Coming Through in the Clutch

As I write this article, the 2013 World Series is underway.  Boston and St. Louis, the two teams left standing and battling for the title, truly deserve to be there.  They have just gone through a grueling 162 game regular schedule, and a tough playoff series.  Now they are in a best of seven fight to crown the champion.  There are many reasons why each of these teams has been successful; however, one key distinguishing characteristic of champions is their players’ ability to deliver in the clutch.  What do I mean by clutch?  Merriam-Webster’s on-line dictionary defines clutch this way, “able to perform well in a very important or critical situation especially in a sports competition.”  One company who makes and sells sports games actually measures the real life clutch hitting of each individual player with runners in scoring position and two outs.  Whether it is baseball, basketball, football, or any of the other sports, the team with the most individuals who can come through in the clutch consistently is usually the one that is the most successful.

I believe it is the same with companies.  Companies constantly have those moments that are important and critical to their success. A company with many clutch performers will be more successful.  How do you know if you have clutch performers?  Consider the following:

• They thrive on pressure.  When the challenges are intense, they are right in the middle of the action.
• They arrive early and stay late if that is what it takes to solve the immediate challenge.
• They persevere and will not stop until the current problem is solved.
• Their primary concern is helping the company to win.  They are team-oriented and totally unselfish.
• They are intensely loyal and dedicated to the future success of the enterprise.

Take care of your clutch performers.  They will help take your company to the highest levels possible.