11 Ways To Avoid A Letdown In Performance In 2011

Did you have a productive 2010?  If so, are you excited about your organization’s plans for 2011?  I hope so but what happens if things do not go according to plan.  Are there warning signs that could prevent a letdown in performance?  The answer is “YES!”

The November 22nd and December 6th editions of The Sporting News featured reports on several teams that did not perform to their 2010 level of expectations.  The lessons we learn from these previously successful organizations may protect your team in 2011. 

1. Entitlement and Complacency – The Texas Longhorns did not play to their strengths.  Also, a sense of entitlement has brought complacency and lack of urgency.
2. Missed Metrics – The Texas A & M Aggies’ talent occasionally reaches its potential.
3. Poor Execution – The Texas Tech Red Raiders’ poor offensive execution often put the defense in vulnerable situations.  The team also had a playing personality that did not match that of head coach Tommy Tuberville.
4. Inner Circle - Within two years, the Florida Gators lost defensive coordinator Charlie Strong (Louisville head coach), offensive coordinator Dan Mullen (Mississippi State head coach), and their on the field leader Tim Tebow (Denver Broncos).  What was left was confusion, tentativeness, and lack of confidence.  Also, they lost Cam Newton.
5. Integrity – The USC Trojans have been shredded by poor decisions from the previous administration.
6. Preparation – Due to poor preparation, the Miami Hurricanes QB Jacory Harris has regressed and the team consistently plays,well, inconsistently.
7. Slow Decisions – The Los Angeles Angel of Anaheim lost their best player Kendry Morales to a freak injury.  The big issue though was that executive leadership waited too long to make the necessary mid-year adjustments to strengthen their line-up.
8. Unplanned Losses In Personnel – Boston Red Sox Jacoby Ellsbury missed 144 games.  Mike Cameron and Dustin Pedroia played less than half the season.  Kevin Youkillis missed the last two months.
9. Assumption - After being in first place in mid-August, the St. Louis Cardinals then went 2-8 against three of the worst teams in the NL.
10. Leadership Alignment - The highly public divorce of Los Angeles Dodgers owners Frank and Jamie McCourt created a dysfunctional team environment that could not be overcome.

Entitlement and Complacency, Missed Metrics, Poor Execution, Inner Circle, Integrity, Preparation, Slow Decisions, Unplanned Losses, Assumption, Leadership Alignment. 

After reading this list, does it confirm some key leadership decisions you’ve been putting off?

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