I have recently spent a good deal of time reading and learning from the best coaches in American history. And as an owner of a staffing company in Tulsa, we are always looking for ways to improve the job searching process for our employees and improve the job searching process for our clients. There is a lot that staffing companies can learn from these lessons, and I hope that you also can gain a good deal of job success wisdom from them as well.
Each of these coaches has a proven ability to take the ordinary out of those they coach and bring out a level of success that those they coach never knew was possible. I believe that each of us truly wants to see what we are capable of. I believe that we all want to see the best that we can be. But to do that, we need to learn from those who have a key to achieving this goal. In this short article, I want hope to draw inspiration from some of the most successful athletic coaches in history within each of these points, I want to find profound wisdom applicable not only to sports but also to our personal and professional lives. Here are five lessons from these legendary coaches, poised to guide you towards becoming the best version of yourself.
- Stay Committed to Excellence – Vince Lombardi
Vince Lombardi is known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, The Super Bowl trophy is named after him, so he is likely one of the greatest football coaches of all time. He once said, “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” Mr. Lombardi believed that dedication to excellence is the cornerstone of success, urging us that whatever we decide to do, we do it with excellence, however mundane it might seem. No matter your role within the organization, your commitment to performing with excellence lays the foundation for personal growth and collective success.
- Embrace Failure – John Wooden
One thing that seems to be missed by many of today’s youth and working-age population is that success is rarely easy. In fact, another great “John”, John Maxwell has a saying that “Everything worthwhile is uphill.” UCLA basketball coach John Wooden also understood that failure is not fatal, but a stepping stone towards success. He proclaimed, “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be“. This message serves as an important reminder that setbacks and failures are inescapable parts of the growth process. Instead of fearing failure or doing everything you can to avoid it, embrace it as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. Mistakes offer invaluable lessons that propel us toward being the best version of ourselves.
- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work – Phil Jackson
There is a great book about Phil Jackson “Eleven Rings” that I absolutely recommend. It is such a great work of examples of this point. Phil Jackson is known for his exceptional leadership of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers and he firmly believed in the power of teamwork. He said, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” This wisdom rings true in every work setting. Each of our team members has their own “Genius”. It is so important to be intentional about learning what your co-worker’s “Genius” is. Only then can you begin to rely on their natural expertise and utilize them as a tool to produce the best product possible. By fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual respect, each team member’s unique skills and perspectives can be harnessed toward a shared vision of success. Just like when Michael Jordan first embraced his team members like Scottie Pippen, remember, a supportive and inclusive team can achieve heights that once seemed impossible.
- Keep Learning – Nick Saban
Alabama’s Nick Saban, one of the most successful coaches in college football history, often emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. He suggests, “Anyone who can’t learn from other people’s mistakes simply can’t learn, and that’s all there is to it.” Although this statement seems harsh, it underlines the value of staying humble and open-minded, always seeking opportunities to benefit from others’ experiences. Embracing lifelong learning not only enriches us but also empowers us to contribute more effectively to our teams and organizations.
- Stay Resilient – Pat Summitt
Pat Summitt, who is the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history, was a model of resilience. She wisely taught, “It’s harder to stay on top than it is to make the climb. Continue to seek new goals.” Her words remind us that success is not a destination, but a journey marked by non-stop effort, resilience, and adaptation. She encourages us to never rest and constantly challenge ourselves by setting new goals and pushing our comfort zone. It is the tenacious drive that propels growth and reinforces lasting success.
One of the rarest traits in today’s world of success is making a commitment to doing the best that you can do and performing with excellence. That is one of the primary reasons that Trinity, a staffing agency in Tulsa, would spend time to encourage and educate our employees to reach their highest levels. We hope that Trinity Employment Specialists truly add value to the employees that we serve, and we also hope that each person’s experience using Trinity as a staffing firm is a positive one. It is often difficult to determine what excellence is for you personally, and I hope this article gives you some ideas to execute excellence in your own journey to become the best that you can be!