The O- lineman’s Creed Applied to Business and the Customer Experience
They’re the big men up front that keep the quarterback upright and open holes for the running back – basically, the muscle behind the magic. Offensive linemen don’t shy away from the dirty work. They address challenges head-on, ensuring that no task is overlooked, much like the front lines of a business, protecting and maximizing the customer experience.
They are the unsung heroes of football who don’t score touchdowns or grab the headlines, but guess what? They’re the secret sauce behind every winning play and team success. Now, these linemen operate in a world of constant change and high-pressure situations. They’re like the wizards behind the curtain, making things happen without fanfare, doing the dirty work, and basking in everyone else’s success.
They’re not just brawn; they’re the brains, too. Controlling calls and mastering tricky blocking schemes – it’s all in a day’s work. Their motto? Get things done, no fuss. Andrew Koon is our Director of Business Development and a former college Offensive Lineman for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. He brings the lineman’s mindset to the business world with an unstoppable force.
We are going to take a page from his playbook and apply it to the wild world of business. Yep, business lessons from football linemen. Who knew? Let’s dive into these cool lessons and see how they can spice up the corporate game.
Let’s kick off with the O-Lineman’s Creed
- Always on the Hunt (Head on a Swivel): Stay sharp in the market, be aware of trends, and embrace opportunities.
- No Need for Headlines: Success is about team and organizational achievements, not personal fame.
- Team First, Always: Prioritize the team and be ready to sacrifice for the greater good.
- Everything’s Personal: Building meaningful connections is crucial for success.
- We’re Not After the Ball (or the Glory)… Just the Win: Focus on overall organizational success, not individual victories.
How to Win at Life
- Be the Paper Cup Picker Upper: Don’t ignore what needs to be done.
- Treat Others with Respect: Respect is the foundation of strong relationships. People who treat others with respect build trust and loyalty within their teams.
- Always be Good to People: A positive and supportive attitude towards colleagues and employees creates a healthy work environment. Good leaders inspire and motivate, fostering a culture of collaboration.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Success requires resilience. Leaders should be patient in facing challenges, persistent in pursuing goals, and adaptable in the ever-changing corporate landscape.
- Do the Small Things Correctly: Attention to detail is crucial. Successful people understand that small, seemingly insignificant tasks contribute to the organization’s overall success.
- Don’t Overextend Yourself, Know Your Boundaries: You must know when to delegate when to step back, and when to take charge. Understanding one’s limits and strengths is essential for effective leadership.
Toss the Yellow Penalty Flag

- Laziness: A strong work ethic is often a differentiator. We despise laziness and inspire a culture of hard work and commitment.
- Over Processing Things: Simplicity and efficiency are key in business processes. Overly complex procedures can hinder productivity. Effective leaders streamline operations for optimal performance.
- Not Being Coachable: A willingness to learn and adapt is crucial. Successful people are open to feedback and constantly seek opportunities for improvement.
- Fakeness: Authenticity is a powerful trait. Those who are genuine and transparent build trust with their teams and clients.
What Does This Mean For You?
In the trenches of football and the boardrooms of business, lessons from an offensive lineman resonate strongly. The parallels between the two realms highlight the universal principles of hard work, sacrifice, and teamwork. We can all draw inspiration from the O-lineman mentality, understanding that success is not an individual pursuit but a collective effort. By embodying these principles, we can navigate the complexities of the business world and emerge victorious in our endeavors.
At Advanced Business Solutions, our team has its own creed – The ABS Way. These principles guide our actions, decisions, and direction and are crucial for our clients, as they help turn them into winners. The ABS Way serves as a compass and a valuable resource for each team member, ensuring the delivery of MVP customer experience and treating them with the respect they deserve. In summary, don’t ignore the paper cup in the parking lot. Pick it up and take care of what needs to be done – period.
Do you and your company want to lock arms with our team?
Do you want to join our team?