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...Share the Journey ...Retrieve your Self
February 2004 Vol. 2, No. 2
A Monthly Newsletter Published and Created by Wayne Peacock
©2004 Wayne Peacock. All rights reserved.
Dear Friends,
There was a Super Bowl in my life since I last wrote and I want to share a few thoughts about it. It has been my practice to write about a success story from my life coaching practice. This month it seems only appropriate that I communicate a success story about another coach's practice, that of Bill Belichick, Head Coach of the New England Patriots. It is a story of how values show up in professional football.
Wayne's Words
I have supported the New England Patriots for 23 years and consider myself their #1 fan in Rhode Island. This past season they won their last 15 games, culminating in a Super Bowl win in Houston. I had the good fortune to watch the game from a front row seat in the company of my son. Could it be that the front row seats were God's reward for my 24/7 energy and commitment? That is a nice thought but who knows?
When people ask what it is like being at the Super Bowl, I reply that I am filled with passion, great pride, bursting with anticipation of the magical unknown, and consumed with gratitude for rare opportunity. It is thrilling and humbling at the same time. It doesn't get any better.
On another level, I love to see the New England Patriots as a leadership learning center. In addition to enjoying the games, I constantly ask myself: What can the Patriots can teach me about leadership? More specifically, I use the Patriot organization as both the subject and means to study the relationship between success and living one's values. There is a great sense of purpose when the Patriots are observed through a "values" lens. You can listen to what they say their values are and then witness how well those values play out in their practices and games. You can see that every player and coach must bring 100% of themselves 100% of the time, if the team is to achieve their ultimate goal, a Super Bowl ring. The Patriots have been remarkably clear about the values they strive to embody. And, not by coincidence, they have met considerable success in one of the most competitive arenas anywhere on earth: professional football.
From the leadership and values lessons gleaned from the Patriots, I find an inspirational model for fully living my values of vision, exploration, excellence, knowledge, play, courage, passion, integrity, presence, and last but not least, leadership.
I will tell my grandchildren that they can learn everything they need to know on the playing fields of life, first as a participant and secondly as an involved spectator. Further, that it isn't about running faster than the person next to them, but rather using the competition to find the limits of their body, mind and soul. Moving courageously toward their limits is its own reward. And, a great night's sleep, it might be added.
I will be forever grateful for the leadership example our New England Patriots set and the values they lived by. They got the Super Bowl rings and I got the satisfaction of seeing the learning circle complete itself in Houston. That is cool!
Ten Keys to Team Success: in the Workplace, at Home and at Play
1. State the ultimate team objective first and often. Achieving the ultimate objective must stretch every team member to new limits.
2. Staff the team with mates that meet the coach's profile for potential, skills and character.
3. Expect 100% commitment from all team members 100% of the time and all team members must know what that means for them.
4. Teach the requirements for each team member's job, so that everyone knows exactly how his or her performance impacts team results.
5. In the quest for mastery, assure that the learning /action cycle never rests.
6. Make all decisions based on what is in the team's best interest.
7. Prepare for all eventualities so that every team member is ready and confident they can adjust to the reality that presents itself.
8. Preach and implement the gospel that no single team member is bigger than the team.
9. Always maintain total focus on the very next task on the path to the ultimate objective, i.e., don't allow the team to place its awareness on the future or the past.
10. View all team members as leaders and expect all leaders to find ways for the team to triumph over adversity.
I believe these ten qualities are what sustained the New England Patriots through to the Super Bowl victory. There are more but I think these are at the top.
I'd be interested in what values you noticed in either the Patriots or your workplace team. E-mail me at wayne@walkwithwayne.com or call 401-885-8488 with your thoughts or questions.
Monthly Poem
Message From the Hopi Elders New Year 2000
To my fellow swimmers,
There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift
and there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on
to the shore. They will feel that they are being torn apart and
will suffer greatly.
Know that the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore;
Push off into the middle of the river,
Keep our eyes open and our heads above water.
And I say,
See who is in there with you and celebrate.
At this time in history we are to take nothing personally.
Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do,
our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over.
Gather yourselves.
Banish the word "struggle" from your attitude and vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
In The Heart Aroused - Poetry & Preservation of Soul in Corporate America
Currency Doubleday, NYC, 1994
Relationship Coaching- A Fresh Opportunity
I need your help!
I am enrolled in an advanced program for coaching relationships, such as couples, parent/child, or workplace teams. My intention is to become a master relationship coach. That will require practice for the indefinite future. My near term goal is to conduct 30 complimentary coaching sessions for couples, or any other relationship arrangement, by May 1, 2004. You can help by volunteering to receive a complimentary 1-hour introductory coaching session over the phone or in person. You can also help by passing along this opportunity to a friend. Please help now! My phone number is 401-885-8488 and my email address is Wayne@walkwithwayne.com.
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