that is not the full quote. His complete quote is, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”
Instead of merely navigating existing frameworks, strive to enhance them. Innovate, challenge norms, and create lasting improvements for greater efficiency and positive change. By founding Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk pushed the boundaries of electric vehicles and space exploration, significantly impacting both industries.
Take Personal Responsibility
Taking personal responsibility is crucial for success. When individuals take ownership of their tasks and outcomes, it enhances collaboration, reduces errors, and drives collective success. This commitment to excellence and mutual support creates a winning culture. Demonstrating personal responsibility in actions and decisions encourages others to follow suit.
Watching the US team take ownership of their role, contribution, and mistakes brought the team together as a unit and dispelled criticism, blame, and disunity.
Self-Motivated
The team needed each member to choose to dig deep and let it rip. One unmotivated member would take down the whole team. Legendary Chicago linebacker Mike Singletary said, “I want winners. I want people who want to win. Players have responsibility, and if they don’t do their job, bad things happen.” As a part of your team, are you pushing yourself to be the best you can be?
Knowing the Score
You have to know the score if you are going to win. There is a goal to achieve, a number to reach. Do you know the score? Do you understand your key performance metrics, market trends, and the competitive landscape essential to win? This awareness enables strategic decision-making and helps identify opportunities for improvement.
Be Positive
Additionally, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. As Karch Kiraly advised, “Win or lose, make sure to enjoy the moment.” A positive attitude is crucial in a come-from-behind win. A positive mindset fosters resilience, boosts team morale, and maintains focus under pressure. This mindset encourages perseverance, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth. Annie Drews continuously smiled and encouraged her teammates each play. By believing in their ability to succeed, teams can overcome challenges and achieve remarkable comebacks, demonstrating the power of optimism and determination.
As a team member, you are essential for your team’s success. Choose to maximize your contribution and bring your best game as you play for the gold. This dedication to excellence and continuous improvement is key to achieving remarkable success. As a leader, inspire your team to face the challenge, dig deep, and let it rip!