Walk Off Winning

15Winners versus Losers

Whether in sport or business, most people consider winning as success and losing as failure, which has some truth to it. However, as we discussed earlier, failure can be a path to success, as long as we keep a positive perspective on negative outcomes. So some losing situations can lead to long-term wins.

I have experienced both winning and losing in sports and in life. It took me a period of time early in my professional career to figure out that those loses were pathways to future success. Through my reflections and analysis, I have determined certain traits that stand out to define winners and losers. I have also found that in today's society, people are uncomfortable with the term “loser.” The softer way to discuss it is “successes” versus “setbacks.”

Well, sorry folks, I won't sugarcoat it. Many people are afraid to hurt feelings and would rather use a hug than a kick in the butt. I believe that a true leader will teach in many ways; sometimes that takes a hug, and sometimes a push. What follows is how I help my teams replicate their wins and deal with their losses.

Team versus Program

Winning programs and organizations—stable, consistent ones—have people who consistently demonstrate a “winning mentality.”

Let me explain the difference between a “team” and a “program.” Teams are built for the short term. Coaches at the professional and college levels recruit or sign players with talent, but they are not concerned with building a foundation of long-term ...