What “The Blind Side” Teaches Us
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By now, most everyone is familiar with the movie The Blind Side. Because of this movie, even those who aren’t huge football fans, like me, can give you the name of Michael Oher and may even be able to tell you that he plays for the Baltimore Ravens. However, without Googling it, I can’t tell you what position he plays, although I’m guessing many could. (Ok, I had to Google all that information, but I did know his first name was Michael.)
Even though I am not a huge sports fan, I often enjoy sports movies. They are usually based on the underdog or Cinderella team that overcomes many obstacles to make some great achievement: Hoosiers, Remember the Titans and Bull Durham are just a few of my favorites. The overall theme of these stories is: If you identify with the person, you can achieve more success from the player(s).
In Michael Oher’s case, his talent was being lost by the coach’s inability to reach him. One of the more famous scenes of the movie is when Leigh Ann Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) walks on to the practice field and tells the coach he can thank her later. She then instructs Michael to consider his team his family, even relating some of the players and the coach to the Tuohy family members. Once Michael had a new perspective of his team, that of being his family needing his protection, he had no trouble blocking the players from the other team and his true talents shone.
As a novice sports observer, it appears to me that talent often overshadows many other aspects of the player; the greater the player’s talent, the greater the forgiveness of any transgressions. However, one thing I take away from all of these movies is that talent, although important, is not more important than a person’s learning or personality style. Although Hollywood may sensationalize many of these stories, the core issue remains true: when we relate to a person, we bring out the best in their ability.
By understanding a player’s learning and personality styles, a coach and fellow team members can create a more successful team. That’s not to say talent isn’t important. I love to dance, but I’m lousy at it. Even with an instructor that relates to my personality and learning styles, I am never going to be a superstar. But for those with talent, being able to find the key to what makes your players tick could be the difference between a winning season and one that you’re glad is finally over.
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What do you think is the true reason of success for many of these Cinderella teams?
Hi Debbie
I’ve not seen the film but I’ve heard the plot explained a few times.
I’ve always loved sports and have been facinated with team sports.
A good captain or manager can motivate a team to play way above their individual ability and beat the team with talent.
More or less the same in business, a good manager knows how to deal with the individual personalities and can really motivate his team.
So does sport imitate life or does life imitate sport?
Keith Davis´s last blog ..Flying in formation
That’s a good question, Keith. Of course for many, sports is life! Whether you are talking about a sports team, business team or even a classroom, a good leader can make all the difference. I can think of my jobs and situations in my life where things changed with the “players” changed and it can often be traced back to the change in the leader.