Should Workplace Managers Call Plays Like NFL Coaches?

Jul 3

A Spark from the Sidelines

It’s NFL playoff season, and we’ve all seen it: a coach frantically scanning their laminated play sheet, trying to pick the right call with 30 seconds on the clock.

It made us wonder—what if managers had their own version of that play sheet?

Managers Need Playbooks Too

Most managers we work with are overwhelmed. They’re juggling:

Delivering on projects
Supporting team morale
Navigating hybrid work
Managing conflict
Trying to develop people and culture

And they’re doing it all with minimal time and few tactical tools.

So What If…

Instead of starting from scratch each time, managers had a few reliable, proven “plays” to call when facing common challenges?

We’re not talking about laminated menus or arm sleeves à la Joe Burrow. Just practical, ready-to-use tactics.

A Few of Our Favorite “Plays”

Here are five plays we teach managers to call:

Experiments — When stuck or testing new ways of working
Agreements — When expectations need clarity or repair
Micro Connections — To rebuild team chemistry or welcome new members
Story Building — To align around purpose or refresh vision
Agile Canvas — To plan inclusive, collaborative efforts

A Real-World Example

One leader came to us with a team on the edge of burnout. Meetings were crowding out actual work. After learning about the “Experiments” tactic, the team agreed to trial “no-meeting Fridays.” No huge policy change—just a shared agreement to test a solution.

Now, that manager has a go-to play in her back pocket—and a more energized team.

The Bottom Line

Managers don’t need endless theory. They need useful tools they can apply tomorrow. A simple, flexible play sheet helps them lead with clarity and confidence.

Evan Ishida