Many times for business people the day is so hectic.  The responsibility of running a business so great and the to do list so long that we forget about paying attention to what is around us. 

Sports is always a good example for understanding how to run a business.  If a sports team loses a key player they still must play their next scheduled game.  The team needs to step it up to win the game even if the star quarterback or any other player has been injured and is unable to play. 

A perfect example of this is the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Currently, the Steelers are 3-0 for the season.   To understand Steeler football is to understand the city and the people who reside in and around Pittsburgh.  The game is often referred to as smash mouth football because the team is expected to be tough not only offensively but defensively.  It’s a tradition that didn’t start with sports.  It started with the hardworking people of the city who worked in the steel mills under terrible conditions but yet did what was necessary to feed their families and earn decent wages.  Although steel is no longer the industry it once was in Pittsburgh the traditions and the tough mindedness of the people continue.  They just don’t like to lose.  When you knock them down they don’t stay down.  They reinvent themselves.  So although steel may not be a primary industry in the region they have reinvented themselves as a destination recognized for high tech, education and medical research and services.  

Now back to the Pittsburgh Steelers…  Almost everyone knows the Ben Rothliesburger story and how he got himself suspended from football for the first four games of the season.  Steelers management thought they had it all figured out for the first four games.  They had an experienced quarterback, Byron Leftwich, plus a young quarterback named Dennis Dixon who they believed could carry the team.  Then there was the hometown boy who was really from Pittsburgh, Charlie Batch.  Charlie had played 11 seasons with the Steelers  as the backup quarterback.   Many expected Charlie would be cut from the team.  But fate was looking out for Charlie and had other ideas.  Leftwich and Dixon both sustained injuries as the season began and unable to play.  That left, Charlie, as the last quarterback standing till the suspension is over.  So what does Charlie do?  He does what he has always done.  He goes out on the field and he shows everyone that he can still play Steelers brand of football.   That experience and a determined, positive attitude matters.  After Sunday’s game many people are saying, “Ben who?”

 If the Steelers would have cut Charlie they would have been up the Mon River without a paddle.  So let’s now look at this from a business perspective.  Ask yourself:  Who is the hidden star in your business that always does a consistently good job that you can depend on?  Who deserves the recognition for what they do?  Who is the employee with the great, positive, can do attitude that enjoys their job and is always supportive of company strategy?  What employee is a true team member?  Take the time to see that employee’s possibilities and potential.  Give them the opportunity to be the winning star on your company’s team.