A lesson from Garrett Gilbert and the Texas Longhorns

I happen to be a Longhorn mom. My daughter Megan graduated from the University of Texas and I was glued to the set last night when they went down in defeat to Alabama.

The drama of the loss began to unfold in the first quarter—but this post isn’t really about football—it is about clarity—and I think that game showed the value of clarity.

The superstar quarterback for Texas, Colt McCoy, was injured very early in the first quarter so the freshman back-up quarterback, Garrett Gilbert, was tapped to lead the team in this crucial BCS Championship game at the historic Rose Bowl.

Colt left the field and Garrett took his place—what you and I might call an “interim” role, while the trainers and doctors checked on Colt’s injury. In that first half, the freshman quarterback was hesitant and unsure of himself. He held back—didn’t take any risks—and the Crimson Tide rolled on to a sizeable lead by half-time.

At half-time, Garrett and the team learned what all of us watching the game on TV knew—Colt McCoy was not coming back to the game. His college football career was over.

After half-time, Colt did come out to the sidelines and he talked to Garrett and the team—he brought the leadership that has made him such a star for Texas (okay—I am a little prejudice).But that is not the story here. The real story is what happened next.

Garrett came into the second half a different player. He was no longer an interim place holder for Colt. He knew clearly that he was in charge—the role of quarterback of the number 2 NCAA team, playing against the number 1 NCAA team, was much clearer now than it was in the first half. Colt was out—Garrett was in and his passing game came alive. He took risks. He played with confidence. He took charge. And he went from negative four yards passing in the first half to two touchdown passes in the second half.

I wished this story ended with a win for my Longhorns---but it didn’t. But I did come away with insight—and while not a fair trade for that crystal trophy—I’ll take it—and I will pass it along.

Once Garrett had clarity in his mission—once he knew that the role of quarterback was his and his alone—he took charge. He gained confidence. He owned the role.

And then this question came to mind as one that every leader should ask: Is there someone on my team who could do the same if they had some clarity?