A Letter from Chris Suarez
RUN THE PLAY
When most of us hear the expression “run the play,” perhaps we immediately conjure up the image of a fullback putting down the perfect block allowing the running back to carry the ball past the opposing defensive line and down the field to score a touchdown. Maybe it’s a perfectly executed stop and go by the winger with a chip pass to their center forward for the game winning goal. Or perhaps we visualize our favorite basketball team running the perfect screen or pick and roll - freeing up their guard for a clear look at the basket and sinking a game winning shot.
Regardless it starts with the playbook. It takes practice. It takes athleticism. It takes team work. It takes execution. But it starts with playbook.
Oh, and if done properly of course, it ends with winning.
Most team playbooks are 100 or so pages long. And some of the most popularized playbooks, such as Les Miles’ playbook of LSU, extend to well over 400 pages. The actual offensive and defensive plays don’t show up until well past page 50. Jon Gruden of the Raiders is known for his exhaustive playbook. Pat Riley was said to have one of the most extensive playbooks, in excess of hundreds of pages.
So what else shows up in a successful playbook? A team’s playbook lays out a step by step plan to win. Often times we think of just the tactical plays for on the field. But a comprehensive playbook will outline the culture of the team. It will build leadership principles. it will outline how to think and why to think that way. It will outline the roles of each the team members. It will be a step by step guide to winning. It will allow for nothing to be taken for granted.
In sports and in business nothing should be taken for granted. What does that mean? As brilliant as entrepreneurship is, the key to running a great business or running a great sports team is to eliminate creativity and “enthusiasm-based” production and run a system. All great businesses have a playbook with a set of rules, a set of systems, a set of models, a set of plays. They key to the success of each of our businesses to date? We follow a model. If we choose to be part of that business, or team, we agree to execute the playbook. If we wake up one day, no longer willing to “run the plays” and follow the playbook, it’s time to move on. It’s time to ask to be traded. It’s time to enter free agency. Businesses and teams are only as good as how committed their team members are at executing and running the plays.
I have a partner in one of my businesses that said it quite appropriately. “I bought the shirt. Now it’s time to wear it.” If you are part of any team or business, then put on the shirt. Wear the uniform. Wearing the shirt may take work. Heck, it may take some time and exercise to get it to fit. We may need to change our habits in order to fit the shirt.
Remember, successful businesses are built on proven models. Any business that scales or expands has built a playbook or borrowed a playbook. The level of success and scalability within the business matches the level at which we run the play. There are plays for all sorts of situations — in the open field, off a fast break, when your down by 20 or up by seven, the two-minute drill, at goal line, the Hail Mary, the penalty kick.
Players will study and memorize plays in the off season so they can easily call to mind where they should be, when they should be there, and with whom they should be there with at a moments notice. You may pull out plays when competing against a bigger team or smaller team, a faster team or a slower team, a man to man, or a zone defense. A winning playbook will prepare your team for every situation.
The sports field is much like the business field. Rarely does the opponent let the play roll out without opposition, without disruption, or without a challenge. The players that know their playbook, execute their playbook, and are ready to pivot or adjust when necessary are the ones that will win. But all of that starts with first, running your play.
There will be times to call an audible. Perhaps you come across an unexpected defense? Perhaps the field or business landscape changes drastically. Perhaps a botched opening to a play presents an unfamiliar situation. A great coach, a committed leader, and a practiced team can quickly call a time-out, huddle up, make a tweak or adjustment, and continue toward the goal. The playbook doesn’t get thrown out. The plays are not forgotten. The foundation is built on, a slight pivot is made, and the game goes on. Welcome to 2020. Lean in even more to your playbook. Practice even more. Improve your athleticism or skill even more. Collaborate with your team even more. Commit to execution even more.
Are you currently leading or coaching a group of people? Coaches or leaders have become known for their coaching “playbook.” Commitment and accountability to run the play starts at the top. In fact, athletes will follow coaches across the country and to different teams if they feel their unique skill set works well in that coach’s playbook. Coaches will go out and recruit the perfect quarterback, wide receiver, center, forward, goalie, guard, or tight end based on the playbook that they intend to run and execute.
Andy Reid of the Chiefs has become known for his playbook. Phil Jackson of the Lakers was known for his playbook. Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid is known for his playbook. They had winning playbooks.
Don’t be fooled. They had great players, yes. But more importantly, they had winning playbooks. Great players were attracted to and willing to practice their plays, work with their teammates, use their athleticism to execute their plays, and win. I’d put five average players on the court executing the perfect playbook over five All-Stars running on enthusiasm and high energy any day of the week.
Why? Because with the perfect playbook all you need is:
Practice.
Athleticism.
Team Work.
Execution.
Combine these four with the perfect playbook and you’ll have a winning team. You’ll have a winning business.
Go run the play.
Chris