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How to master your craft – three leadership lessons learned in the 82nd

This week we celebrate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Despite many challenges the Allied invasion was successful and turned the tide of WWII. Thousands of brave men participated in this operation to include multiple US Army Airborne Divisions. Paratroopers actually jumped into France the day before D-day to secure critical roads, bridges, and other strategic objectives. Their bravery, valor, and courage contributed greatly to the success of the invasion. The 82nd was one of those units.

US Paratroopers before they boarded the planes for D-Day invasion.

All The Way Leadership! lineage is from the 82nd

My leadership lineage began at Fort Bragg North Carolina. The Army assigned me as a brand new Army Infantry Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division. My job title was rifle platoon leader, and one of my roles was serving as a Jumpmaster. A Jumpmaster’s job is to make sure all the paratroopers aboard the planes exit the aircraft safely so that they can land and complete their assigned mission. Jumpmasters play a critical role in every airborne operation. It is expected that all leaders in the 82nd become Jumpmaster qualified, and serve in that role. I learned a lot as a Jumpmaster. Below are the top three leadership lessons learned in the 82nd.

The unit patch of the 82nd All-American Airborne Division. — Only the best can serve as leaders in the 82nd Airborne Division.

1. You must master your craft

The title Jumpmaster says it all. You are expected to become a master parachutist. Jumpmasters are required to complete intense special training to earn the title. The training includes multiple hands-on tests during which you have to clearly demonstrate you know your stuff. I remember being extremely nervous before one of my exams because so many students did not pass it. Once you complete that training, you are required to serve as a Jumpmaster on a regular basis so that your skills stay current.

Student completing JMPI test while blackhat instructor grades. — A student completing a hands-on test while blackhat instructor grades. This test is difficult.

You will get better over time

As they mature, Jumpmasters become experts in airborne operations. They usually earn special awards (e.g., the Senior Parachutist Badge) to recognize their expertise and experience. It is important that you master your craft over time. Become the best that you can at whatever it is you decide to do. Don’t be satisfied with just getting by. As a leader, you are expected to be an expert. Don’t let your team down. They deserve a leader who knows what she is doing.

The Master Parachutist badge is a sign of a true airborne expert.

2. Realistic rehearsals enhance execution

Before every airborne operation Jumpmasters walk everyone that is jumping that day through several realistic rehearsals. The first rehearsal takes the paratroopers through the steps involved when jumping. As the Jumpmaster talks, the paratroopers simulate exactly what will happen to them during the jump. The rehearsal also covers things that could happen such as your parachute does not open, or you have to land in the trees. In case you are wondering – tree landings are scary. Next, everyone practices landing…BTW it usually hurts when you land. Sometimes a lot.

Dirt flies off a paratroopers boots as he finishes a practice parachute landing fall with other paratroopers of 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division
(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael J. MacLeod, 1/82 AAB, USD-C)

Rehearse the details as much as possible

After that, all jumpers practice “actions in the aircraft” as a group. During this step, you rehearse in detail everything that happens in the air on the ground. The reality is that everyone has jumped before. You are not teaching anything new. Rather, you are practicing so that every jumper knows exactly what they are supposed to do once you get in the air. No one wants any surprises in the aircraft. If there are issues during rehearsal it will only get worse in the plane.

Members of the 82 Airborne Division conduct pre-jump rehearsals.

Be prepared for when things go wrong

I have jumped over 50 times, and I can tell you that all these rehearsals work well to enhance execution. On more than one occasion something went wrong in the aircraft, or during the jump. For one operation the Air Force pilots flew along the edge of the drop zone thinking that the wind would blow us over the target. It didn’t. In fact, the opposite happened. Every jumper was forced to land in the trees. After exiting the aircraft, I gave the pilots a middle finger salute thanking them for their incompetence and then executed all the steps required for a successful tree landing. That one hurt.

Paratroopers practice landing to get ready for the real thing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Alejandro Pena) — Paratroopers practice landing to prepare for the real thing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Alejandro Pena)

Realistic rehearsals are key to success

I recommend that you use realistic rehearsals to enhance execution with your team, especially before major events. Practice every step as realistically as you can. It will pay dividends. I know from my own experience that rehearsing before any presentation is a really good idea. It prevents gremlins from showing up. If there is one key lesson the 82nd Airborne Division learned on D-Day it is that things never go as planned.

Pvt. John Steele, an 82nd Airborne Division soldier got caught on a church steeple when he jumped on D-Day. He played dead for hours but eventually was taken prisoner by the Germans. He later escaped and continued to fight in the war.

3. Leadership confidence calms fears

Jumpmasters are trained to be calm at all times in the aircraft. Your job is to set an example for the paratroopers to follow. Jumping out of a perfectly good plane at 800 feet with over 50 pounds of equipment, usually at night, is not a natural act. In case that does not scare you – every piece of equipment used in the operation, to include the plane, was built by the lowest bidder. It makes perfect sense for everyone to have fear and/or anxiety as you prepare to jump. I know that I was nervous during every jump I ever made. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either lying or crazy.

Jumpmaster giving commands to paratroopers before the door is opened.

Rituals help with anxious moments

To counter this fear, the Jumpmasters guide the paratroopers through a series of steps using loud and clear commands. The way it works is that the Jumpmaster yells the commands to all the jumpers along with a visual signal. The paratroopers all echo back the command indicating they heard it and then perform the action. These steps are completed so that everyone is ready to jump when the doors open. Once the doors open, the Jumpmaster inspects it and gets the first jumper ready. The pilot will turn on the green light and everyone exits the aircraft. It sounds simple, but it can be scary. Reality definitely hits you when the doors open and the light turns green. No time for fear at that point.

A jumpmaster checking to make sure everything is in order for the paratroopers.

An effective leader knows how to control his fear

The final lesson to learn from this old Jumpmaster is that it is okay to have fear. What you do with that fear is important. If you master your craft and conduct realistic rehearsals, then you will have the confidence needed to overcome any fear. You will be able to jump when the time comes. If you neglect these lessons then do not be surprised if you are scared when it matters most. Instead of being at the top of your game, you will be worried about anything and everything possible going wrong. Your team will sense your fear and perhaps respond likewise, which is bad for everyone. Avoid that scenario. Do your part as the leader. Control your fear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfNq4fxVdgg

For anyone who is not familiar with airborne operations – this video is a nice summary.

ATW! is designed to make you a better leader

I hope you join me on this journey to raise up the next generation of leaders. The world is in desperate need of more great leaders. Women and men who lead with confidence, clarity, and creativity. It’s time to become the leader that your world needs. Let’s go All The Way!

All The Way Leadership!

If you only have a minute, try this one. It is about Jumpmasters.

How I honor the fallen on Memorial Day

I stood at the edge of the cliff and looked down. Wow. How in the world did anyone climb these cliffs? They are so steep – straight down. Add the fact that the US Army Rangers were being shot at while scaling Pointe du Hoc and suddenly you understand how remarkable those men were. Forget superheroes – Rudders Rangers were the real deal. America’s finest men. The kind we should honor on Memorial Day.

My younger son, Riley, overlooking the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc.

Visiting the Normandy D-Day beaches is eye-opening

I have been to the Normandy D-Day beaches twice. The first time I was stationed in Germany back in the 1990s. The second time was a few years ago while vacationing in France. Both visits were remarkable. The area is beautiful, the local people are friendly, and the food is excellent. But, the best thing about this remote region of France is its history. The WWII sites are all well done. The US cemeteries are immaculate and tell the story of what happened here 75 years ago. It is a story we should never forget.

History has taught us over and over again that freedom is not free. When push comes to shove, the ultimate protectors of freedom and liberty are the brave men and women in our armed forces. Throughout our history, they’ve answered the call in bravery and sacrifice.
Tim Pawlenty, American Politician

Today is Memorial Day

It is an important American holiday, and I want to make sure I honor the fallen properly. This holiday has become confusing for some Americans. Nowadays, many treat Memorial the same as Veteran’s Day. They are two distinct holidays with different purposes. Memorial Day is the day we honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for our great country. Veteran’s Day, on the other hand, is the day we honor those who have served in our military. Below is three ways I honor the fallen.

Visitor center plaque at Pointe du Hoc, Normandy France.

1. Remember their heroic deeds

All Americans should pause this weekend and think about those who died for our freedom. There are several ways to do this – read a book about military history, visit a military monument, or watch a military history movie. Over the years I have done all three of these activities many times. My favorite book about military history is Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides. The movie about this unbelievable US Army Ranger raid is also great. My favorite military monument is at the top of Pointe Du Hoc where the US Army Rangers scaled the cliffs on D-Day. My favorite military history movie is a tie between The Longest Day or A Bridge Too Far. Both are based on books written by Cornelius Ryan.

This plaque is part of the Point du Hoc monument in Normandy France. — This plaque is part of the Pointe du Hoc monument in Normandy France.

2. Witness where they fell

I like to visit the battlefields. The best way to get a sense of what our fallen experienced is to witness where they fought. Walk the battlefield, learn their stories, and ponder what happened. My sons and I have visited a few of the most historic battlefields and cemeteries in the world. We saw firsthand what our troops faced on D-Day, visited several museums, and paid our respects at the cemetery. It is easy to forget the sacrifice that so many made that day.

Riley at Point du Hoc monument. Holy ground for Army Rangers. — Riley at Pointe du Hoc monument. Holy ground for Army Rangers.

3. Honor their sacrifice

This one can be challenging, so I will be plain. In my opinion, the best way to honor the sacrifice of the fallen is to live a life worth living. Make the most of what you have been given. As Americans, we have more opportunities than most people in this world. Our freedom was paid for by others. Don’t squander their sacrifice. Get out there and make something of yourself. That is what I am trying to do. I hope you do likewise.

Riley at the American cemetery above Omaha Beach in Normandy France.

Remember to “earn this”

In the movie Saving Private Ryan (another great war movie), there is a powerful scene at the end. Tom Hank’s character Captain John Miller is severely wounded. He tells Private Ryan played by Matt Damon to “earn this”, and then he dies. The message is the same as what I am saying here. In the next scene, Private Ryan is in the cemetery at Normandy, and remembers those words, and thinks about his life. On Memorial Day I do the same thing. I think about the fallen – the sacrifice they made so that I am free. Next, I think about my life and if I am making the most with what I have been given. Some days I am, but most days I am not.

What about you?

How are you honoring the fallen this year? Have you seen the final scene in Saving Private Ryan? If not, watch the clip below. I actually cry every time I watch it. It makes me feel thankful for the sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price – which is what Memorial Day is all about. RLTW!

ATW! is designed to make you a better leader

All The Way Leadership!

Strong leaders promote diversity and destroy divisions

All the Way Leadership! draws its heritage from the 82nd Airborne Division. I learned a lot while serving there. Lessons that helped make me a better leader. For the month of May, I am sharing the top leadership lessons I learned while serving as an All-American paratrooper. Two weeks ago I wrote about the first lesson – why the best leaders go out the door first. Last week I wrote about the second lesson – why the best leaders train until it hurts. Below is the third lesson. It is about diversity – a controversial topic.

Modern leaders must deal with diversity and division

In our country right now, there is a lot of discussion about diversity and division. Racial tensions are high. We are having a debate about our history. Who should we honor? How should our shared past be remembered? What about the Confederacy, and its leaders? What about the founding fathers? Can we have monuments to those who built our country without erasing the ugly parts of US history? How do we move forward without tearing the country apart? Great questions that do not have easy answers.

Racists gather in front of the Rotunda located at University of Virginia

Diversity is tough and complicated

I do not pretend to have all the answers. I do understand diversity because I have seen a successful model before while serving in the 82d Airborne Division which is also known as the All American Division. It was constituted, originally as the 82nd Division 100 years ago, shortly after the US entered into World War I. Since its initial members came from all 48 states, the division acquired the nickname All-American, which is the basis for its famed “AA” shoulder patch that is pictured below.

82d Airborne Division patch – the AA on the patch stands for All-American

Leaders should promote diversity – it is a force multiplier

When I arrived in 1991 it was still known as the All-American division because its members came from all parts of the US. We had paratroopers from every state, every US territory, various education levels, economic backgrounds, race, gender, creed, and religion. You name it and there was probably someone in the 82nd with that background. We were all different and we were all paratroopers.

I will never fail a fellow paratrooper. I cherish the sacred trust and the lives of men with whom I serve. Leaders have my fullest loyalty, and those who I lead will never, never find me lacking.
Line from the Airborne Creed

Nostalgic perspectives are not helpful

I am not going to pretend that everything was perfect. We had our challenges, but somehow our diversity was not a stumbling block. Rather it was a strength. Everyone brought their best to accomplish the mission. It was an important phase of my life when I learned that people from very different backgrounds can work together successfully. When I reflect on that time I think there are three reasons why diversity was and is a force multiplier in the All-American division.

1. Leaders come from all walks of life

The first battalion I served in, 1st Battalion of the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, had officers from several sources. There were numerous West Point graduates, many ROTC officers, and prior-enlisted soldiers who were commissioned through the Officer Candidate School. The diversity of our Non-Commissioned Officers was even greater. It did not matter much where you came from because leadership is not an inherent trait that only a few possess. There is not an elite segment of American society that provides leaders for the rest of us. No, our leaders come from all over the country. It has been that way since the birth of our nation.

We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
United States Declaration of Independence

Leadership can be learned

I saw this first-hand in the 82nd. I learned about leadership from numerous mentors and watched others learn and grow during their time in the division. We were taught important lessons like leaders set the example, and leaders go out the door first. Leadership lessons that stayed with me. The good news is that any of us can learn to be an effective leader – no matter your background. If you don’t believe me, watch this short video.

2. Standards are standards – leaders enforce them

All US Army paratroopers are expected to meet stringent standards. No one gets any slack. When I say no one, I mean no one. Does not matter if you are enlisted, an NCO, or an officer. Does not matter if you are black, white, yellow, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Wiccan, male, or female. You either meet the standard, or you don’t. If you don’t, then you are sent away.

There’s a lot of things you’re going to see here that are a little messed up or a little different. Don’t try to change it. We’re the 82nd Airborne and that’s the way we do it. We like it that way.
Quote from article 12 Reasons Why Paratroopers Do It Better

It starts in Airborne school, continues with Jumpmaster school, and various other airborne training events you are required to complete in order to be a member of the All-American Division. These demanding standards cause a positive effect. It builds trust. You trust everyone else on the plane during a jump because you know that they have what it takes to be a paratrooper. In case you are not familiar with what it takes to become a paratrooper – this video explains the training. It is old but still accurate.

Hold yourself accountable to the standard

Nowadays it seems like some people are always looking for shortcuts to success – hacks for life. I am a big fan of trying to figure out ways to improve my performance by working smart versus just working hard. Many experts can help teach you better ways of doing things. But, make sure you are not cutting corners to get around standards. They exist for a reason – to make sure you are proficient. You build trust with your team members and demonstrate that you have what it takes. Remember – if you are a leader and cut corners, then your team members will do the same. Don’t be that kind of leader. Set the example by meeting the standards.

Commanding General Gavin carried a rifle in WWII which was uncommon.

3. Paratroopers bleed the same colors – red, white and blue

I have served in other US Army units, and they don’t have the same camaraderie as the All-American Division. It is a special place. My observation is that paratroopers understand that we all wear green uniforms, maroon berets, and bleed the same colors. When I was at Fort Bragg, the community experienced several tragic events to include two planes colliding that resulted in the untimely death of numerous paratroopers in the 82d. I recall the sadness of that event and the heroic deeds of many during and after the accident.

It was difficult days for the Division

Everyone came together in a special way to make it through. Nothing new for paratroopers – we have been doing this for over 100 years. The current Division Commander recently gave a speech about the unit that is well worth watching. It sums up what I said above. Paratroopers bleed the same colors – red, white and blue.

ATW! is designed to make you a better leader

All The Way Leadership!

Why the best leaders train until it hurts

In 2017 the 82nd Airborne Division celebrated its 100th anniversary. The 82nd is a great unit. I learned a lot while serving there. Lessons that I have leverage over the years. I am sharing the top leadership lessons I learned as an All-American paratrooper in the 82d Airborne Division. Last week I wrote about the first lesson – the best leaders go out the door first. Below you will find the second lesson.

It takes a lot of training to learn how to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.

Lesson two – leaders train until it hurts

The mission of the 82nd Airborne Division is to, within 18 hours of notification, strategically deploy, conduct forcible entry parachute assault and secure key objectives for follow-on military operations in support of U.S. national interests. In other words, the division goes wherever it is needed to deal with the enemies of our country. Simply put – you have to be prepared to deploy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. You are constantly preparing for war. It is what you do day in, and day out. This short video shows what the 82nd does to help keep our country safe.

Take care of your paratroopers

My father served in the 82d as an Infantry Lieutenant. When I arrived at Fort Bragg, I did know what I was supposed to do. I was school trained but lacked experience. I had completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Ranger School, and Jumpmaster School at Fort Benning. The Army prepared me as a young officer but I lacked confidence. I called my dad seeking advice about how to be successful at Fort Bragg. My father emphasized above all else that “if you take care of your paratroopers they will take care of you”. I asked him what is the best thing you can do to take care of troops. His answer was firm – don’t coddle them. Train them hard so that they are prepared for war. You must learn to train until it hurts, and then keep going. Tough love from my dad.

Paratroopers training in the mountains to prepare for combat.

In the business world, you must take care of your team

I have been in the business world longer than I was in the military. I can say with much confidence that the same advice my father offered me as a young officer is true for the business world. If you are going to be successful as a leader you must take care of your team. If you do, they will take care of you. The opposite is also true. Neglect your team and it will fall apart.

What training do your team members need?

Training my body so that I was ready for action

Training became a major emphasis for me during my time at Fort Bragg. First, I increased my physical training. Paratroopers have to be in shape. Jumping from an airplane can be physically demanding. You must be able to jump with your equipment (which weighs well over 50 pounds with a full combat load) and carry it with you wherever you go after landing. My unit conducted physical training every single morning. We did lots of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and other calisthenics. We ran a lot – miles and miles every week. The training had a specific purpose – get us into fighting shape.

You do lots of pull-ups as a paratrooper.

Getting in the best shape of my life

I worked for one company commander who had the officers perform physical training separate from our troops. At first, I thought it was odd. Shouldn’t we train with our platoons? He said the NCOs would take care of that – he was right. What I learned is that he trained us even harder than the troops. Many mornings we would start a run without knowing how far we would go. He didn’t know either. We simply ran until he got tired…which felt like never. All this physical training worked. I ended up being in the best shape of my life, fully prepared for the physical demands of airborne operations. I did not enjoy the pain of all that physical training, but it was necessary. As this video shows, running is a tradition for everyone in the 82d Airborne Division.

What training do you need to be prepared?

What about you? As a leader what skills do you need? Are you prepared for action? If the answer is yes, then good for you. Keep pushing and training hard so that you continue to mature as a leader. If not, you better get started. Your team deserves a competent and confident leader. No one likes working for someone who does not know what they are doing. If you lack the skills to lead, your team members will start to look for other opportunities. Or, they will wait for you to fail and hope you get replaced. Neither one of these scenarios is good for you. Avoid those outcomes, and do what it takes to be an effective leader. Train yourself first.

What leadership training do you need for success?

Make the most of every training opportunity

Next, I focused on operational training for my platoon. We spent a lot of time in the field and performed many airborne operations. It is difficult to simulate what it is like to jump out of a plane fully loaded with equipment, so we practiced on a regular basis. When I served as the Division Assault CP Commo Platoon Leader my unit jumped a lot – much more than most. And when we jumped – it was almost always with all of our combat equipment. Sometimes a unit will jump with only their parachutes, not their field gear. These jumps are referred to as “Hollywood” jumps.

Jumping without a lot of equipment is easier than the real deal.

Train as you fight whenever possible

“Hollywood” jumps are worthwhile training. But, as you would imagine, they are much easier than combat equipment jumps. My platoon jumped with our equipment all the time because I wanted to make sure they could handle the heavy loads we had to carry. The more practice the better was my approach. Occasionally I would hear grumbles from my platoon, but all that training paid big dividends when we performed full-scale airborne operations. My platoon was always prepared and performed magnificently when it counted. Tough love pays off.

Paratroopers loading the plan for a jump with full equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Bradley C. Church/Released)

Are you training your team for success?

Do you take every opportunity that you have to train your team? It is easy to simply go through the motions. It is more difficult to train your team whenever you get a chance. They may moan and groan about it, but their performance will improve over time. No one gets better by thinking about what it takes to improve. You get better with practice, lots and lots of practice. To me, training makes a huge difference between success and failure. Good leaders train their teams so that are always improving, preparing for the next big challenge. Bad leaders do not. They let their team become lazy and complacent. Don’t be that kind of leader.

I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.
Bruce Lee

Be sure to push yourself and the envelope

I pushed the envelope when it came to the equipment we used. We would experiment with our gear to try and get the best performance possible. Once I remember that we were having trouble getting a strong connection with our satellite radios, so we decided to jump with a much larger antenna than normal. The larger antenna would not fit into a normal rucksack or equipment bag. We had to pack it inside a Dragon Missile Jump Pack (DMJP). That meant somebody had to jump the DMJP. Several of us went through the special training required to jump this piece of equipment. In case you are not familiar with what the DMJP looks like – there is a picture below. It is a big piece of equipment, and awkward as hell to jump.

The dreaded dragon missile jump pack

Well, it came time for our next airborne operation and it was decided we would jump the larger antenna. I volunteered to jump the DMJP since leaders go out the door first. Man oh man was that jump an adventure. I immediately went into a rapid spin after exiting the aircraft door. My risers were twisted all the way down to my neck. I bicycle kicked and pulled at my risers to clear the twists. That step seemed to take forever. I almost panicked.

Some exits from the aircraft are ugly like mine was.

I could not tell how high off the ground I was

I decided to lower my rucksack and then the DMJP to avoid landing with it which would have been painful. When the DMJP reached the end of my lowering line I started oscillating more than normal. Swinging back and forth like a pendulum – not good for landing. I heard my equipment reach the ground. I hit next. Ugly landing – hit like a ton of bricks. Damn that hurt. Good news – the antenna worked well and the operation was successful. Bad news – I was sore for the next week. That landing hurt.

You set the example as a leader

Afterward several of my troops asked me about the jump. How did it go? I lied and told them that it went fine and the landing did not hurt much. Why would I stretch the truth…because I had been taught to train until it hurts, and then keep going. What can you learn from this leadership lesson? Training counts and makes a big difference. Figure out what kind of training you need to be successful, and then get after it. One final thought – don’t jump the DMJP. It sucks – trust me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXm_kBdu_94

ATW! is designed to make you a better leader

All The Way Leadership!

The best leaders go out the door first

I spent over a decade serving as an Officer in the US Army. I learned a lot in the Army, especially during my first tour with the 82nd Airborne Division. The division was created in World War I. It is a famous unit with a storied history. It also has a special place in my family’s heritage. My father served in the 82nd Airborne after graduating from West Point. It was his first duty assignment as an Infantry Officer. He reported to Fort Bragg in 1956.

My father served multiple tours at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

I followed in my father’s footsteps

Many years later I followed in my father’s footsteps. I joined the 82nd in 1991 as an Infantry Officer. My first assignment was a rifle platoon leader in Bravo Company, 1/325 Airborne Infantry Regiment. After that role, I transferred to the Signal Corps and joined the 82nd Signal Battalion. I served as a Signal Node Platoon Leader and Division Assault Command Post Platoon Leader. Yes – I was a platoon leader three different times. I finished my time at Bragg as a Company Executive Officer.

Photo from my promotion ceremony circa 1994.

The 82nd is a great unit

It is a challenging place to work. All that experience helped make me a better leader. For the next several weeks, I plan to share the top leadership lessons I learned while serving as an All-American paratrooper in the 82d Airborne Division. Below you will find the first one.

Leaders jump first then others follow

Lesson one – leaders go out the door first. The 82nd has a unique culture, full of traditions that have been created over the years. One tradition regarding their leaders is that they jump first during airborne operations. This tradition started back in WWII. What does that mean – leaders jump first. Basically, the most senior leader of any airborne operation will go out the door first, before anyone else. For example, if the Commander of the 82d (a two-star general) is part of a jump, he will jump first followed by the rest of the paratroopers.

Leaders jump first to show their commitment to the mission.

This tradition dates back to World War II

During WWII legendary commanders like Matthew Ridgway and James Gavin jumped and fought alongside their paratroopers. No cushy office for them. This act is not one of privilege, but rather of leadership in action. This tradition visibly shows all the paratroopers in the plane that you are willing to lead them by going first. The 82nd expects danger when they jump into combat. Its leaders are expected to face this danger first. This tradition clearly demonstrates that the leaders are willing to do what they are asking their followers to do. It is a powerful way to show others that I am with you and fully committed, just like you.

General James Gavin getting ready to jump before Normandy.

A personal example of this lesson from my career

I learned this lesson firsthand while serving as the Division Assault CP Platoon Leader. My platoon’s mission was to support the Division Command Group with communications capabilities. We jumped in the radio equipment that the Divison Commander and other senior leaders used on the drop zone during airborne operations. Many times we jumped from the same plane as the Commander. He would go out the door first, followed by his Aide, and then members of my platoon. For larger airborne operations that involved many planes, my platoon would be split into small groups and jump from several different aircraft. We would be one of the first to leave the plane so that we would land near the command group members.

Mike Steele - 82nd Airborne Division Commander. He served with my father in Vietnam. — Mike Steele – 82nd Airborne Division Commander that I supported. Great man. He served with my father in Vietnam.

Jumping into Puerto Rico was an adventure

I remember one mission where jumping first was somewhat troubling to me. For this operation, we were jumping into Puerto Rico. The drop zone was not big so we jumped from C-130s. The Division Commander was on the first airplane. I was on the second plane and would be the first jumper from that aircraft. Everything en route went fine. As we approached Puerto Rico, the Jumpmaster gave me the command to “stand in the door”. That means I am positioned in the door, waiting for the jump light to turn green. When it does, you jump.

Paratrooper jumping out a perfectly good airplane.

Waiting can feel like an eternity

Usually, you stand in the door for less than 30 seconds. As you stand in the door of a C-130 you can see out of the aircraft. When I looked out I noticed a potential problem – all water, no land. I am a good swimmer, but I certainly did not want to experience a water landing. I peered at the jump light – it was still red. Thank God. I watched and waited, hoping that the light would not turn green until we were over land. I kept waiting for what seemed like an eternity.

Jumping at night can be particularly frightening.

You jump when the light finally turns green

Eventually, I saw the land, then the drop zone, green light, and I jumped, followed by my fellow paratroopers. What I learned later was that the jumpmasters decided to put the first jumpers in the door earlier than normal because there was real concern that all the jumpers would not be able to exit the aircraft in time because the drop zone was so small. They did not want any paratrooper to miss the drop zone, and have to ride all the way back to Fort Bragg.

Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne jump from C-130 Hercules aircraft during a mass-tactical airborne training exercise which included over a thousand paratroopers. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod) — 82nd paratroopers jump from C-130 Hercules aircraft during a mass-tactical airborne training exercise which included over a thousand paratroopers. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod)

Reflecting on the lesson I learned during this operation

After the operation was complete I thought to myself what would have happened if the light had turned green while we were still over water. I knew the answer – I would have jumped. I would have done what paratroopers have been trained to do for decades. The light turns green, and then you jump. I could not turn to the paratrooper behind me and say why don’t you go first, it looks kind of dangerous with all that water.

Jumping into an airfield can also be dangerous – lots of pavement.

Leading from the rear is not an option

No – I had been trained as a leader in the 82d that you jump first, and deal with whatever happens next. You lead from the front, not from the rear. That lesson has served me well in many other situations. Sometimes when I find myself in a somewhat scary situation I think of my days in the 82nd, and what it taught me as a leader. You go out the door first.

The reality is that the only way change comes is when you lead by example.
Anne Wojcicki

Are you ready to go out the door first?

What about you? Are you ready to go out the door first? Are you fully committed to the mission of the team you lead? I hope so. If you are committed and competent others will follow you. If for no other reason to see what happens. Not that kind of leader? Don’t be surprised if your team members are reluctant to follow you. None of us like working for someone who does not lead by example. Don’t be that guy. Instead, be the kind of leader who goes out the door first.

The place for a general in battle is where he can see the battle and get the odor of it in his nostrils. There is no substitute for the general being seen.
General James Gavin, 82nd Airborne Division Commander during WWII

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How to lead your team to win a championship

The University of Virginia men’s basketball team won the NCAA National Championship this year. Unbelievable. They were one of the top seeds in the tournament, but I do not believe that many thought UVA would actually win the tournament. Especially after their historic loss to UMBC in last year’s tournament. Several experts predicted UVA would advance past the first round, but few pictured them winning it all. The experts were wrong.

Oddly enough Charles Barkley predicted that UVA would win it all.

One helluva turn around this year

UVA’s performance in this year’s tournament marked a spectacular turn around. What a difference a year makes. There are many reasons they played much better this year. I am convinced that leadership played a crucial role in their championship run. Coach Tony Bennett convinced his players that they could win it all. They believed him, and they did it. In this blog post, I will explain five reasons UVA won their first men’s basketball national championship.

UVa was crushed by UMBC in the first round of the tournament. — UVa was crushed by UMBC in the first round of last year’s tournament.

Reason #1 – everyone on the team contributed to the victories

UVA plays a different style than most teams. It emphasizes relentless defense and total teamwork on offense. They do not rely too much on any all-star players. Don’t get me wrong. The team is comprised of great players, but the team comes first. More importantly, everyone is expected to contribute. Look at the results during the tournament. Different players made meaningful contributions along the way. No single player dominated the box score which is the approach several other teams used and lost.

Diakite was the hero against Purdue. He only scored two points vs. Auburn.

Relying too much on all-stars

At work, it is tempting to rely over and over again on your all-stars. Give them the ball – they will get it done. It is not a prudent approach. What happens when you keep asking the same team members over and over again to deliver the results needed to win. Eventually, you will lose. Everyone has a bad day every now and then…even your all-stars.

Carsen Edwards played like an all-star for Purdue, but they lost to UVA.

I know this lesson all too well

On more than one occasion I went with an all-star approach and it failed. Don’t make the same mistake. Be like Tony Bennett. Emphasize teamwork and expect contributions from all team members. You will get better results.

The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
John Wooten, famous UCLA men’s basketball coach

Reason #2 – they kept putting points on the board

Tony Bennett’s teams are known as grinders. They play hard, especially when it comes to defense. What changed this year is that they kept grinding away on offense as well. Traditionally UVA was known to play a conservative style after gaining a lead. The offense would go into cruise control mode. The goal was to hold the lead and keep the score low. This approach was their Achilles heel against strong teams who could score a lot. This year they kept putting points on the board until the end.

UVA’s pack-line defense is known to be tough on opponents.

The offense was more important this year

The offense was not emphasized in previous tournaments. Not this year. They changed their approach. Instead, they kept putting points on the board until the final whistle. This year the team averaged over 70 points a game which is higher than normal. Those additional points were critical to multiple wins during the tournament. Coach Bennett had learned the lesson that offense wins championships in college basketball.

UVA Coach Tony Bennett on the sideline. Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Playing conservative at the end may cause you to lose

I cannot count on my hands how many times I have watched leaders at work get conservative at the end. This mentality focuses on not losing instead of doing what it takes to win. I have fallen into this trap several times because it is appealing. We tell ourselves lies like “we got this. Let’s not mess it up by trying too hard”. Unfortunately, it is usually not the best approach. Push your team to keep putting points on the board. You may never know exactly how many points you need in the end to win.

UVA scored 80 points to beat Purdue in overtime.

Reason #3 – they scored many points with little time on the clock

Just look at the last few games UVA won for the championship. They were behind in all of them with less than a minute left in the game. Talk about having your back against the wall. Each game they took a gamble in order to win. None is more memorable than the last-second basket to tie the game against Purdue. Coach Bennett told Ty Jerome to miss his free throw so that they could tie the game and play overtime. Gutsy call – it paid off. They won.

The last-second shot ties the game against Purdue sending the game into overtime.

Reason #4 – they won key games by playing well in overtime

UVA played multiple overtime games during the tournament. They won them by outplaying the other team. UVA beat Purdue in an epic overtime game. They kept the pressure on Purdue which caused them to make errors and lose the game. Simply put, UVA played some of their best basketball in overtime. During the championship game against Texas Tech, they did not miss a single free throw. They walked away with the trophy as a result.

UVA shot 12 for 12 from the free-throw line in overtime in Championship game.

Is your team good at playing well in overtime?

What about your team. Are they at their best when overtime is required? When I was in the military we worked long hours, especially when we were deployed. The best units I knew were the ones that thrived when things were toughest. The same is true in the civilian sector. Some work requires long hours and extra effort. The teams that deliver the best results are the ones who keep grinding and get the job done despite all obstacles.

I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.
Muhammad Ali

Reason #5 – they were cool under pressure

One additional trait I noticed about UVA’s team this year is that they were cool under pressure. For example, Kyle Guy misses a three-point shot against Auburn but is fouled. As a result, he gets three free throws. If he makes all three – they win. He did. Later he would confess to being nervous, but you could not tell. He was cool as a cucumber at the line.

Kyle Guy played really well the last few minutes against Auburn.

Where does their calm confidence come from?

How could Kyle be so calm when stepping to the line? He was cool because Coach Tony Bennett is calm during the game, even when it does look good. Tony Bennett does not yell or scream at his team or the referees. He is remarkedly subdued. I believe that his team gets their confidence from Tony’s cool demeanor. He is calmly confident, and so are they.

Coach Tony Bennett is calm under pressure – a great trait for leaders to emulate.

The last few minutes of the game may matter most

What about your team? How do they respond under pressure? Do they remain cool and calm? Can they make the shot when it counts? DeAndre Hunter had to sink a last-minute three-point shot to tie the score in the championship game. He receives the pass and nails the shot without hesitation. Do you have team members who can do the same thing for your business? If not, then you have work to do.

The last-minute of the championship game was exciting.

What about you?

More importantly, how do you respond under pressure? As the leader – you set the tone. If you are bouncing off the walls, don’t be surprised if your team responds accordingly. That is what happened to several other basketball teams during the tournament. Their coach went into orbit rather than remain calm. Mistakes were made, and they lost. Don’t be that kind of leader. Your team deserves your best.

You set the tone as the leader

I am not saying that leaders cannot be emotional. Don’t be a robot. No one wants to work for a leader like that. Rather I am stressing the importance of staying cool when it matters most. Keep your head in the game and your wits about you so that you can make good decisions and lead your team to victory. That is what Coach Tony Bennett did this year. He was at his best when his team needed him the most. In fact, he was recently named as one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders. Well deserved.

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Great leaders learn and get better every year

The University of Virginia’s men’s college basketball team is going to the final four. They have not been there since 1984. That is 35 years ago. I was a young man back then. It has been a long journey for my favorite team. Full of ups and downs…and a few big losses. None bigger than the one last year that abruptly ended their season. Yet, somehow they were able to pull it off this year. In this post, I will explore the reasons why they are better this year. As you might guess – it boiled down to leadership.

UVA men’s basketball team celebrate making the final four.

Last year’s season was magical

The 2018 season was a magical one for the UVA men’s basketball team. They finished with over 30 victories. They won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament beating rival North Carolina in the finals. UVA entered the NCAA tournament as the #1 ranked team in the nation. They were riding high and looked unstoppable. I was confident that they would win the tournament. I told all my friends to pick them. Then disaster struck.

UVA was ranked #1 going into last year’s tournament.

Last year’s NCAA tournament was a train wreck – they should have done better

UVA faced an unknown team in the first round, the #16 seeded UMBC Retrievers. UVA was supposed to win easily. They did not. They lost badly. It was a complete disaster. I have already written about why they lost that game. Needless to say, most UVA fans were skeptical about this year. How would the team recover from a train wreck like last year?

UVA lost by 20 points even though the score was tied at halftime.

This year’s season was similar to 2018

UVA had another sensational season this year. Once again they won over 30 games and finished the season highly ranked. Unfortunately, they did not win the ACC tournament and were not ranked #1 in the country going into the tournament. But, they were a #1 seed for the NCAA tournament which meant they would face another unknown #16 seed team during the first round. I am pretty sure all UVA were like me at the beginning of the tournament – nervous that lightning might strike again.

They stumbled again in the first round but did not fall

UVA played Gardner-Webb in the first round. You have probably never heard of the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs. Neither had I. They are a scrappy three-point shooting team. By halftime, it did not look good for UVA. They were down by six points. All the announcers and analysts wondered if it was going to happen again this year. It didn’t. UVA came out in the second half and beat the Bulldogs handily. They outscored them by more than 20 points and walked away with a well-deserved win. They played better.

UVA played one helluva a second half to win this game.

The next two games went well for UVA – they were getting better

UVA also won the next two games. They beat both Oklahoma and Oregon without too much struggle. It was nice to see that the team had their swagger back and were playing well. For the next round, they faced the Purdue Boilermakers who had just beat the Tennessee Volunteers in an epic overtime game. Everyone anticipated that the UVA vs. Purdue game would be a barn burner. It was – one for the ages.

UVA gained momentum by beating Oklahoma and Oregon.

The first half against Purdue was tough

UVA did not look good the first half against Purdue. Their best shooter remained cold, and Purdue’s best shooter was hitting three-pointers. Luckily, the finished the first half almost tied. The Cavaliers went into halftime and Coach Tony Bennett decided to change the strategy. It was obvious to me that he had learned the most important lesson from last year’s loss. He made adjustments and went to “Plan B” for the second half.

UVA trailed by only a point at halftime. *(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)*

The “B” in “Plan B” stood for Big

Coach Bennett changed his lineup for the second half. He put in taller players like Jack Salt to try to disrupt the Perdue offense. It worked, although Perdue’s best shooter, Carsen Edwards, remained hot almost the entire game. This simple change helped keep the game close, not slip away like the loss to UMBC. It was a brilliant move by Coach Bennett.

Jack Salt’s defensive play helped keep the game close.

They addressed the biggest challenge

Carsen Edwards played the game of his life against UVA. He scored 42 points. He was killing the Cavaliers with three-point shots. Coach Bennett decided to have DeAndre Hunter defend against him. DeAndre is the best defensive player in the country according to many experts. This change helped limit Edward’s impact as much as possible. Other Purdue players struggled to pick up the slack whenever Edwards could not score.

Carsen Edwards was the best player in the game.

The coach called a play that gave them a chance to win

In the final seconds of the game, it looked like the Cavaliers would not win. Purdue was up by two points with 5.9 seconds left on the clock. Ty Jerome was shooting his second free throw. If he makes the shot UVA is still down by a point and Purdue would get the ball back. Coach Bennett told Jerome to miss the shot so that they had a chance to win. If UVA could make another basket before the clock ran out they would win. The odds were not good, but Coach Bennett called the play anyway. What happened next was magic.

UVA picked up the pace when it was needed

The game went into overtime. UVA picked up their pace during overtime. They outhustled Purdue and put the pressure on them. It paid off. UVA won the game by five points. Purdue played a great game but lost in the end. I believe Coach Bennett’s leadership made the difference. He led well and his team responded. They are in the final four for the first time in 35 years.

UVA celebrates going to the final four this year.

What about you? Are you getting better as a leader?

What lessons did you learn last year as a leader? Are you applying those lessons so that your team overcomes obstacles and wins the game? In 2018 Coach Tony Bennett took a lot of heat from the press and others about his team’s dismal performance in the NCAA tournament. He leveraged the lessons learned from that experience to lead his team to the final four this year. I hope you do the same. Your team deserves it. ATW Leadership! is here to help.

Coach Bennett hugs his dad, his mentor, after the game.

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How to avoid a historic loss when everything is at stake – Plan B

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament was excellent this year. Last year both the men’s and women’s competitions were thrilling, full of great games. This week I will talk about leadership lessons from last year’s men’s tournament. I have already mentioned this in previous posts, and I will say it again. Leaders can learn a lot from sports. Many of these lessons are directly applicable to the real world. You must have a “Plan B”.

Villanova won the 2018 NCAA Men’s basketball championship.

The wrong team won the men’s tournament last year

Villanova won another championship – their second one in three years. Winning the tournament is challenging. Winning it multiple times is really difficult. It is an impressive accomplishment. Villanova was not supposed to win the tournament. Sure they were one of the top seeds. But, they were not the top-seeded team. The University of Virginia was the unanimous #1 team going into the tournament. My mighty Cavaliers were supposed to win it all. They didn’t. In the last post, I described why a great team like UVa loses. Now I am going to describe the one major lesson we can learn as leaders from their historic loss.

Major leadership lesson – have a “Plan B”…always

Things never turn out quite the way we plan them. We all know this, especially as leaders. It is extremely rare that everything goes perfectly for you and your team. You will face obstacles. It is a given. In their historic loss, UVa’s plan was not working. For several reasons, Tony Bennett’s system was failing them and they fell further behind as the game progressed. Unfortunately, they did not really have a “Plan B”, or they chose not to change their plan. They did not make the proper adjustments and paid the price. They lost. Don’t let this happen to you as a leader. You must have a “Plan B”…always. Always!!

UVa's plan was not working and the players did not know what to do. — UVa’s plan was not working and the players did not know what to do.

Leaders are responsible for having “Plan B”

Your team looks to you for leadership. Part of your many responsibilities is to determine when it is time for “Plan B’. Do not be surprised if your team turns to you and asks “what do we do now” when the current plan is not working. They will. They may wonder if they are on the right team if you do not have any ideas about what to do, much less a “Plan B”. Don’t disappoint them by choosing to ignore the signs that the current plan is not working, and tell them to just keep going. Winning teams make adjustments along the way.

Looks for signs of trouble. Everything is not always fine. (Photo by Justin Lubin/NBC)

The “everything will be fine” mentality

I have fallen into this trap many times. It is a naive approach. Don’t stick your head in the sand and hope that things will get better. Make the call. Change to “Plan B”. Of course, it is impossible to implement a “Plan B” if you do not have one. Leaders are responsible for having a “Plan B”. Don’t rely on your team’s performance to overcome the fact that you did not plan well enough to include a “Plan B”. It is not fair to them. Do your job as a leader.

Coach Tony Bennett failed to implement a Plan B during the game.

Good leaders create “Plan B” well before it is needed

Trying to make up a “Plan B” on the spot can be challenging. I am not saying it is impossible. I have served with leaders who were quick thinkers and could figure out a new plan on the spot. They were at their best when the situation around them was falling apart. But, that leadership attribute is rare. Most of us do our best thinking when things are calm, not in the heat of battle. Think about your contingencies and talk through “Plan B” with your team beforehand. This approach will give your team more confidence and better prepare them for success.

In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower

Your team may have “Plan B” already figured out

As the leader, you are responsible for having a “Plan B”. But, that does not mean you should avoid getting inputs from your team members. When you talk through contingency plans ask your team for inputs. Ask them questions like how should we respond if this happens. They may already have “Plan B” figured out, especially your more experienced team members. Leverage their knowledge and experience for the good of the team. Some of the best contingency plans I executed as a leader came from team members, not me. Here is an example from my own career.

Your team may already know the best answer for "Plan B". — Your team may already know the best answer for “Plan B”.

What to do when your normal approach will not work

One time my client faced a challenging situation and I was not sure what to do. She was asked to radically revamp the organization’s strategy, and to do it quickly. When I asked her how long my team had to craft the new strategy she said a month. Wow – that was fast given the size of the organization. I met with my team to discuss our approach. We laid out the timeline using our normal strategic planning process and came to the conclusion that it would take three months. We had one month, not three. Obviously, we needed a “Plan B” before we even got started.

Plan B may be your best option from the start.

Sometimes the “B” in “Plan B” stands for bold

I had no idea what we were going to do so I solicited ideas from my strategy experts. The two most junior members of the group had some ideas that just might work. They recommended we use a new approach known as design thinking to formulate the strategy. I was somewhat familiar with design thinking but had not implemented it before. Next, we would create a short powerpoint deck for the strategy instead of the normal lengthy word document. Lastly, we would repurpose time at an upcoming event to gather feedback from stakeholders in a group setting vice in separate meetings.

Design thinking requires a new way of collaborating.

Get buy-in for your “Plan B”

The plan they described was bold. Would it work? I did not know, but it was worth a shot since we did not have any better ideas. We briefed the new plan to our client. We told her it was bold but we were committed to making it happen. She was willing to try it. It was a radical shift from the normal approach, but it would achieve the result she needed.

You must commit to Plan B or your team may fail

We moved forward with “Plan B”. Many stakeholders questioned the new approach. We heard questions like is this really going to work? Why aren’t we following the normal approach? All reasonable objections. My role as the leader was to address these questions and keep the team moving. I showed my commitment by not hedging my bets. Rather I was committed to “Plan B”, and the team knew it. We were either going to be successful together, or I would take the blame if it did not work. It is a risk that you must be willing to take.

Business is about people. It’s about passion. It’s about bold ideas, bold small ideas or bold large ideas.
Tom Peters

Some of your best results may come from “Plan B”

My team did not disappoint me, or the client. They worked hard. They made it happen. The new approach forced everyone to think differently about the solution. We came up with a much better strategy than the previous one. It was simple to understand and would propel the organization forward at a much faster pace. When our client briefed the new strategy to her boss it was a huge hit. Big success based on a bold “Plan B” from two junior team members who had the courage to share their idea.

What I learned from that experience

Afterward, I thought about what would have happened if we stuck with our normal approach. I am convinced we would have failed, just like UVa did during the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament. Make sure you always have a “Plan B”. You never know when you will need it, and your “Plan B” may end up being the better way in the long run.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost Poem

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How in the world does a great team lose big?

A year ago disaster struck. Millions witnessed the best men’s college basketball team in the country have a total meltdown. I watched in horror as my mighty University of Virginia Cavaliers experienced the biggest upset ever in the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament. UVA lost to the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Retrievers by 20 points. How in the world did they lose that game?

The game was not even close

I will say it again – UVA lost to UMBC by 20 points!! Many expected UVA to rally and win like the Louisville game I described in a previous post. It did not happen. The game only got worse and worse in the final few minutes. Like other alum, I turned off the television and went to bed shocked at what had just happened.

We lost by 20? We lost by 20. By 20 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. That pretty much sums it up itself.
Devon Hall, Guard on the UVA basketball team

There are always surprises in March Madness

Upsets are common in the NCAA tournament. They happen every year. But, this loss was different. The top-seeded team lost in the first round to the lowest-seeded team. I will say that again – the #1 team lost to the #16 seeded team in the bracket. As we all now know a #1 team had never lost to a #16 seeded team before…in the history of the tournament.

UVA was the #1 seed in the South bracket. UMBC was the #16 seed.

It was a blowout of epic proportions

What in the world happened? What caused this historic loss? In this post, I will explain why they lost and what we can learn from the game. For leaders, some of the best lessons come from when things go horribly wrong.

Who has never tasted what is bitter does not know what is sweet.
German Proverb

Most college basketball games are close up until the end

It is somewhat rare that a college basketball team is losing by so many points that they do not have a chance to win. Do blowouts happen? Sure, but many games are won in the last minute. The NCAA tournament is well known for its last-second victories. They happen every year. It is one reason so many fans watch the games. They are usually exciting up to the end. In this game, the last minute did not matter. The unprecedented upset was completed well before the final whistle.

Players on the bench watch as UVA fails to rally against UMBC. — Players on the bench watch in dismay as UVA fails to rally against UMBC.

There are many reasons a sports team loses

In all sports, a team can lose for many reasons. In basketball, it is important that a team play well on both offense and defense. Coaching philosophy and strategy seem to matter a lot. Most of the best teams in the country have the best coaches. UVA falls into this category. Shooting free throws can make a difference, especially in the final minutes. Keeping your players out of foul trouble is also important. Many factors go into determining whether a college basketball team wins or loses. Great coaches pay attention to all these factors as the game progresses so that they can position their team for the win.

Coach K is well known for being a great coach during the tournament. They keep winning.

Life is not much different when it comes to winning

I believe that the same is true in life, especially in business. There are many reasons your team will win or lose. You may have a bad strategy. You may not be a good leader yet. Your team may perform poorly when it matters most. Your competitors may simply be better than you and your team. They may have a superior product, a lower price, or a better plan. The list goes on. As a leader, it is important to learn from your losses so that you do not repeat the same mistakes over and over. A leader who loses and fails to learn from his mistakes will eventually be replaced by someone who knows how to win. It is the reality we face as leaders. Win or the organization will move on to a new leader.

UVA Head Coach Tony Bennett contemplates why his team does not play well during March Madness.

Why did the UVa Cavaliers lose to the UMBC Retrievers?

There are many reasons that UVa failed to beat UMBC. They lost a key player to an injury a few days before which drew much attention. I am not convinced being down one player is why they stumbled. Instead, I believe that UVA lost badly for three specific reasons. All three of them relate directly to leadership. I admire Coach Tony Bennett for his leadership philosophy, coaching prowess and ability to win. But, he did not perform well as the leader in this situation. He admitted the same after the game.

UVa Coach Tony Bennett talking about the historic loss after the game.

1. They failed to adjust their plan when it was not working

UVa looked good at first. They opened up a nice lead and seemed to be cruising along despite missing a key player. Trouble started to show. UMBC tied the game by halftime. The score was low which is not unusual. UVa’s defense is known for keeping the score low. Something happened after halftime. UMBC caught fire, scoring a lot of three-point shots. UVa was unable to respond. They struggled to score and the gap widened. Their plan was not working, and Coach Bennett did not make any major adjustments. He kept the team playing the same defense and offense, despite the fact it was not working. His unwillingness to change the plan cost them dearly as the game progressed.

UMBC shot 50% for three pointers, much better than UVa. — UMBC shot 50% for three-pointers, much better than UVa.

2. They did not solve the biggest challenge

UVa is usually able to keep the score low, and the game close. They are not a good come from behind team, and they know it. This game was different. They were unable to stop UMBC from scoring. It was no great mystery how the other team was scoring so many points. UMBC was drilling three-point shots. One of their players, in particular, Jairus Lyles, was having the game of his life. Every shot he took seemed to score. UVa did little to adjust the defense to stop him from scoring. Jarius ended the game with 28 points, twice as many as any other UMBC player. UVa failed to solve the biggest challenge – UMBC’s ability to score three-point shots.

Jairus Lyles scores one of his many baskets on the usually tough UVa defense.

3. They did not pick up the pace when it was needed

Things got worse as the second-half progressed. With ten minutes left in the game, UVa was losing by 16 points which is a lot. It was time to rally, time to pick up the pace. They kept playing the same offense. There was a little more sense of urgency, but not the kind you would expect to see when a #1 team is losing to the #16 by 16 points with only ten minutes left. Was there plenty of time left in the game? Sure. I am simply pointing out that sometimes a team needs to pick up the pace a lot to win. If you are losing badly the last thing you should do is act like everything is fine. In this case, it was not. The situation did not improve. It got worse.

UMBC increased their intensity the second half. UVa failed to respond. Credit: Chris Keane — UMBC increased their intensity in the second half. UVa failed to respond. Credit: Chris Keane

The worst losses happen when you are expected to win

Losing sucks. I do not know any leader who enjoys losing. If I did I would recommend he or she stop leading and become a follower. The most difficult losses happen when you are expected to win. That is what happened to UVa. The game was supposed to be a cakewalk for them. They probably thought that going into the game, and paid the price. They ended up losing by 20 points. It was humiliating. The #1 team in the country lost what may become known as the worst upset in NCAA tournament history.

UMBC picked apart the UVa defense the last few minutes for easy baskets like this dunk.

You can avoid losing by not making the same mistakes

If you want to win as a leader it is important to learn from the mistakes of others. Make sure that you avoid this scenario. When you realize that your plan is not working – change the plan. Don’t hope that the situation will improve when you know deep in your heart that it won’t. Deal with the biggest challenges your team faces. Figure out what is causing the problems and fix them.

Pick up the pace so that your team can win, not lose

It is easy to fall into the trap of acting like everything is fine when it isn’t. I have witnessed this naive approach too many times to count during my career. Be a better leader. Next week I will go into more detail about how to avoid a historic loss for your team. You can do it, and we are here to help.

In the end, it was a remarkable season but we got thoroughly outplayed and that’s the reality of it. I hate for this team to lose like this. If you play this game and step into the arena, this stuff can happen.
Tony Bennett, UVA Head basketball coach

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How to motivate your team to win when facing a giant

Last year’s NCAA women’s basketball tournament was excellent. There were a lot of exciting games. The championship game went down to the wire – a true thriller. I have already mentioned this in previous posts, and I will say it again. Leaders can learn a lot from sports. Many of these lessons are directly applicable to the real world. Learning to face the giant is one of them.

The wrong team won the women’s tournament last year

Notre Dame won the women’s tournament last year. They were not supposed to win it all. Sure – Notre Dame was a #1 seed. They were expected to make the final four, but not win the tournament. The University of Connecticut women’s team was the odds-on favorite. All signs pointed to them winning it all. Just look at their performance going into the finals.

UConn destroyed several opponents going into the final game.

UConn was picture perfect going into the tournament

Notre Dame lost several games during the year. Connecticut did not. They were 32-0 going into the tournament. They have a legendary program and coach. Notre Dame – not so much. How were they able to win when they were expected to lose? This post will explore how Notre Dame was able to beat UConn in the final four.

Notre Dame women win the tournament — Notre Dame Fighting Irish hoists the NCAA championship trophy. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Your team must stand tall when facing the giant

When it comes to women’s college basketball UConn is a winner. According to Wikipedia, the UConn Huskies are the most successful women’s basketball program in the nation, having won a record 11 NCAA Division I National Championships and a women’s record four in a row, from 2013 through 2016, plus over 40 conference regular season and tournament championships.

The UConn basketball arena is covered in championship banners.

The UConn coach is a legend

Coach Geno Auriemma has been there since 1985. His 1027–135 (.884) record as of March 2018 represents the highest winning percentage among NCAA basketball coaches (minimum 10 seasons), for any level, men’s or women’s. To put it mildly – they are the giant of women’s college basketball. The natural question that follows is how do you motivate your team to defeat the giant. Let’s admit it your team must stand tall when facing the giant. To do otherwise will likely result in a loss, perhaps even a devastating one.

UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma has won 11 national championships. — UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma has won 11 national championships.

Your team must be convinced they can beat the giant

First and foremost your team must be convinced that they can beat the giant. The idea of winning must exist in their minds. Otherwise, it is almost certain they will lose. A team that believes it is impossible to win will lose. It is rare for a team to accidentally win when facing a formidable opponent. It just does not happen. Your role as a leader is to set the example when it comes to the proper mindset. If you do not believe your team can win it will show, and your team will notice. They will look to you for reassurance that winning is possible. Don’t disappoint them.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt

You need to show confidence to defeat the giant

The larger the giant you are facing the more your team will rely on you to motivate them. If you do not believe your team can win then why in the world should they. If you are afraid of the giant and show a lack of confidence, then don’t be surprised if your team responds the same way. The team feeds off the leader, not the other way around.

Famous fearless girl statue in New York City.

The leader sets the tone with words and actions

If you are waiting for your team to motivate themselves you are probably the wrong leader. You must show confidence even if in your heart of hearts you know winning is a long shot. Notre Dame was well prepared to face its giant. You can tell that Notre Dame’s coach did a great job mentally preparing her team for battle. They believed they could win, and it showed.

Notre Dame Coach Muffet McGraw, believes in being prepared.

Your team may need overtime to win

The UConn Huskies are great champions. They did not roll over and lose easily. No. As you would expect, they put up quite a fight against Notre Dame. In fact, the game ended in a tie and went into triple overtime. It is not often that games take that long to determine the outcome. In order to win Notre Dame had to play an extended game. When facing a giant like UConn don’t be surprised if you have to take your team further than they are used to going. It is the price you must be willing to pay to win.

Bottom line, you are either a risk taker, or you are not. If you don’t take risks, you will never win big.
Coach Geno Auriemma

You need to keep battling until the end, and then some

As the leader, you should prepare your team for overtime. Set the expectation beforehand that they may need to deliver above and beyond what it normally takes to win. That way they are not surprised when extra effort is required. They will be ready rather than deflated when it takes longer than normal to close.

Notre Dame beat UConn on a last second shot in triple overtime.

Great opponents will not go away quietly

In business, there are many great companies. Several of them may be your competitors. I do not know of many industries that are not highly contested. Remember that great opponents will not go away quietly. They will want the win as much, if not more than your team.

Tennessee is another legendary program that was led by Pat Summit for years.

Never underestimate your competition

It is a mistake that I have witnessed many times in my career. We thought too much of ourselves and too little of our competition. In the end, we paid the price. They won, and we lost. Avoid a losing scenario by expecting greatness from your competitors, especially the ones you know can deliver the goods. Use that narrative to help motivate your team. Tell them that they need to give their best to win. You better believe that the Notre Dame coach prepared her team by reminding them of who they were up against. They did not underestimate their opponent. Instead, they faced the giant and won.

There is no greater danger than underestimating your opponent
Lao Tzu

Are you ready to lead your team to victory? Can you defeat the giant?

What about you? Are you ready to lead your team to victory against all odds? Is your team ready to face the giant and win? I hope so. Good leaders win when they are expected to win. Great leaders know how to win, even when the odds are not good. They somehow figure out a way to face down the giant and lead their team to victory. If you are that kind of leader – congratulations. They are rare in this world. If you do not know how to lead in that way don’t worry. All The Way Leadership! is here to help.

ATW! is designed to make you a better leader

All The Way Leadership!