If you know me, you know I am a huge Georgia Bulldog fan. For clarity…no I did not go to the University of Georgia, but I have lived in GA my whole life…that allows me to be a fan.

If you watched the Michigan vs. Georgia football game, you may have noticed two senior players getting ready to shower Coach Kirby Smart with Gatorade toward the end of the game, but it never happened. Afterwards Coach Smart was asked about it and his answer was soooo LOUD!

First, he did not want the bath because the win was not about him. Yes, he drew up the game plan, made adjustments, called plays, etc. However, he knew it was about the players. They made it happen, not him.

His Language was relevant and needed, even after a win. So many leaders need to take a page out of his book. Leaders usually get most of the credit for wins, but we cannot forget the players play the game. More importantly, he also saw an opportunity to motivate his team. Yes, he was happy to win the game, but in reality they have not accomplished their ultimate goal. In reality, they are about to face a team that demolished them a few weeks ago and he is 0-4 versus their coach. He was not being negative by not celebrating, but acknowledging the fact they have unfinished business. Determination is key to achieving your goals and balancing pressure and support is important.

It may not seem like it, but the move was very Organized. Coach Smart Understood the bigger picture and planned with the end in mind. He was not about to celebrate winning when it’s one more large task to complete. Leaders can not be afraid to challenge their teammates and refocus them on the task at hand. We can get caught up in celebrating the wrong things; confusing what is the real victory.

Balancing pressure and support is a slippery slope, but Coach Smart showed us a perfect example. Leaders need to keep their eyes on the prize and clearly define their goals. If goals are unclear you can miss opportunities to grow or apply pressure when needed. Pressure can be seen as a bad thing; however, it is needed at times. Especially if you are going to accomplish something big. Avoiding the Gatorade bath was a LOUD move and hopefully it will pay off. Stay leading LOUD my friends!