Today the U.S. emerged from its 2nd game in the World Cup Championship with a 2-2 tie against Slovenia. While this is not a bad showing, no one is likely to soon forget the spectacular goal made by the U.S. near the end of the game, which was never counted because a referee called a foul against the U.S. when by all accounts it appeared as if a U.S. player had been fouled and a penalty kick should have been awarded.
It is moments like these that test leaders and champions. When the stakes are high and the subjective nature of referee calls introduce a level of uncertainty, players and coaches must keep both focus and intensity. While we, the viewers, bemoan the unfairness of it all, champions understand that this is part of the game and play on.
Rafael Nadal, the Spaniard who won the French Open recently, spoke in an interview about how he developed his professional demeanor during big matches. He said he once had an uncle who purposely introduced every kind of injustice into his practices, to test his tolerance, endurance and focus through all types of trials, whether just or unjust. While unconventional, the tactic made sense in a real world context.
Today, both coaches, Matjaz Kek of Slovenia, and Bob Bradley of the U.S., exhibited contained excitement when their teams scored and reserved aplomb when the calls went the other way. They appeared to be more concerned about what they were going to do next. Therein is a grain of wisdom we can embrace for our leadership strategies as well as our own personal development. In order to rise to the heights of our potential, we must accept uncertainties we cannot predict and rather than waste energy fighting perceived injustices, we can call up the champion in us, keep our eye on the horizon and play on.
In memory of my father who taught me all I know about playing on through adversity. This Father’s Day, may we remember great fathers everywhere; those who are here with us, as well as those who have gone but remain with us in spirit and those we hold in our hearts as father; may their light keep on shining brightly in our life.
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