Your best game

Some Friday fun....this weekend, the #3 University of Georgia Bulldogs will play the #2 University of Alabama Crimson Tide in College football.  

I married into a Bulldog family - wife, MIL (Mother-in-law), FIL, SIL, BIL’s, and that doesn't include the extended family of Bulldogs - Aunts, Uncles, cousins, 2nd cousins, etc. Let's just say, I had a tough go at Thanksgiving dinner back in 2006 when I announced that I was accepted into the Georgia Tech Executive MBA program. Rough day indeed.

Look at both programs, Alabama with 17 National Championships, UGA - 2. Alabama earned 5 of those championships under their current coach Nick Saban, who is arguably one of the best coaches of all time. Nick Saban is 155-23 in his 13 years at Alabama, the "Sensei". On the other side of the ball there is UGA's coach Kirby Smart with a record of 44-12 in his first 5 years, yet he hasn't won a National title as a head coach. Kirby is the "Student" who worked as an assistant for Saban at Alabama prior to his head coaching role at UGA. 

If you look at Nick Saban's first year back in 2007, 6 of his 23 losses happened in that first year - SIX!! Can you imagine what would happen now if Saban lost 6 games in a season? Most years the Crimson Tide is either a one loss team or undefeated! Since that first year of rebuilding, Alabama has been a contender almost every year for the College Football National title. A program that is loved, envied, and despised because of their success year over year. How did Saban build his dynasty?  What is the it that is the difference?

Alabama has a system. Yes, but other programs have a system, and Saban continues year after year to lose coaches to other programs due to the Tide's success, forcing continual rebuilding.  

Alabama has discipline. Yes, but other programs have discipline. 

Alabama has depth. Yes, but so does Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma (usually), UGA, Clemson, etc..... 

In the above examples replace "Alabama" with a company you respect, perhaps even a competitor. What separates them or in this case Alabama from the others, and how does one take down the Elephant? 

I believe Alabama's success comes down to 3 things and all three could relate to success in business.

1.    Develop an "always on offense" mentality - Even Alabama’s defense plays like they are on offense. Alabama's tempo is incredible and they are always on offense. Do the same every day – fight hard and have a tempo that no one else can match. Practice hard so the game looks easy. 

2.    Focus on playing your best game – I've laughed so many times when Alabama is up 30-3 heading into halftime and a reporter asks Saban his thoughts so far on the game. "We can do better; we aren't playing our best on defense and we had mistakes that need to be corrected immediately on offense...."  Whoa, did I hear that correct?  What most do not realize in business is that you are not competing against anybody, but rather you are competing against TWO forces.  First force - You vs. You.  Your best effort.  Second force - You are competing against the status quo. Can you influence others toward meaningful change?  Develop a culture of demanding the best from yourself and others.

3.    Study your opponent, but don't replicate their game, make them play yours - Aggressively force your competition into following and responding to your game plan. Focus on the unique talents, abilities, and value that you bring to the table that no one else can bring – both personally and with your products/offerings. Visualize the desired outcome, plan not only to win, but every possible contingency, execute, and be prepared to pivot when necessary.

Focus on producing your best effort - EVERY DAY!! Be the person that others study. Walk with confidence and humility.

For tomorrow's game: My Prediction UGA 27 - ALA 21. I think UGA's time is now (strong words coming from a Tech grad). Agree? Disagree? Everything will come down to who follows the above #'s 1-3. It will be the smallest of errors that lead to a win/loss for either team. 

Oh, by the way for all of my UGA friends and family......for the record Georgia Tech has 4 National titles (2 more than UGA) and the Yellow Jackets are playing Clemson the #1 team in the country this weekend. UPSET ALERT!!!!!  Woot Woot!!