Curiosity #15 - A Sideline Masterclass

🎤 Quotable quotes: "Success isn't something you achieve, it's something you tune into." - Jim Murphy, Inner Excellence

It’s NFL playoff time—a season of joy for Marnie (ever-loyal Ravens fan) and, well... a bittersweet one for Nick (long-suffering Jets fan). This past weekend, though, we saw something remarkable on the sidelines of an Eagles game. And, as always, we couldn’t help but view it through our favorite lens: a lens of leadership.

Picture this: It’s the playoffs, adrenaline is high, and your team’s Super Bowl dreams are on the line. What’s A.J. Brown (wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles) doing? Not pacing. Not yelling. Not even scrolling. He’s reading. That’s right—Jim Murphy’s Inner Excellence became the star of the sidelines during the Eagles' playoff game this past Sunday.

Now, let’s address the elephant on the field: skeptics might say Brown was reading the book because he was frustrated with his one catch at that point and wanted to send a message. But that perspective misses the bigger picture. Brown didn’t just pick this book up on a whim. He’s shared before that Inner Excellence is part of his regular game-day routine—a tool he uses to stay grounded, focused, and ready for the next moment.

This isn’t about performance in a single quarter; it’s about character over the long haul. And that’s what makes this moment so powerful. Brown’s choice to prioritize mental clarity and emotional resilience reminds us of a key lesson in leadership: skills might get you to the game, but your mindset determines whether you succeed.

Here’s why it matters:

• Know Yourself: Brown wasn’t just reading any book—he was aligning himself with principles that help him perform at his best. What’s your version of this? What keeps you aligned and grounded when the stakes are high?
• Set a Plan: This wasn’t an impulse move. Brown intentionally brought the book to every game as part of his preparation. Do you have a plan for building the mindset and habits you need to succeed?
• Do the Work: Leadership isn’t about reading a book once and calling it a day. It’s about applying the lessons consistently. Whether through Inner Excellence, Lead It Like Lasso, or other books or tools, the true mark of a leader is doing the work.

Here’s the kicker: Studies show that 85% of success comes from soft skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and self-awareness (Carnegie Foundation). And self-awareness is the #1 predictor of leadership success. That’s the Character Revolution in action: building the mindset and skills that truly set you apart. [Note: that book was on soft skills not on technical skills like how to run an out route]

A.J. Brown’s sideline moment is a play straight out of the Lead It Like Lasso handbook. Ted Lasso himself would tell you that leadership isn’t just about talent—it’s about character, intentionality, and staying focused on the long game. Brown’s actions are a reminder that great leaders keep doing the work, even when others don’t fully understand their playbook.

Take Action:
Want to build your own game-winning mindset? In the How to Lead It Like Lasso masterclass, we’ll help you uncover your values, create a vision, and execute with purpose. Think of it as your personal sideline playbook—just without the cleats (or boots ;) ).

Got a sideline moment? Share your favorite leadership reads or tips for staying focused with #WeeklyCuriosities. Let’s build a team of leaders who know themselves, set the plan, and do the work.

More leadership musings

🍪 Biscuits with the Boss: What’s one book or resource you turn to when you need clarity or inspiration?
This ties perfectly to A.J. Brown’s sideline reading moment and encourages your audience to share their favorite reads or tools for staying grounded.

🏅Whistle. Whistle.: Excuses Won’t Win the Game
"If you’re waiting for the perfect moment to start working on yourself, let me save you some time—it doesn’t exist. The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now. Pick up the book, set the plan, and get moving. No one ever won a playoff game by standing still."

This aligns with the “Do the Work” theme, pushing readers to take immediate action on their personal growth.

📚Beard’s collection: Looking for Your Own Sideline Inspiration?
Here are three books that will help you tune into your inner excellence, whether you’re on the bench or in the boardroom. As Ted might say, “Be curious, not judgmental—even with yourself.”

📖 Murphy, Jim. Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life. Jim Murphy, 2015.
This is the book that had A.J. Brown sideline-ready! It’s all about mastering your mindset and finding focus in the chaos. Ted would call it your mental “Believe” sign—something to keep you grounded and ready to lead.

📖 Afremow, Jim. The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive. Rodale Books, 2014.
This one’s for the goal-setters and dreamers. Learn how to think like a champion and thrive under pressure. Ted would say it’s the perfect guide for those who are ready to “Make your next move your best move.”

📖 Hacker, Collee, and Mallery Mann. Achieving Excellence: Mastering Mindset for Peak Performance in Sport and Life. Human Kinetics, 2022.
Dr. Colleen Hacker, a renowned mental skills coach, shares insights on developing a champion's mindset. It's like having Coach Beard's tactical genius combined with Ted's optimism.