The Sideline Seat

Sent every Tuesday to build better leaders and teams.

Sports Story of the Week

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take

In the famous LMFAO and Lil'Jon song, "Shots" which some of you may hear in your head right now, the famous chorus says "Shots" 16x. The last time the Carolina Hurricanes has less shots on goal in a game than that song's chorus was October 23, 2014.

Maybe it was because I was in the presence of Wayne Gretzky, who famously said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take", maybe it was watching the absolute peppering of goal by the Carolina Offense, but while attending the Eastern Conference Finals Saturday night, which the Hurricanes won in thrilling overtime victory, what stood out was how many shots they take. They aren't patient, they aren't waiting for the perfect shot. They see an opportunity and they take it.

They have been known for this style of play under current coach Rod Brind'Amour, and this year the statistics have matched what we all observe. The Hurricanes average 32.4 shots in what is a 60 minute game. Imagine what that feels like as an opponent. It means that every 2 minutes (or less) you watch them take a shot. It means you can't rest. You can't slip. You score a goal, great. You know that there are more shots coming.
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As a more recent true hockey fan, and not a casual observer, I can't say that I know the depths of this. But as a fan and observer, and support staff of sports, I can't imagine how that feels. It doesn't seem to be contagious. They hold opponents to 24.9 shots per game. which means they average almost 9 more shots per game than your team.

Imagine that. It has to be disheartening for opponents. To get outshot like that. Now- those shots didn't all lead to goals, and those games didn't all turn out to be wins. However, the record, and the totality of the season sure make them a tough team to beat. And from these Hurricane fans, we hope the wins continue!

3 Lessons to learn from outshooting opponents:

1. Play your Game AND adjust to to the opponent

The Hurricanes identity and willingness to be offensively relentless changes the game for everyone else. The more shots they take, the more they have the puck, the fewer opportunities their opponents have to score. Great leaders and teams stay true to what makes them successful while also making adjustments to the competition. You can be the one that dictates pace, controls attention, and also be the one that makes the small adjustments with what others may bring. Being successful isn't just about executing your plan or strategy, its also your willingness to adjust when the opportunity dictates it.

2. Aggressive Systems build Resilient Outcomes

When you match systemic endurance with relentless pursuit and consistency, you get a golden organizational strategy. Building systems that are designed not only for success, but also for the planned failures along the way will wear down your competition, and build up your internal culture. If your system is set up that not every shot has to be a goal, than you are already allowing your employees and teams to take risks. The Hurricanes never expect to have 32 goals on 32 shots, but they do expect to take enough shots to get the goals needed to win.

3. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Wayne Gretzsky." Or for my The Office fans out there -Michael Scott".

There is a reason this line lives on. This quote is rooted in action. It is encouraging us to not be paralyzed by waiting for the perfect opportunity. You create pressure on your competition, or just on yourself, through action, persistence, and confidence. Particularly in business, too many leaders and teams wait for certainty before acting The leaders and teams that grow and have fun doing it, are often the ones willing to stress test ideas, act before being ready, allowing good enough to be good enough sometimes. Momentum favors action. The action creates the clarity and the certainty you need. The teams that are taking the shots are gaining the momentum.

The Pep Talk:

"The best leaders and teams build systems that can sustain pressure, absorb failure, and keep attacking no matter who is playing. Over time having a relentless focus on action will tire your competition out way more than perfection will. Stay focused, stay flexible, and keep showing up."

-Katie Beach