Be like Tom Coughlin not Bill Belichik

Several years ago Jack Welch commented on the magnificent leadership skills of Bill Belichik. I completely agree with that assessment. It was stated that .."Belichick happens to run a football team, but his job description is much the same as any leader or manager: He has to recruit talent, lay out a vision, and motivate his staff to execute on that vision."

The same skill requirements belong to all of the coaches in the NFL. It is difficult to motivate a large group of multi-millionaires to push themselves beyond the point of their self perceived physical limits. At the same time you have to deal with some extremely bloated egos.

Why then would I say be like Coughlin and not like Belichik? Adaptability. Small business owners need to be nimble and adaptable when it comes to operating in the local economy. Tom Coughlin has been labeled as a strict disciplinarian. Many of his players past and present have struggled with his bristling style. Not much different than Belichik in some respects. The difference is the fact that Coughlin did what he had to do toward the second half of this season. He became personable and approachable. He became supportive while being a disciplinarian.

Coughlin and his Giants were looked down upon when they were 0-2 after losing to the top teams in the league. He kept his team together and ultimately went 14-4 from that point forward. He had adapted his style and in each case when facing a team in the playoffs that they had lost to during the regular season, he made the adjustment and won.

Belichik has the appearance of an unwavering, uncompromising individual who in the end did not adapt to conditions and lost the opportunity to become the winningest team in NFL history.

As a small business owner, you need to be able to adapt and overcome or else you will ultimately lose in the end. Be like Coughlin not like Belichik.