The Game Plan

“What was he thinking?” was the question I was left pondering after watching a professional football game some time ago. That game deciding play just did not make sense.  Why in the world would the team pass the ball within inches of the goal line? This was supposed to be the play that would have guaranteed a win.

Well, while watching television one morning, I had the opportunity to listen to an interview with the losing team’s coach. My summation of his response was simply: “It was a brilliant play and had it worked, we [the coach and interviewer] wouldn’t be having this discussion”. Ummm…he had a point and in my opinion, a pretty good one. He went on to explain that this very same scenario and strategy had been practiced multiple times while preparing for the big game; it was a component of the game plan. He further stated that although it yielded disappointing results, there was still some good that could be gained from it.

Question: Has there been a time when your well planned strategy didn’t work? I mean, you just knew that it was the most effective and efficient method to employ. Success was guaranteed if you utilized this plan. What could possibly go wrong? Everything you’ve learned, all the knowledge, skills and abilities have prepared you for this very moment… but the plan fails. How did it happen? But more importantly, what do you do? What’s your next step?

Here are some “next” steps that I learned from the interview:

1.     Experience It. Be real with ourselves regarding how we feel after the upset/loss. It’s a healthy response to a loss of any kind. Cry, scream, wallow in a temporary pity party if we have to; but we must give ourselves the gift of experiencing all of the emotions associated with the loss.

2.      Process It. This may require talking it out (discussing) with others. The coach stated that he had talked with the team the Monday after the game and reminded everyone of the plan and explained why that specific play decision was made. But what I really liked about the coach’s approach: He stated that he would be willing to discuss it again with the team members at another time if requested and/or needed. He understood that not only was this step immediately necessary but that it may also have to be repeated.

3.      Learn From It. What worked? What didn’t? Obviously, the plan did not yield the expected result, but why? Identify the strengths and needs of the plan and apply the lessons learned.

4.      Move Forward. A pity party is allowed but only temporarily. The best and most rewarding move after the loss is the next step forward to the many successes that lie ahead.

Remember that after the loss, the setback, the upset, there is a next step forward and the opportunities for success are still available and waiting on us to pursue and seize. They are still within our reach. Capitalize on the unexpected outcome, find the positive in it and get back in the game; the next play could be the best play. It’s time for the next play toward the goal...DOWN. SET. HIKE.

Repost February 2015