This year our twin daughters, the last of five kids, graduated from high school. We live out in the country, so before they could drive, we plenty of “windshield time”—moments we used to talk, connect, and sometimes pass on a little wisdom.

Whether they realize it or not, we’re shaping their mindset—and demonstrating leadership.

Lessons from the Soccer Field

One drive home from a soccer tournament sparked a great conversation. My twins’ team had just come in second place, and we talked about the difference between finishing first and second—not just in soccer, but in business and in life.

Here’s what we discussed:

• Know the system and your job
• Run down every ball
• If you turn the ball over, don’t dwell on it—go get it back
• Constantly communicate with each other
• Don’t argue with the referee
• When the team needs you to take a shot, take the shot

These aren’t new ideas. They’ve heard them a thousand times from their coach—and they’ll hear them a thousand more. But they know. They know what’s expected. There’s a standard of performance. A shared language. A team culture that values effort, accountability, and unity.

And because it’s repeated so often, no one can say they didn’t know. Everyone’s on the same page about what great performance looks like—and they’re working toward it together.

That’s what a world-class mindset looks like.

Translating Sports Wisdom to Business
​
Now, as the coach of your business team, what are the things you should be talking about?

Know the system AND your job

Processes should be documented, understood, and followed. But more importantly, every team member should know the results they’re expected to deliver—not just the tasks they’re supposed to complete. That clarity comes from coaching—over and over and over.

Run down every ball
​
In business, this means doing the little things right: returning calls, meeting deadlines, delivering quality work. Define what “great effort” looks like in your organization—and repeat it often.
If you turn the ball over, don’t dwell on it—go get it back.
Mistakes happen. What matters is how your team responds. Fix it, learn from it, and move on. Focus on the next play.

Constantly communicate with each other
​
On the field, players talk constantly—calling for the ball, warning of pressure, encouraging each other. Great business teams do the same. If your team isn’t communicating about the small things, they’ll struggle with the big ones. Talk, talk, talk.

Don’t argue with or blame the referee
​
Sometimes customers make a “bad call.” Deal with it. Don’t let it derail your mindset or your mission. Stay focused and keep playing.

When the team needs you to take a shot, take the shot
​
Great teams have players who step up and make plays. As a leader, your job is to train and empower your team to make decisions. Encourage them to take initiative. Let them know you trust them to go for it.

In a past business, I told my team: “No decision you make will bankrupt the company—but the right one might win a deal or save a customer.”

What World-Class Teams Do Differently
​
Whether it’s kids’ soccer, the Navy SEALs, or a high-performing business, world-class teams define what great performance looks like—and they coach it, communicate it, and reinforce it constantly. It’s not a one-time event. It’s how they operate every day.

So ask yourself:
What does world-class look like for your team?
​And are you talking about it enough?