What Would Your Professional “Game Tape” Tell You?

Superbowl Sunday was just a few weeks ago. An estimated 113 million people tuned in to watch the two teams compete. Most of us know the game well, but I believe we can learn something from the practices, habits and behaviors of the best teams. While both teams spent hours preparing and practicing on the field for the big day, they also spent hours rewatching tape of previous games. They watch to see what they want to repeat, what they want to change/adjust and what they can learn about their competitors. Rewatching game tape is a standard practice for high functioning teams and is something I believe we don’t do enough when it comes to our professional lives.

Far too often we do the same thing over and over, expecting different results. Or we do the same things without ever evaluating what went well, what we could have changed or what we want to adjust for the future.

In a recent coaching session, I was working with a lawyer who was frustrated with the progress of his success. We discussed the concept of reviewing what he had done to determine where he should double down, what he might need to give up and where a small pivot would make a big difference.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started reviewing your professional game tape:

• Review your calendar from last year.
  • What clients and projects did you love? Invest in the relationships you want to keep and grow. Reach out to those clients and make sure they know how much you value the work and relationship and make sure you understand their goals and priorities going forward.
  • What events and conferences were time well spent and which ones didn’t result in networking or education that met your expectations?
  • What did you learn from your business development time and efforts? What would you change after reviewing how you spent (or did not spend) that time?

• What can you learn from your competitors?
  • Who, within the firm and outside of the firm, has the practice, work and clients you aspire to have and represent? What have they done and what are they doing to attract that kind of work?
  • Very few rainmakers are “all things to all people.” They are known for less than a handful of key areas of focus, strength or industries. They may do more behind the scenes, but they are careful about their public image. What does your biography, LinkedIn and other public information say to your network?

• How are you maintaining excellent health and wellness?
  • The greatest competitors prioritize their health, fitness and mental wellbeing to be at their best. Did you prioritize your health and well-being last year? If so, stick with it. If not, what small steps can you take to allocate time each day for moving your body?

• What does the Superbowl of your professional life look like?
  • The winners have plans, plays and teams to reach their goals. Far too often, we expect business development and career success without a plan. Dedicate time to creating a business development plan for your own success.