Euro 2021- the second biggest soccer tournament is underway. Professionals abound. The players, coaches, trainers, and administrators. Each has a specific function to perform, and they do it well.
This past Saturday, during a game, Christian Eriksen, one of the stars for Denmark, collapsed on the field while playing. He lost consciousness. In seconds his teammates, and specifically the captain, responded. The captain gave mouth-to-mouth while the referee, Anthony Taylor, called on the emergency medical team. A defibrillator was necessary to resuscitate him. He had suffered cardiac arrest. Today, Eriksen is in stable condition thanks to the quick, decisive actions of professionals.
But it was not the actions of only the medical team. Captain Simon Kjaer and referee Taylor’s efforts were instrumental. They were prepared. Not in their crafts of playing or officiating alone, but instead of being professionals.
Excellence does not focus on a narrow set of defined actions but instead the awareness of aspects that add to our performance and define us as professionals. It is the small things that make a difference. We may be good in our professions, yet, ultimately, what makes us great is our attention to the small details and our preparation for small events. When we are aware, take time to see more broadly, and prepare, we inevitably produce better products and deliver favorable outcomes- sometimes life-saving.
