You better bring your A-Game!

How many times have your heard that?  Whether preparing for a big game, a new client launch or a major project go-live, someone on the team, perhaps the leader, has encouraged the team members to bring their A-Game.

What does that mean, exactly? And, is it enough?

Your “A-Game” typically means your best effort.  Showing up prepared and ready. Giving it all you’ve got with no excuses. Sometimes, however, even your A-Game is not enough.

My husband and I went to see “When The Game Stands Tall” over the weekend.  It’s an excellent movie about sports and the importance of the team. It’s also a great life story about personal loyalty, family and commitment. At the end of the movie are some clips of the team’s actual coach, Bob Ladouceur.  In one of the clips, Coach Ladouceur is encouraging his team before a big game.

“Bring your A-Game and your A-Heart.”

A-Heart? What does that mean? I would love to ask the coach what he meant, exactly. My definition of A-Heart would be love for the team. Passion for the game. Courage to overcome limitations. Bravery to move beyond fear.

Think about your team or yourself as its leader. If you’re lucky, some of your team members bring their A-Game every day. I would guess that the team members, or the leader, who truly stand out as the best among the best are the ones who also bring their heart.

Their A-Heart.

Tuesday Tidbits are usually focused on leadership or teamwork, always positive and, hopefully, inspirational. Feel free to share with your team. Consider adding your own comment to let them know why you are sending it to them.

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If you haven’t seen the movie “When The Game Stands Tall” yet, here’s a preview. I highly recommend it. Consider taking your team to see it!