
The game didn't live up to all of the hype. It certainly wasn't was most fans expected. And yet, there are many takeaways from that game that we can apply to business and life.
Greatness is no guarantee
Payton Manning is one of the best. He had a record-setting year and piloted the NFL's top rated offense. And yet, he lost.
Maybe you're at the top right now. Maybe you're considered the gold standard. That's no guarantee you'll be there in six months.
Greatness is no guarantee
Payton Manning is one of the best. He had a record-setting year and piloted the NFL's top rated offense. And yet, he lost.
Maybe you're at the top right now. Maybe you're considered the gold standard. That's no guarantee you'll be there in six months.
Reputation is important, but it cannot predict success. You still have to perform.
Teams win championships
No matter how great one individual may be, it still takes an entire team to win. You can't assume your superstar will pull out another victory for you.
Seattle was a team full of late draft picks, undrafted players and underrated free agents. Not many rock stars, but together, the best in professional football.
How's your team? What are you doing to inspire everyone to work together for a common goal?
Teams win championships
No matter how great one individual may be, it still takes an entire team to win. You can't assume your superstar will pull out another victory for you.
Seattle was a team full of late draft picks, undrafted players and underrated free agents. Not many rock stars, but together, the best in professional football.
How's your team? What are you doing to inspire everyone to work together for a common goal?
Reputation is important, but it cannot predict success. You still have to perform.
Defense still matters
This was the best offense going against the best defense, and it wasn't even close. If your opponents don't score, it makes it a lot easier to win.
What efforts are you making to ensure you're staying competitive. What do you really know about your competition? What are you doing to prepare for the next changes in your industry?
The scoreboard trumps statistics
Manning set a new Super Bowl record for most completions. He still lost. He managed just one touchdown.
Don't get hung up on metrics and analystics. Sometimes good old fashioned customer service and customer responsiveness wins the day.
Coaching counts
Pete Carroll has demonstrated time and time again why he is one of today's top coaches. His enthusiasm is contagious. His will to win is second to none. The players buy in to his philosophy and want to play for him.
As a leader, the goal is not to be liked, but to inspire others to be their best. If you're doing that, your team will want to do its best.
Extra point: Which team is more likely to win next year's Super Bowl? Denver or Seattle?
It will actually be a lot tougher for Seattle to repeat, not because of talent but because they've already achieved the ultimate prize (see point #1). It will be harder for them to reheat the winning souffle.
Victory is great, but sometimes the best lessons come in the wake of defeat. If you've experienced a loss or a setback, look for the lesson and let the sting of defeat lift you to the next level.
Twitter: @wesbleed
This was the best offense going against the best defense, and it wasn't even close. If your opponents don't score, it makes it a lot easier to win.
What efforts are you making to ensure you're staying competitive. What do you really know about your competition? What are you doing to prepare for the next changes in your industry?
The scoreboard trumps statistics
Manning set a new Super Bowl record for most completions. He still lost. He managed just one touchdown.
Don't get hung up on metrics and analystics. Sometimes good old fashioned customer service and customer responsiveness wins the day.
Coaching counts
Pete Carroll has demonstrated time and time again why he is one of today's top coaches. His enthusiasm is contagious. His will to win is second to none. The players buy in to his philosophy and want to play for him.
As a leader, the goal is not to be liked, but to inspire others to be their best. If you're doing that, your team will want to do its best.
Extra point: Which team is more likely to win next year's Super Bowl? Denver or Seattle?
It will actually be a lot tougher for Seattle to repeat, not because of talent but because they've already achieved the ultimate prize (see point #1). It will be harder for them to reheat the winning souffle.
Victory is great, but sometimes the best lessons come in the wake of defeat. If you've experienced a loss or a setback, look for the lesson and let the sting of defeat lift you to the next level.
Twitter: @wesbleed