Last night, the New England Patriots emerged victorious in Super Bowl 49. Their opponents, the Seattle Seahawks, lost because of the worst call in Super Bowl history. Despite having one of the best running backs in the game, the Seahawks chose to throw a pass from the 1 yard line, resulting in an interception and sealing the loss.
Within seconds, social media went crazy. Everyone became an expert at what should have happened.
Were they right? Possibly. But there are no guarantees. Without consequences, it’s easy to second guess and be an armchair quarterback.
Making tough decisions in the moment? That takes guts. Knowing you’ll be held accountable. Sure, it’s easy to look back and say what you would have done or what should have happened. But few will put themselves on that firing line. Most will hide and defer to someone else so they can later use the excuse, “I told you so.”
Leaders don’t have the luxury of instant replay. They use the information available and make the best decision possible. No, it won’t always work out as expected, but at least they are out on the front-lines, making it happen.
As Steven Pressfield notes in The War of Art:
It’s better to be in the arena, getting stomped by the bull, than to be up in the stands or out in the parking lot.
And when you do get stomped by the bull? Learn from your mistakes and use it to make a better decision next time. You’re still better off than those hiding on the sideline, too scared to raise their hand, and making excuses why they never get picked to move ahead.
Love the Pressfield quote: yes it’s better, but it’s easier to sit in the stands and criticize. Getting out of your comfort zone and taking a stand, making decisions and owning them is hard, which is why so few do it. Great post!
Thanks Steve! I love Pressfield’s work – “Do the Work” was a great read as well.