Leading up to the NCAA football championship game, “next man up” became a mantra for Ohio State and Oregon. Both teams suffered injuries to key players during the season. Ohio State played the championship game with its third string quarterback. Oregon lost its top two receivers, one suspended just a few days before the game.
There were ample opportunities to create excuses even before the game was played. However, in true winning style, no excuses were offered by either team. The coaches just put in the next man up and the teams played on.
Who is your next man up?
One of your key players may go out at any time; illness, promotion, transfer, etc. For your team to continue its success, someone needs to be ready to step in. As the leader, it’s your job to make sure that person is ready.
Adopting a next man up mindset means anyone on your team is ready to step up when the opportunity presents itself. This approach improves everyone’s day-to-day performance and, therefore, the team’s overall success.
Next man up is not a magic phrase, though. It requires work. Team members need to be cross-trained. Knowledge and experience must be shared. Contingency planning is required. New tasks may need to be learned.
This is worthy work for any leader.
When you look across your team in a time of need and can call on the next man up with confidence, you’ll feel like a champion, too!
