"The Score Takes Care of Itself"
“Even when you have an organization brimming with talent, victory is not always under your control. There is no guarantee, no ultimate formula for success. It all comes down to intelligently and relentlessly seeking solutions that will increase your chance of prevailing. When you do that, the score will take care of itself.” (Bill Walsh)
Continually running an engine at high RPM’s can have devasting effects. The same applies to us as humans. Trying to keep up with work and family, balance stress, and the checkbook, and still find time for yourself, can be a critically challenging aspect of day to day survival.
Bill Walsh was arguably one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. In his book, The Score Takes Care of Itself, his profound, practical, and inspiring comments can assist anyone in their day to day battle.
Believe in People: Push them hard to be their very best. No one will ever come back later and thank you for expecting too little of them.
Professionalism Matters: Champions act like champions….before they are champions.
Keep a Short Enemies List: One enemy can do more damage than the good done by 100 friends.
Protect Your Blind Side: Fully understand your organization’s strengths, and unseen vulnerabilities.
Sometimes You Can’t Have the Last Word: Lick your wounds and move on. A bruised ego will survive.
I spent last Saturday afternoon with some of the employees of the Larson Family of Companies. We enjoyed a relaxing boat cruise around beautiful Lake Minnetonka. We all needed that day to recharge, as the RPM’s had been operating at a high level. As I found a moment to myself on the boat, I reflected a little on the people sharing the afternoon with me. I am very proud of each of them as model employees. (Professional, dedicated, committed, faithful crafstmen) However, I am even more proud of them as individuals. (Caring, understanding, passionate, generous and responsive.) I believe in them, and they believe in our organization. We all can understand Coach Walsh’s philosophy, and because of that understanding, we know that the score really does take care of itself.