10 insights for business from one of the savviest NFL coaches around.

I must admit I am not a die-hard sports fan that memorizes stats religiously or watches every game, but I do see great value in how professional sports athletes and coaches go about their pursuits.

I came across an interview recently with Los Angeles Rams Coach Sean Mcvay. Best known for his distinction as the youngest head coach in modern NFL history when he was hired by the Rams in 2017 at the age of 30.

So what are the takeaways from his insights that apply to any professional endeavor?

The 4 C’s of building a solid foundation:

1. Character = get the right players
2. Connected = create shared experiences
3. Consistency = show up every day
4. Communication = engage clearly

Takeaway: Be selective with your talent and intentional with your culture

Insight 1: “Always be on time."

Takeaway: This is not about timeliness, but the character of the people who respect each other's time and consistency in effort.

Insight 2: “Consistent process, consistent progress”

Takeaway: Similar to the model of Ikagi and 1% daily improvement, there are no shortcuts but it’s important to set motivating targets and build consistent ways to meet them.

Insight 3: "Embrace the suck."

Takeaway: There are always going to be unpleasant and difficult times in the ebb and flow of business and through the pain builds strength, awareness and advantage.

Insight 4: "We not me"

Takeaway: The group's success is a product of everyone involved.?Being humble and putting the team first can have outsized results in the end. Give the group a shared identity and mythology which creates powerful stories and connections.

Insight 5: Setting high standards:

Set high standards in everything, including the areas of planning, practice, preparation, and performance. This comes into play by knowing your team's strengths, building the system to capitalize, and simplifying the process away from weaknesses.

Takeaway: For best results leaders should simplify and amplify their execution, not command and control from the top without insight on how it affects people down the line.

Insight 6: "The standard is the standard."

Finding growth through the contagious pursuit of an unattainable standard.

Takeaway: Make excellence the mission in and of itself and always look to strive to be better than you were yesterday.

Insight 7: Mindset

Confidence comes from believing in the process and in each other on your team.

Takeaway: Trusting the system and you can easily get the results you want.

Insight 8: "Situational masters."

Situational awareness matters. Being first to read changes in your situation can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Takeaway: Compete on what you can control and be prepared to take action when needed.

Insight 9: Competitive Greatness

In McVay's system, all of the system pieces lead to “Competitive Greatness”.

Simple and fully aligned to the ambition and goals of the team.

Takeaway: Do your pieces add up to meet the core mission?

Insight 10: “Show your team you care, and they'll give you everything they have."

Make sure to connect with your team members regularly and make sure their needs are being looked after. Ask them about their goals and experiences. Listening with intention and using what you learn to improve the work experience.

Takeaway: Remember your team is important and give them your time, attention, empathy, and respect.