What Project Managers Can Learn From the NFL

The time of year has come again. Teams, players, and sports fans near and far would argue that play off time is “the most wonderful time of year”. But it is important to remember what winning the game is all about: team work. Teams can’t function if they aren’t teams and aren’t backed by a knowledgeable and supportive management staff. Does this sound familiar, project managers? Here are some areas where project managers can learn from the NFL.

·      “There is no ‘I’ in Team. We’ve all heard this one before, at one time or another. However, it’s important to remember what this really means. Teams can’t function as teams if they aren’t, well, teams. Each “player” is just as important as the next. Each “player” has his or her own skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Team members should strive to work on their own weaknesses and improvements and encourage others to do the same. Only then will you really win the game.

·      The crucial difference one leader can make in the game. We’ve also all heard that we are only as strong as our weakest link, right? The same goes for leaders: Teams are only as strong as their leaders. Leaders can be leaders, individuals that encourage team members to reach their full potential and strive for success, or they can be managers, which are individuals who aren’t as personable and only care about getting tasks done. So what kind of leader are you? Are you one that leads your team to victory?

·      It’s not always about winning the game, but how the game is played. While project management and customer satisfaction (and ultimately project managers’ jobs) heavily rides on project success and outcome, sometimes real success isn’t always about the end result. In fact, sometimes it’s about how the game is played. How did you play the game as a leader, team member, or project manager? What do you do to contribute to the project’s overall success? The team’s success? And the customer’s desired outcomes?

·      Get into the game, and win it because you love it. Do we all love our jobs? Certainly not. Well, the NFL pro players sure do. They do it for the love of the game…and the money probably isn’t half bad either. While each project that comes across your desk may not be the most exciting, or maybe you dread it, get into it, make it your own, and try to stay positive. Remember, positivity is contagious. If you are positive about a project, your team members will be too.

While project management may not be the most exciting profession for some, it can be exciting and rewarding. Leading your team to success and the big finish can certainly feel rewarding.

Most sports fans have their minds on this weekend’s game and the upcoming Super Bowl—and are definitely not thinking about work—try to remember the many takeaways a project manager can learn from the NFL. Maybe you take this into your team meeting next week, or on the next project, or in setting this year’s professional goals. Get into the game, play it because you love it, lead your team to victory, and win big.  

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