How does your previous success impact you today?
Monday, September 10th brought two coaches to the first game of the NFL season. Jon Gruden returned the sideline of the Oakland Raiders after a stint in the broadcast booth. Sean McVay inaugurated his second season as the Los Angeles Rams Head Coach.
Even you do not follow football; these two coaches provide a fascinating comparison. Both Gruden and McVay became head coaches in their thirties. Their peers consider them innovators. They coach their teams with charisma.
The comparison sounds like a preview to a close football game. Well, McVay’s Rams beat Gruden’s Raiders 33-13.
The game reflects the differences between these two coaches. Jon Gruden analyzed games from the booth for nine years and not the sideline. McVay took an approach of building his team by resting them during the preseason. Gruden had battles with star players and ended trading Khalil Mack. It seems like McVay has a better handle on modern coaching than Gruden.
I don’t claim to be a football insider, but this case study of two coaches causes us to pause as leaders. You may find yourself on the early side of your career like Sean McVay, or you have experience with success like Jon Gruden.
My friend Dave Hertweck said this in the Multiply Podcast, “What got us here will not get us there.”
Those words have stuck in me since I heard them. They give me insight into the Gruden versus McVay football game. Our past success can hinder us more than we think. As followers of Jesus, at times we would rather lead what we know than go to the unknown of where He has called us.
What got us here, won’t get us there — @DavidHertweck
The Gospel reminds us of a Savior who makes all things new. That motivates our leadership. It calls us to develop new leaders younger than us. Take stock of the current context of where we lead. Rather than working against innovation, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to see opportunities.
You may find yourself as CEO, manager, teacher, business owner, parent, spouse, small group leader, pastor, or in a leadership role – what if you shifted your focus on the new things God wants to do in the future rather than dwelling on the formula for the past?
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