Ducks In A Row: How To Guarantee A Winning Team
by Miki Saxon
There is much talk about building winning teams and how to lead them and much of that centers on “influence” and “visions.”
The ledgendary Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, an expert on winning teams, provided a far simpler approach that you can be implement in a matter of seconds.
The only caveat is that once started it must be followed exactly and whole-heartedly.
“If anything goes bad, I did it.
If anything goes semi-good, we did it.
If anything goes really good, then you did it.
That’s all it takes to get people to win football games for you.”
If more “leaders” followed this path we wouldn’t be where we are today.
Do you have the courage to implement Bryant’s approach?
Your comments—priceless
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Image credit: ZedBee|Zoë Power on flickr
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:57 am
I really like it, thanks for the quote.
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:52 am
Hi Mike, glad you liked it. Funny how the simplest advice is the hardest to follow. I find that ideas like this are less and less likely to be followed in this age of meme and over sized egos.
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
[…] tips: There are general rules, though, that can be applied effectively. Please see this, by Miki Saxon, which outlines one of the very […]
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Miki,
I love that quote but as you stated it is easier said than done. I find it can be really difficult to accept responsability for some things, especially if it is obvious a team member dropped the ball. However, in the grand scheme of things, the results always fall on the leader’s shoulders because ultimately, every job is their responsability to get done through leading well. Your title reminds me of another quote I like that makes a point about people who always say “I need to get my ducks in a row first” (usually cited as an excuse). The quote I’m refering to says “remember, the only time real physical ducks ever get in a row is when they are GOING SOMEWHERE.”
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Hi Jason, It’s a great attitude, isn’t it. I’ve always said that if people don’t want the responsibility they shouldn’t accept the promotion.
As to the ducks, I’ve always thought of them in terms of going somewhere as opposed to the procrastination/excuse image.
Thanks for taking time to add to the conversation and I look forward to your future visits.
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Bear Bryant built great teams. His were on the football field, but these principles work just as well in business – for leaders who have the backbone to apply them.
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Hi John, it takes backbone to implement any of the ideas found in our blogs:)
This one also applies to parents, don’t you think?
Thanks for taking time to add to the conversation.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:02 am
It works, when practically use. It brings the mindset of accountability and commitment to success goal orientation. It also makes everybody feels involve or carried along.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Hi Edafe, you are so right. When people receive credit for being right they are much more willing to self-correct their efforts.
Thanks for stopping by and taking time to add your thoughts.
October 3rd, 2009 at 3:22 am
Hi Mike,
Thanks for sharing the inspirational words of a genius.
Dominick
October 4th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Hi Dominick, It’s my pleasure. I find it fascinating how something like this resonates so much with so many diverse people, professions, backgrounds and cultures.
The most brilliant advice is often said in just a few words as opposed to pages and pages on the same subject!
Thanks for visiting, I hope you come back often.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Miki,
Loved the Bear Bryant quote and I have even use the Lao Tzu quote. I wrote as much in my blog (http://streetviewconsulting.com/blog/?p=9). It is not only giving credit to others when great things happen and taking the blame when something goes wrong, it is also thanking people, complimenting them often, and truly caring for your team.
James Woolwine
October 27th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Hi James, glad you liked it. I think it’s more like taking responsibility than blame. In my experience, 99% of the time when things go wrong it’s due to poor communications from above. But I definitely agree with you regarding the value of positive feedback.
May 8th, 2013 at 4:35 pm
[…] Miki Saxon offers some ideas about how to win in her post "Ducks in a Row: How to Guarantee a Winning Team." […]