February 22, 1980. There I was. A midst the noise, the excitement, the waving of many American flags, and so much more. It was surreal; heart pounding; thrilling; a dream for a sports fan; a dream for an American.
The location was Lake Placid, NY. The Olympic Ice Center was the venue for a late afternoon game. This was the moment many had been waiting for: The USA hockey team versus the Soviet Union’s team. This game would determine who would go on to the gold medal game.
As portrayed in the movie “MIRACLE,” and as many of us know, the USA won that game. An incredible game at that. The next day, the team played for and won the gold medal game against Finland.
The U.S. Hockey Hall of fame stated: “The 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team will forever remain etched in our memories as one of the greatest sporting events of all-time. In fact, Sports Illustrated selected the team’s victory over the Soviet Union en route to winning the gold medal as the No. 1 sports moment of the 20th century. It was a magical ride that happened amidst the backdrop of the Iranian hostage crisis and Soviet invasion of Afghanistan – events that made the now fabled “Miracle on Ice” even more impactful on American history.”
Why do I bring up the topic of the “Miracle on Ice?” Because I love the story. And the story is a perfect example of the 6th trait of a positive leadership legacy: TEAM (TEAMWORK). One must have a team and be a team player to succeed in leaving a positive legacy.
Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships. Michael Jordan.
You’re looking for players whose name on the front of the sweater is more important than the one on the back. I look for these players to play hard, to play smart and to represent their country. Herb Brooks (Coach of the 1980 Hockey Team)
It has been said that “teamwork is essential – it allows you to blame someone else.” That is one thing about TRUE team work – no one person should ever be blamed for a loss, a failure. But how does a team succeed? How does it win that gold medal, reach the goal it was created for?? How does an individual be part of that and have a positive legacy? I believe the 1980 Hockey Team can teach us some lessons.
LESSONS
First, the team was not content. Neither should we be content in our journey in life. Never be so content that you become complacent. Always want to be better, to have personal growth in your life. This step is very important. If one becomes complacent and is not interested in growing as an individual, the team will suffer and the hope for a positive leadership legacy could be dead. Don’t try to explain away your failures if you are complacent.
When a great team loses through complacency, it will constantly search for new and more intricate explanations to explain away defeat. Pat Riley
Second, the team had a game plan. So we too must have one. I would go so far as to say each individual on the team needs an individual plan to develop and grow; to work on their strengths. Then the team needs a team game plan, based on the team members strengths. That plan needs to consider how to achieve goals. (If you are interested in a “growth plan” contact me for more information.)
Third, the team was determined to do their best and to win. They needed to carry out that game plan to the best of their collective ability. They were focused on being the best. Mario Andretti once said, “Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” Also, Dan Gable stated, “Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.”
Finally, the team had cohesiveness. The word means the act or process of sticking together tightly. They were individuals yet a unit. They played as one. You are not going to achieve anything if people are not with you; if they are going in different directions. It is self-defeating. Vince Lombardi once said: “Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. “
THE END?
What about you? Aren’t you tired of being complacent? I know I am tired of many things in life. Complacency being one of them. Don’t you want to have a desire to grow and learn? Would you like to have a cohesive team working towards the same goals? Shall we end it here? Just read this blog and go on? No, we should not. We need to move. Act. Do something. Just don’t read this and forget it. Let’s apply these lessons to our own lives. Would you join me in doing that??
What are your thoughts, comments, feedback, goals, etc?