I was playing a particularly tight tag rugby match recently when I noticed a separation amongst the players. As the pressure began to build and the end of the game neared, you begin to feel that something special is required here to be the difference between these two teams, to win the game.
There is a huge opportunity for someone to step up to the plate to take the initiative and to grab this game by the scruff of the neck.
I believe that each player gets this feeling and there are two polar reactions to it (that I’ve spotted so far).
There is responsibility and avoidance.
Those who avoid become very quiet, they fear making a mistake that will lose the game for their team.
Then there are the responsible ones. Even though there is an inherent risk that they will fail and possibly lose the game for their team they take the chance. They call the ball on themselves. they shoulder the responsibility, they find that extra energy reserve.
Telltale signs of this are the volume, animation and urgency generated by the player.
To quote one of my favourite movies (the replacements):
“Winners want the ball when the game is on the line”
It’s not just my tag rugby team, you see it at the highest levels of sport and in most team dynamics.
“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life and that is why i succeed.”
Michael Jordan
The good news is that this is a skill that can be developed and now you’re aware so you can begin to develop it!
Thomas Duggan 