Hats, Haircuts and Tattoos

Searching for your next superstar player, sales rep, or executive? On Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. EST, 3x Super Bowl-winning executive Michael Lombardi will host a one-time online event, “Evaluating Talent in the NFL.” Limited to the first 500 registrants, see details below. 

The coach is weighing his options.

His team has a tough matchup ahead, so he decides he’s going to switch up some schemes to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm.

But when the game starts, the constant shifting only throws off his own players. They aren’t clear about whom they’re coming in for, they’re not used to playing together, and they look entirely lost. 

The coach’s choice to mix up his substitutions is an example of what best-selling author James Clear considers a “haircut decision.” 

To Clear, there are really three types of decisions — and whatever leadership capacity we’re in, we’d benefit from knowing the distinctions:

1. Hats

-Low-cost choices
-You can make a poor one with few consequences
-Move quickly and don’t overthink these 

Example: Choosing between wearing a tie or a nice sweater to an event.

2. Haircuts 

-Mistakes that have some consequences but aren’t fatal
-Our choices may make us look foolish for a short time, but will likely be forgotten
-Don’t be scared of these. They’re usually risks that are worth a shot

Example: Spending a lot of money on a guest speaker to address the team.

3. Tattoos

-Decisions with long-term repercussions
-Irreversible choices that can haunt us for years to com
-Should go about these deliberately and and with careful calculation 

Example: Quitting our job and sending a scathing resignation letter to our boss.

Whether we’re coaches, executives or are in some other leadership position, it’s important to remember that not all of our decisions should be given equal weight.  

Have fun with the hats and weigh the haircuts.

And give some extra consideration to the tattoos.

Building a winning team—whether in football, sales, or an athletics department—starts with selecting the right talent. Discover how it’s done in the NFL on February 22nd at 4pm EST/1pm PST. This special presentation from Michael Lombardi will explore the NFL Talent Evaluation System developed during his time with the Cleveland Browns and will showcase how to develop your team philosophy, evaluate talent and character, leverage a grading scale, and so much more.

Don’t miss your chance to transform your team selection process. Attend Michael Lombardi’s presentation on February 22nd, incorporate strategies from the NFL into your own selection process, and recruit your next superstar. Spaces are limited to the first 500 registrants — reserve your free spot now.

This presentation is part of the launch of "Community Artifacts," a new feature of The Daily Coach Network.

The Daily Coach Network is a vetted membership community of sports executives, business leaders and coaches who learn together and support each other to improve their teams' performance. Applications are once again open. Apply before the deadline here.

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