Welcome to
​The BIG Takeaway
A weekly newsletter that brings you fast, practical and relatable leadership lessons from pop culture.


​Hello current and future leaders who want to learn from TV, sports and movies!

There sure was a lot to choose from over the past few days. Since the Super Bowl is tomorrow I decided to focus on an NFL press conference that highlights a very important leadership topic: self-awareness.

There are going to be some references to Iron Man in this edition so let's start with a fun question: which superhero are you? I am Batman which I think is cool. FYI: this quiz takes a minute or two.

Let's learn about leadership starting in section one below. Estimated time to read this newsletter: 4 minutes.  

​By Rich Trombetta
​@trombettarich
Feb. 12, 2022
​Section 1: Smarter in two minutes
Self-awareness is your new superpower
It's not as flashy as the Iron Man suit but it's just as powerful
Picture
Image: Disney
The Las Vegas Raiders hired a new head coach who was a disaster in his last head coaching gig.  
  • Former New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator, Josh McDaniels, was introduced at press conference this week as the new HC for the "Just win baby" Raiders.
  • This isn't his first rodeo. As the head coach of the Denver Broncos he didn't even make it through his second season, being fired after game 12.
    ​
​So what's different this time?
  • "When I went to Denver I knew a little bit about football but I really didn't know people," McDaniels said.
  • "Looking at that experience has been one of the best things in my life," McDaniels added. 
  • You can watch the press conference for yourself to go deeper: Go to 28:02 of this clip​ to see the best 90 seconds.
An amazing statistic:
  • "Even though most people believe they are self-aware, only 10-15% of the people we studied actually fit the criteria." - Harvard Business Review
  • It's sort of like if 85% of us had a piece of spinach in our teeth and had no idea.

What they are saying:
  • “Guess what, I have flaws. What are they? Oh, I don’t know. I sing in the shower. Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I’ll hit somebody with my car. So sue me.” - Michael Scott, "The Office"

My take: There are things you know about yourself and things you don't know about yourself.
  • McDaniel's had to look in the mirror and admit why things went so badly in his first coaching gig. 
  • Being HONEST with yourself involves sometimes having to admit you might not be the smartest person in the room. 
  • I read a great analogy from the CEO of The Predictive Index that went something like this:

    "We all have things on the front of our tee-shirts that we and everyone else can see. It's what's on the back that we need others to tell us about."

Do these things to become more self-aware:
  • One: Know thyself.
    Take this self-assessment to get things started.​
  • Two: Learn from a classic Disney movie.
    Mirror, mirror on the wall; if only the queen had been more open to feedback! 
  • Three: Educate yourself even more. 
    "Self-awareness has been cited as the most important capability for leaders to develop," and article on Forbes.com notes.
  • Four: Gather some valuable intelligence.
    Find people to get feedback about yourself. Here are some questions to get you started; follow these tips:
    A. LISTEN
    B. BE OPEN TO FEEDBACK.
    C. ASK PEOPLE WHO WILL TELL YOU THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO HEAR; DON'T FEAR WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY

    "An intelligence agency that fears intelligence? Historically, not awesome." - Tony Stark, "Iron Man"

THE BIG TAKEAWAY: 
  • Without self-awareness it is impossible to improve; McDaniels used this superpower to get a second chance. 
Did you know we can design a custom leadership program based on topics like the one above? Click the button to learn more.
Section 2:   30 seconds on the clock
Commercials - from nuisance to learning opportunity
Amazing insights in less than a minute
I keep seeing this commercial about a dad wanting to have "the talk" with his son. Turns out the ad is for T-Mobile and features music from the 80s rock band Whitesnake.

​It got me thinking that certain work conversations can make people uncomfortable (watch the son's face in the ad). 
  • Here's a quick guide on how to have a difficult conversation.
  • Speaking of Whitesnake, they will be on tour at Hellfest in France in 2022 and tickets are sold out! No judgement.

Do this right now:
  • Think of one conversation you have been avoiding or you know needs to happen. 
  • Use the quick guide in the link above to map out a plan
  • Have the discussion tomorrow at the latest

THE BIG TAKEAWAY:
  • ​Ignoring something or not talking about it doesn't make it go away; get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Section 3: Tune in
What to watch this week
Viewing through a leadership lens
Here's when you can find me on the couch...or looking at my phone...or streaming online. Amazing how we get our sports and entertainment these days.
​
  • The Super Bowl: Obviously, right? What I am looking for: examples of strategy and decision making. This Sports Illustrated article from 2020 that talked about the Bengals' "toxic" culture. What a difference a year makes.
  • The ads. Since we have become "that culture" that can't wait for the actual spots to run you can preview them here.  Sort of like telling someone about their surprise birthday party if you ask me.
  • ABC's "Abbott Elementary." So often leaders think their job is about being the boss. Spoiler - it's so much more complex. What is really the job of the teachers and administrators in this show? 
Section 4: Social distortion
The amazing world of the web
Memes, links, videos and dogs
Here are some quick links to follow and view
  • Learn: Adam Grant - author and thought leader 
  • A business life hack you can use today: The power of saying no.
  • Inspiration: Olympic athlete - Mikaela Shiffrin. "Sending my love to those who are feeling that striking hurt of defeat… only let it beat you down for a little bit, and then you stand up again and throw a few punches back."
  • Smile: Our weekly dog video - ENJOY! A lesson in happiness.
Section 5: Epilogue
If you have a bit more time...
Our weekly deep-dive story
Do you shoot to make or not to miss?
  • Read our deep dive on what you can learn from 10 seconds in the NCAA basketball tournament.

THE BIG TAKEAWAY
Great performers are prepared for the moment; they are not arrogant, they are confident.
That's all for now

​I will be watching the Olympics, NCAA hoops and "Succession" for some good lessons so stay tuned.
  • Have some examples you would like to share? Contact me and tell me your thoughts.
  • And, please remember, we can create a custom newsletter for your team, department or organization that aligns with specific topics, reinforces other learning activities and helps people connect and learn from one another. ​

Have a great week and keep the remote close by,

Rich Trombetta
​@trombettarich

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