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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Score Takes Care of Itself summary
Bill Walsh, Steve Jamison, Craig Walsh
My Philosophy of Leadership
16 mins
Brief summary
The Score Takes Care of Itself offers leadership and management insights from legendary NFL coach Bill Walsh, focusing on the principles of maintaining standards, fostering excellence, and achieving success through disciplined preparation and unwavering commitment.
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The Score Takes Care of Itself
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Building success through resilience and high standards
Bill Walsh, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, faced a career-defining moment during his second season. His team had lost seven consecutive games, and after a gut-wrenching defeat to the Miami Dolphins, compounded by penalties and misfortune, Walsh was emotionally drained. He felt his job might be in jeopardy, and on the flight home from Miami, overwhelmed by the weight of failure, he broke down in tears. Everything he ‘d worked for seemed to be slipping away. Despite these feelings, Walsh made a critical decision: he would stand and fight, focusing on the next step rather than giving in to despair.
This story reflects an important aspect of leadership – resilience. Walsh didn’t try to ignore or minimize his emotions, but he also didn’t let them consume him. Instead of giving up, he concentrated on what could be done next, one small step at a time. In the week following the Miami game, his focus shifted to preparing for the upcoming match against the New York Giants. That game proved to be a turning point. The 49ers secured a win, and from there they began to gain momentum. It took sixteen months, but Walsh’s team eventually achieved the ultimate goal: winning the Super Bowl.
The real key to this turnaround wasn’t just the victories on the field. It was the Standard of Performance, a framework devised by Walsh that required everyone in the organization, from star players to support staff, to operate at the highest level in their actions and attitudes. Every individual was expected to show professionalism, respect, and dedication. This standard wasn’t about demanding immediate results; rather, it built a foundation of excellence that would eventually lead to long-term success.
Walsh’s implementation of this standard meant focusing on the smallest details. Players were required to dress impeccably, follow strict routines, and treat one another with respect. These behaviors shaped an environment where high performance was expected, regardless of the win-loss record at the time. The belief was simple: if you consistently focus on doing things the right way, success will follow.
If you are working toward any significant goal, adopting a similar mindset can be powerful. Expect setbacks, but don’t allow them to define your progress. Give yourself time to recover, then focus on the quality of your effort and behavior. Success may not come instantly, but a commitment to excellence will pave the way.
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What is The Score Takes Care of Itself about?
The Score Takes Care of Itself (2009) outlines a philosophy of leadership based on focusing on process, preparation, and discipline rather than the outcome. It shares principles for achieving excellence by maintaining high standards, building a strong culture, and handling adversity. It suggests that, if you focus on consistent performance and execution, success will naturally follow.
Who should read The Score Takes Care of Itself?
- Aspiring and current business leaders seeking leadership insights
- Coaches and sports professionals aiming for team success
- Anyone interested in personal growth and discipline
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