During my senior year of high school, my varsity soccer team made it to the state finals. I'll never forget our coach telling us that we had exceeded his expectations—even though we ultimately lost the deciding game. That experience taught me about the power of a great coach and leader to create an environment where a team can perform at its full potential, and sometimes even beyond it. A prime example of this is the 1980 US Hockey team.
Actionable Leadership from an Olympic Coach
During the 1980 Winter Olympics, with the Cold War as a tense backdrop, the USA Men’s Hockey team was set to play the Soviet Union in the championship game for the gold medal. Herb Brooks, the USA Head Coach, didn't just prepare his team for a game—he inspired them to achieve the impossible. Through the power of his pregame speech, Brooks created a space where the team could transcend expectations and reach greatness.
“Great moments are born from great opportunity. And that’s what you have here tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight. One game. If we played ‘em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It’s over.” — Herb Brooks, 1980 Olympic USA Men’s Hockey Coach
Herb set the stage for his team to believe in themselves and achieve the extraordinary by defeating the Soviet Union 4-3.. Similarly in the business world, the power of a leader to inspire their team cannot be underestimated. Just as Brooks ignited a belief in his players, leaders in high-growth companies have the opportunity to create a culture where teams rise to the occasion, seize the moment, and exceed expectations.
Applicable Best Practices for CEOs and Leadership Teams
Acknowledge Reality but Inspire Possibility: Great coaches don’t shy away from the truth. They acknowledge the reality of the situation but frame it in a way that inspires hope and action.
Focus on the Team’s Strengths: Highlight what the team has accomplished and what they are capable of. This builds confidence and a sense of purpose.
Create a Sense of Urgency: Impart a sense of the unique opportunity at hand. Make it clear that the moment is special and worth giving everything for.
Positive Reinforcement: Use language that inspires and uplifts rather than criticizes or diminishes. Even if the odds are against them, teams need to believe that they will succeed.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:
Who are some of the most inspiring coaches you’ve had or witnessed? What techniques did they use?
How are you setting the stage for your leadership team to reach its full growth and impact potential?
What other leadership lessons do you apply from your sports experience to your companies?