Cool, Calm and Collected

Posted by Scott Williams
19 Comments
January 31, 2008
Leadership | Life Application

As I was thinking about the Big Super Bowl Game this weekend between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants; I began to base my prediction of who’s going to win on a Life and Leadership principle that I try to live by.  That principle is to always remain what I call “3C” Cool, Calm & Collected.  

I would like to see the Giants upset the Patriots; however I have to go with the Patriots for the victory.  That decision is not because the Patriots are 18-0 and potentially the Best NFL team in history, but rather because Mr. “3C” himself Tom Brady is the Quarterback.  This guy is so smooth and so “3C” that it affects his teammates and their confidence on every down.

Here are a few names of highly successful sports figures whom all were extremely “3C,” especially in pressure situations:

  • Michael Jordan (Undeniably the best basketball player ever)
  • Tony Dungy (Super Bowl Champion Colts Coach, new book the Quiet Strength)
  • Phil Jackson (One of the best NBA coaches ever; a.k.a. Zen Master)  

Some of the best leaders that I have ever been around have the ability in pressure situations to remain “3C.”  If our country is in a high pressure situation, I want a President who can remain “3C.”  I prefer to work for individuals who can remain “3C.”  Think of those arguments at home, those pressure situations, those leadership challenges, those tough decisions…. and how different they would be if we just remained “3C.”  I posted a similar blog entry last year entitled “You Don’t Have to Yell and Act Stupid.”   

I personally feel that you have nothing to loose and everything to gain when you remain “3C.”  So on fourth down and long I am going w/ Mr. “3C” and the Patriots.  

Do you think that it’s important to remain “3C?”  Have you worked for or around individuals who did or didn’t have the gift of “3C?”  Share your thoughts, discuss, game predictions…. chime-in! 

  • http://www.headyco.com Yhonce aka Heady

    I’m a Cowboys fan so I’m not that interested in who wins concerning my heart; however, I wouldn’t mind experiencing a bit of history i.e. New England going undefeated. I give kudos on the “3C” rule. I enjoy reading about Jesus because He had the “3C” going on at all times, well besides the time He cleared the temple. I think people who operate by the “3C” rule have a much greater chance at being successful in all areas of life. Warren Buffet seems as though he would live by this same rule. When at work, home, church, etc, I’m making it top priority to be Cool, Calm, and Collected. I’M GOING FOR SUCCESS!

  • http://jennifercady.blogspot.com/ Jenn Cady

    I just like the commercials! I hope that they are funny!

    So, I have worked for various types of leaders…The 3 big C qualities you discussed change lives. On the other hand, leaders who are at the other end of the spectrum…having the 3 little c’s … being…”Controlling”…”Conceited”…and “Counterfeit” produce junk and are impossible to follow!

  • http://www.unveilinghope.com Hope

    Don’t hate me … I don’t watch football. But I love being around 3C people. I’m drawn to them. When I began going to Lifecentre I found it strange that everyone there seemed to appear “beautiful.” It wasn’t until my eyes and ears were opened that I realized they were 3C people. I was drawn to them and wanted what they had. Who was ever more 3C than Jesus Christ?

  • http://jthelmsdeep.blogspot.com Joseph

    Great post. I believe in 3C and am absolutely convinced that such people make the best decisions in pressure situations. Having said that, I am going to differ with your reasons for a Patriots win and say they are going to win simply because they are the best darn team in the modern era and maybe even in the history of football.

  • http://www.annameadows.com Anna Meadows

    Well, I work for a guy who displays the 3C concept pretty good… I’m learning from him all the time!

  • Scott Williams

    Heady- Great additions, Jesus was definitely “3C.” I checked out your blog, good stuff.
    Jenn- Good stuff…I have to steal the little 3C’s and post on it next week, mayve even tomm.
    Hope- Amen!
    Joseph- Tell us how you really feel; however take Mr. “3C” out of the equation and they are not the best %4@# football team. :-)
    Anna- Tony? Just kidding! ;-) BTW- Check out Anna’s post today it’s Good Stuff!

  • http://steveharrison1.blogspot.com/ steve

    Good word today….that is what I want to be around my wife and children as well, 3C! Tony Dungy’s book, “Quiet Strength” is one of the best I have read, he commented about not hollering and screaming at the referee’s as other coaches may, he said he was reminded of his own father who told him, what difference is it really going to make (may not be exact but the point is the same). Great reminder! Sounds like Mr. Dungy had a good example to follow and he sets an awesome standard for others. Cool, Calm, and Collected; that is what I need to be for my family, friends, and the folks I work with!

  • http://paravane.wordpress.com/ jimmy paravane

    I’m still stuck on the thought that Jesus wasn’t 3C when He cleared the temple. God would be so much easier to keep in a box if it weren’t for that Jesus guy.

  • James

    I agree that 3C leadership is powerful and moving, but almost all of the leaders mentioned, and the most influential of them all, Jesus have that certain “Fire in their belly.” That thing that makes them stand up and fight for what is right. To be courageous and strong when facing adversity.

  • http://cindybeall.wordpress.com Cindy Beall

    Jimmy, you crack me up! Seriously!

    I think that the 3C concept is necessary for leaders to display. It’s a lot of pressure on them for sure to try to act in a way that won’t send their direct reports into a tizzy.

  • http://cindybeall.wordpress.com Cindy Beall

    Oh, one more thing. I think, at times, amazing leaders don’t stay 3C which can give those under them the opportunity to display it. Example: When Chris panics, which isn’t often, but it does occur, it allows me to calm him down. He’s usually the one to calm me down! It’s a nice balance.

  • Scott Williams

    Steve- Thanks bro. Dungy is awesome, his story is great and I’m reading “Quiet Stength” right now. He’s one of only a couple of coaches who don’t use profanity either.
    Jimmy- You’re back! :-)
    James- Absolutely, you definitely have to have it in you, it’s like Dungy’s book Quiet Strength. You have to lay it down when necessary, but it’s how you lay it down.
    Cindy- I don’t like the tizzyers, if that is a word.

  • http://charlesshyblosky.wordpress.com Charles

    How’d that 3C stuff work out for your bowl picks? Lol, i’m pulling for the giants….Jesus is coming back with fire in His eyes, and a sword in His hand, riding a white horse…..3C

  • http://www.floatingaxhead.com michael

    it definitely beats the chicken little leadership style…the sky is always falling, as are the f-bombs, and that doesn’t mean fellowship. as far as jesus, his righteous anger in the temple was without sin, so it was probably collected but not so calm, but i think the situation called for something more. i think god was less than totally 3-c when he leveled sodom…so perhaps as with being drunk, angry, too pumped, etc, we need to never leave that spirit-filled state…eph 5:18

  • http://www.nataliewitcher.blogspot.com Natalie Witcher

    My dad is a 3c. It’s unbelieveable! He’s an amazing leader, boss, father, friends and his 3C makes him strong, not weak.

    I’ve going for the Patriots. I just like the fact they are making history. I really don’t care who wins, it’d just be fun for them to win cuz it’d be fun for them. (what?)

  • http://www.embracingthefriction.blogspot.com Christi D.

    I love being around 3C people- they tend to put you in a calmer mood as well.

  • Scott Williams

    Charles- You won’t let me live those picks down and rightfully so, they sucked. I covered myself I am pulling for the Giants but think the Pats will win.
    Michael- Well said sir
    Natalie- Lol (what?) Did you get any of your dad’s 3C characteristics?
    Christi- Yes, it stays steady….

  • Pingback: Big Is The New Small » Super Bowl Party

  • Pingback: Big Is The New Small - Cool As The Other Side of The Pillow

Designed by EightDay Studio. Powered by the Standard Theme. Developed by Milk Engine.