There are a lot of talented people in the world. In your organization there are those who are charismatic, smart, skilled, and talk a good game. You decide to devote a lot of time and resources into them because they are so likable and have great potential. But they simply do not produce great results.
Also, the best people on your team are becoming increasingly frustrated because so much attention and praise is directed to those who are not producing results.
A deeper question though is why are these charismatic and talented people not producing in the first place?
Former Florida Gators and Ohio State Buckeyes national championship coach Urban Meyer appeared on the The Herd With Colin Cowherd. Meyer is a 3-time national championship coach and possessed a 12-3 bowl game record. Their entire interview is shown above.
What I found most interesting about their time together happened at the 9:20 mark. This is where there is a fascinating discussion on Meyer’s interactions with Bill Belichick and the type of players both are interested adding to their programs beginning at the 9:20 mark.
Meyer said, “Here’s the question I have when I recruit. Let me see them in the rivalry game. On fourth down why is that coach not running behind your right tackle if he’s not your best player? On fourth down or the big situations of the game, why are you not showing up?”
He goes on to add, “It’s the competitive spirit in the hardest situations. When I needed you the most did you give me your very best? That’s what makes (Nick) Bosa Bosa now. He’s going to play his best in the best games. When we go out and recruit, the mistakes we’ve made is when we say, ‘He’s got the talent but he’s just doesn’t show up in the big game.’ I fight that big time.” So should you as a leader?
Meyer concludes, “What’s he like against our rival? What’s he like on fourth down? Is he the guy you’re going to run behind? Is he the guy you’re going giving the ball to? Those are the guys who have the competitive heart to be champions.”
The Biggest Difference Between Simply Talented People And The Most Successful Ones Is Their Competitive Spirit In The Hardest Situations.
Frankly, many people talk a good game. Do you produce? And do you produce in pressure situations? These are the types of people you want as leaders in your organization.
Coach Meyer is part of the Fox Sports college football team this fall. He is an amazing communicator and will do a fabulous job on TV. However, if I was Lynn Swann, the athletic director of USC, I would be spending all season convincing him to coach my team in 2020. He could rebuild that dynasty.
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