I watched the Super Bowl last night. I’m not a huge sports fan, if I watch 2 games a year outside of the Super Bowl thats a lot. But I always enjoy watching the big game. The fact the Patriots where back again certainly heightens my enjoyment of the game as I have for all intents and purposes been a Patriots fan my entire life.
As I watched last night I and then listened the commentary this morning both of the game and the commercials that go along with it - I realized that everyone is a critic of something.
And sure, have the ability to offer an opinion is something all embrace, may I suggest that an opinion is different from criticism - and most of what I heard today was bleak criticism fashioned as opinion.
Can I offer up a idea? Most of us simply do not have the skill or talent to either play or coach at the level the LA Rams and New England Patriots play at. So for any of us to second guess, or - wait for it - “Monday Morning Quarterback” our thoughts about what should have occurred is quite frankly ridiculous.
It’s a fact. WE - and yes, I’m speaking to me just as much as you - aren’t world class athletes that can take the beating those players take while making the plays those players make. Sometimes it just hurts watching the abuse their bodies endure so that we can criticize the decisions they make while playing the game.
But I want to develop this idea a little further in that aside from the game itself, we tend to all have an opinion regarding the much hyped (overhyped?) commercials. But once again, is it possible that our opinions disguised as criticism are not only wanted, but needed.
Hundreds of hours go into the strategic planning that make up a Super Bowl commercial. Creative decisions meant to sway and influence the viewer go into the careful messaging and crafting of each commercial.
Some are home runs, er touchdowns, while others fail to make the grade. I get it - that is why we get to have an opinion. But take it a step further and recognize the time and talent that is behind the scenes of the messaging being presented in the commercials shown during the big game.
This thought has been stewing all day with me and frankly has served as a challenge for me this week. Outside of the criticism masked as opinion I want to ask this very simple question.
Are you willing to put yourself out there in a creative way or does the threat of criticism mean you play it safe?
It is a tough question. I get it, odds are you aren’t in advertising or professional sports, but within the arena that you have influence. Are you content to sit on the sidelines while others call the shots or are you willing, or perhaps do you consistently put yourself out there and lead with ideas and concepts that you know others most likely are critical of when you aren’t around.
Leadership is funny in that way. Some of the best leaders out there use their own transparency and vulnerability to create ideas that while initially laughed at ultimately turn out to be ideas we all embrace later in life.
They don’t allow the naysayers and critics to hold them back rather demonstrate leadership by consistently leading and challenging those around them.
Are you that kind of person and if not, why not begin this week. Don’t let the opinions of others hold you back from being the person you know you can be.
This week live like there are no critics and don’t be afraid to let your creative side shine.
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