So how does a team like number-one seed Kansas lose in the second round of the NCAA tournament? What leads champions to fail in sports, business and life?
Here are three quick reasons that can apply to just about any company or organization:
Here are three quick reasons that can apply to just about any company or organization:
1. Not taking the opponent seriously. Kansas led only one time in the game, when it was 2-0. Sure seems like this was a team that never really felt Northern Iowa would be much of a threat. The Jayhawks seemed content to chuck up shots from 3-point land, and never really had an answer for the Panthers.
When everyone tells you you’re the best, watch out.
2. Reading your own press clippings. This was a classic case of overconfidence. Kansas was the number one overall seed in the tournament. That’s pretty heady stuff. When everyone tells you you’re the best, watch out. Someone is working hard to knock you off your pedestal.
3. Distractions. All of the hype, media interviews and TV coverage can really get in the way of focussing on what needs to be done. You forget the basics, what made you successful in the first place. In business, that’s quality and service and…hard work.
The underdog has a different mindset. He has to tell himself he can win, despite the odds. That’s the essence of this memorable pre-game speech from the the movie, Hoosiers.
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