I saw a really interesting quote by Matt Lisle that really stuck with me:
“The more I coach, the more I am convinced that bad players give up, average players make excuses and great players get determined.”
I think this is so true. When I read that, it really resonated with me. After leading Service Express for all these years, I would agree 100% with that message.
This is especially evident during times of change or uncertainty when the path is unclear, and we’re trying to figure things out or solve problems.
Here’s how I see it:
Bad players give up. They quit at the first sign of trouble. They say, “I’m out,” and go look for another opportunity. Then, you see them on LinkedIn doing the same thing every year or two. It becomes a pattern — and we watch for that when we’re hiring.
Average players make excuses. They focus on why things can’t be done. They have all the reasons something won’t work, instead of trying to figure out how to make it work.
Great players are determined. They ask, “What can we do? How can we do it? Who’s with me?” They don’t get stuck; they move forward. And when you have a team of great players around you, it makes all the difference in the world.
Pay close attention to the players on your team, especially during uncertain times. That’s when their true mindset shows.
Anyone can be “all in” when things are going well. But during tough times, you find out who your bad players, average players and great players really are.
Surround yourself with more great players.
