5 Secrets to the Art of Winning

February 3, 2018 by Paul Gustavson Leave a Comment

Share it









 Tweet

The art of winning is something almost everyone of us would love to know and understand. It
doesn’t matter your gender, your age, your culture, or your position. We all want to know what
it takes to win. Surprisingly the game of football can reveal some of these secrets, but you don’t
have to be a fan of football to benefit from the knowledge.

In this blog, I share with you 5 takeaways on the Art of Winning. These are 5 Principles, while
borrowed from a story related to the game of football, are precepts any one of us can learn to
apply in our life going forward. They are difference makers for teams, businesses, organizations,
schools, and more.

Introduction

The 5 Principles that I’m about to share come from my own takeaways from a documentary
about a forgotten era when the NFL faced a real challenge. The documentary is an ESPN 30 for
30 film on the 1987 NFL Replacement Players. It chronicles the NFL strike ridden season, that
challenged the league, fans, players, ownership, and a surprising group of once washed up
athletes affectionately called “scabs”.

Rather than losing ticket sales and millions of dollars in the absence of games, the NFL
ownership brought in replacement players off the street. They were a ragtag group of athletes no
longer playing the game — many of whom had never seen the spotlight of the NFL before. They
were summoned together to fill in for the players who were now on strike demanding more rights
for players including free agency. For the “scabs”, it was like winning the lottery. They finally
had their chance.

This documentary is a must watch for any fan of leadership — even if you are not of football. In
fact, it’s not really about football, it’s about the art of winning. And, again, there’s something
for each of us to pull from this story.

Principle #1 – Take On New Challenges

In this documentary, I loved seeing former athletes, who all once had a dream to play in the
NFL, being called up and asked to do something that others before had told was impossible — at
least for them. In order to step off the street and save the NFL season, they had to quit their job
and leave a place of safety and familiarity. They choose to go do something once considered
beyond themselves. I can’t help but think we’re called do the same.

Like the “scabs”, we’re called to leave our place of safety and familiarity to do something
we’ve never done before — and not for ourselves, but for others. We are, on occasion, to take
on new challenges. That is what life intends to offer us, but it’s our choice whether or not we
accept the challenge.

For many of the “scabs”, their hopes of playing in the NFL had been dashed prior to this, but
now that fire that they thought was out, had been re-lit. While they didn’t know for how long it
would last, they willingly took on a new challenge — a challenge that could further devastate
them if they failed.

This reveals a huge takeaway in the Art of Winning. The Art of Winning requires you to step
into an environment where you could fail. In fact, winning doesn’t count unless you can
fail. New challenges that can lead to success aren’t real challenges unless they might also lead to
failure.

Principle #2 – Face The Fear By Taking Action

The replacement players not only embraced a new challenge, but the were met immediately with
the obstacle of fear. That’s because a challenge that might lead to failure will always cause
fear to rear it’s ugly head.

In this case, the “real” players, who were on strike, openly opposed the replacement players. In
fact, they were the ones that called them the “scab” players. They heckled them, threatened
them, and called them names. The “scab”players for the Washington Redskins, for example
were bused through the crowd of opposition in the team’s parking lot as they headed to the
practice field. One picketing “real” player actually shattered the side bus window as he struck it
with his hand as it drove by. The “scab” players trickled off the bus, continuing to hear an earful
from the “real” players on the other side of the picket line.

This scene had such an affect that one “scab” player, the replacement quarterback for the
Redskins, felt so much fear — namely the fear of not being accepted ever again to legitimately
play post strike – that he left camp and went back home.

But these “scab”players would soon be heroes, and every hero has a guide. That guide was the
legendary Coach Joe Gibbs. And, as it would turn out, he was a guide for both the “scab”
players and also the “real” players who were on strike. And he knew there was fear on both
sides.

For the “scab”players he kept them busy. He knew the quicker they went to work, the easier it is
to overcome the fears. Fear often whispers only when we’re silent and contemplating our
next move. It is what can paralyze us. But when we move — when we go — the fear begins to
vanish. It’s like climbing up the ladder of a high dive. The fear seems real. It’s scary. As you
edge closer to the end of the diving board, you realize you are at the point of no return. The slow
walk down the plank, and the long pause before you jump, makes the fear even louder. It is still
a whisper but a whisper is what gets our attention. However, as soon as we step off that diving
board and take the plunge, the voice of fear begins to quite quickly.

Gibbs new to keep his new team occupied. Keeping them busy keeps them from not thinking
about the fear. In fact, he was able to “coach” his fearful “scab”quarterback who had gone back
home, to return to camp. The fear that that he once had, was weakened by Gibbs
influence. That’s because fear is less powerful than a goal and dream pursued. That dream
was to play the game. Remember, fear is never stronger than action.
Principle #3 – Unify Yourself with Others

The “real” players who were on strike also had a great fear — the fear of not getting a
paycheck. And there were tactics used by some among the ownership ranks of other teams to
threaten players of their pension if they didn’t rejoin their team. Because of that, some chose to
cross the picket line, which divided the teams even further.

But there was something different about the Washington Redskins. None of the “real” players
broke ranks — they all stayed unified. And who guided them in that direction? You guessed
it, their guide Coach Joe Gibbs.

Gibbs in reality lead two different teams at the same time – the picketing “real” players on strike,
and the “scab” players on the practice field. He encouraged the players on strike to stay unified,
even though some wanted to break ranks. But he knew that for the team to stay strong – well
after the strike – they had to stay together – and either they “all cross the line together, or none
of them do”. He also found a way for the scab players to become unified. It was through that
unity that the impossible began to happen.

This principle of being unified is probably the most significant take away on what it takes in the
Art of Winning. Teamwork really does make the dream work. For the “scab” players of the
Washington Redskins, affectionately known now as the Scabskins, they found a way to operate
as a unit, and win the first game, and then the second game. Fans, who had feared an inferior
product at the start, where thrilled with their new team. But, then things looked like the bottom
was about to fall out.

The strike was nearly over. “Real” players would resume being with their team after the 3rd
week of scab games. That third week, the Redskins were playing their arch-rivals, the Dallas
Cowboys — in Dallas. Not only was it an away game, but the Cowboys were NOT represented
by a full roster of “scab” players. They were a number of well known “real” players – many of
them all pro – who had crossed the picket line and rejoined their team. Therefore, on paper, the
Cowboys were the strongest team in the league, because they had “real” players. And the
Scabskins where the worst, because they had none. They were the only team with no players that
had cross the picket line — all “scabs”! The Vegas odd makers had the Cowboys winning this
game easy. But, when you are unified you can conquer anything.
Despite loosing their 1st string scab quarterback to injury during the game, their 2nd string
quarterback, who was on a work release program from prison, stepped in to continue to lead the
team. The game went to the wire, and as you can guess the Scabskins, like David taking down
Goliath, were able to fight off the mighty Cowboys. For many of these scab players, it felt like
winning the Super Bowl. It was an incredible feeling for the entire organizations, including even
the “real” players who cheered them on from their homes back in the Washington. These heroes,
the “scabs”, had saved their season, and given them the lead in their division.

Principle #4 – Strategy Suffers If You are Not Tactical

What’s ironic — and sad – is to see how the strategic approach of both sides among ownership
and “real” players (at least the union) during this journey. Both ownership and the Players
Association greatly suffered not because of strategy, but cause of a lack of tactical execution.

The Redskins where the only winners in the fight because they stayed unified and had a tactical
plan. The mighty Dallas Cowboys on the other hand, had the most players who defected
from the picket line who put back on their jersey. But, that divided the team, and they struggled
for several years after that. Additionally, what was being pushed by the Players Association,
which was centered largely on strategy suffered because a lack of clear tactical play. Remember,
when you aren’t moving and staying active, fear kicks in, and you are more prey to the
fear. So, yes, strategy is important, but you also have to stay tactical. You have to have action
steps that you are executing, otherwise strategy suffers and is worthless.

Within two years the Dallas Cowboys would lose their beloved head coach, Tom Landry, their
star running back who demanded to be traded after that season, Tony Dorsett, and their visionary
general manager Tex Schram. In the after math and in understanding the down fall, it’s clear to
see that they tumbled for a period not because of strategy, but because of no clear tactical
execution. Fortunately for Cowboy fans, they did rebound with a new strategy, new leadership,
and new attention to tactical execution. That’s how teams win Super Bowls.

Principle #5 – Affirm and Recognize Your Teammates

Finally, this next principle is probably as important as any of them. Part of the tactical
approach for any leader should be to find ways to affirm and recognize those around
them. Joe Gibbs was notorious for this. He found a way to create unity for a team, and stay
tactical by looking to satisfy the one need that we all have — and that’s the need to feel
wanted. Each of us, whether we admit to it or not, want to feel a sense of belonging. We
also want to know we have what it takes. Gibbs found a way to do that with his players, and
even more important, he found a way to do get his players to do that with each other. It’s his
legacy!

I know it’s his legacy because listening to the Redskins greats on the radio in my hometown,
who played under Gibbs, that’s what they do. By and large they give credits and kudos to
Redskins players (and even none Redskins players) who are contributors to the team. Even the
“real” players of 1997 give credit to the “scab” players that won 3 games for them.
Sadly though there is still one acknowledgment that was missed. The NFL and the ownership of
the Redskins at that time failed to give the “scabs” each a Superbowl ring after they went on to
take the title against the Broncos that year . Only a few players who stayed on the team earned a
ring. For the rest of them they didn’t get one. A ring would have been pretty special.

I can’t blame coach Gibbs for that miss. It wasn’t his role as a leader. That was incumbent upon
on the owner, and the league leadership. Gibbs to this day recognizes the value that “scrubs”
brought. He is proud of them. In fact, what Gibbs modeled as a coach, was passed down to all
his players. It’s incredible to see. And the take away for you and me, is that we can make the
same choice. Give credit where credit is due. It’s what helps unite a team. It’s what helps
when championships. And it’s a key to the art of winning

Wrap Up

Well there it is — 5 Key Principles in the Art of Winning. You may not be a fan of football but
I would hope you are fan of these principles. They are game changers. Here’s a quick list of
them again. Followed by a few questions to help you put the Art of Winning into action in your
life.

 Principle #1 – Take On New Challenges

 Principle #2 – Face The Fear By Taking Action
 Principle #3 – Unify Yourself with Others
 Principle #4 – Strategy Suffers If You are Not Tactical
 Principle #5 – Affirm and Recognize Your Teammates

Questions to ponder to put the Art of Winning into action.

1. What challenges are available to you and your team? Do you recognize the opportunities
that exist in the challenge? What are they?
2. What fears are you facing? Are you taking actions that will help you help reduce those
fears? What actions should you be taking that you aren’t?
3. Are you unified with your team? Why or why not? What can you do to find common
ground, and stay united with those around you?
4. In addition to having a strategy, do you have tactical actions that you are taking on a daily
basis? What incremental actions can you take that will allow you and your team get
closer to your vision? What is your daily mission? Are you living it?
5. Who on your team is making an impact? Who is helping fill a gap that should be
recognized? Is there someone, or a small group of folks that has contributed to your
team’s success? What can you do to affirm them and acknowledge them?

Well, I hope you enjoyed that little story. And I hope you enjoy the big game on Sunday. It will
be interesting to see who comes out top. But, I’m willing to bet the team that exercise these 5
principles the best, will win.

One more thing. I just hated to use the phrase “scabs” in this article. But that’s what they were
referred to as back then. And I think in the aftermath of seeing the impact that they made, that
the word “scab”, at least for them, became to mean something totally different. When I think of
a “scab” player now, I think of someone who gave it their all. They were willing to take on the
bumps and bruises, cuts and scratches to put it all out on the field. They gave everything they
had. And if we do the same, were going to have some cuts and scratches too — we’re going to
have some scabs. But the scars of a scab serve as a reminder of our effort, our dedication, and
desire to make an impact. It’s sign reflective of winning. There are no winners without some
scrapes, scratches and scabs.

And make no mistake, the “scab” players were also “real” players. Same physiology, same
passion, same purpose, and the same plan — to win! You can’t ask for more than that!