10 Life and Leadership Lessons from the 2018-2019 Patriots Season
“There’s not much time to unwind, but you know what, it’s because I love what I do. I look forward to the season. I look forward to playing games. It doesn’t ever feel like work.” – Tom Brady
Ellie Eckhoff | SVP, ClearRock, Inc. | President, Boston Chapter HBA
Too old, too slow, not going to happen … WRONG! Super Bowl 53 in the books and the 6-times Patriots Super Bowl Champions are taking a Duck Tour again … who is going?! It’s off season for the replica World War II amphibious DUKW vehicles, and like true Patriots, they do their job when called. It’s with intense grit and resilience that the Patriots pulled off another successful season … winning never gets old! This is my 3rd year writing this article and I’m seeing a trend here – when the Patriots win, it drives me to work harder, smarter and with bold passion. Here are ten life and leadership lessons played on and off that field from the New England Patriots that anyone can put into practice:
- Experience Pays– you can’t fake experience … do the work in advance so when game time (or that big presentation) comes, you are knowledgeable, determined, and confident. Luck favors the prepared.
- Unified Team– teams win together and lose together. No one person is bigger or more important than the team. Great teams rarely just happen. They require trust, attention to purpose, task, relationships and performance … and diversity makes a difference.
- Leadership at Every Level– great leaders inspire followers and develop the next great leader. Look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Would I run through a wall for this person?” If not, ask for feedback and get to work.
- Bold Vision– a shared vision and values fuel people’s desire to believe in and aspire toward something worthwhile. Make it real every day in the words you speak, the actions you take and the energy and optimism you put out there.
- Live in the Present– it’s a choice to be fully present and focused on your life in the exact moment it’s happening. Yes, you learn from the past, get excited about the future and consciously LIVE your best, most powerful life in the present.
- Be Hungry and Humble– you earn your success through hard work, discipline, some pain, and the insatiable desire to outperform your past self. And when you have 6 rings, you wear them humbly.
- Care Deeply– be clear about what drives you and your teammates (family) and show up with love for the game, project and/or family vacation. Opponents can study your plays but can’t replicate your passion.
- Drive for Results – set your mindset to achieve results and be persistent in developing and executing your game plan. Instill a sense of urgency and take reasonable risk … let go of perfection and aim for excellence.
- Respect your Opponents– without them, there is no competition. Acknowledge their strengths, speak positively about their abilities, and let your actions speak louder than your words.
- Celebrate Your Accomplishment – take the time to acknowledge and celebrate with all those who helped you win. Celebrations are a form of gratitude and bring happiness to the Patriots Nation!
