Michigan versus Ohio State
Rivalries, like Michigan vs. Ohio State, are powerful reminders of passion and competition. I’ve had the privilege of living in both Ann Arbor and Columbus. I’ve seen the excitement these games bring to communities. This year’s matchup was no exception—until the postgame incident overshadowed the game.
The aftermath saw players at their worst. It could have been a celebration of effort and strategy. Instead, it became a cautionary tale. Each team was fined $100,000 for what happened after the game.
The lesson? Grace matters. Not just in sports but in life and leadership. It’s a subject that my friend John Baldoni (from Michigan, too!) has written and spoken about for some time.
how you win matters
Winning is thrilling. The adrenaline, the applause, the spotlight. But how you handle victory speaks volumes. Celebrate, but don’t taunt. Acknowledge your opponent’s effort. Show respect for those who challenged you—it makes the victory mean more.
Take Roger Federer as an example. Known for his dominance on the court, Federer wasn’t one to gloat. In interviews, he praised his opponents, recognizing their role in pushing him to succeed. That humility earned him respect even by his fiercest rivals.
losing with dignity
Loss stings. But how you handle defeat can define your character. Avoid excuses. Learn from it. Move forward.
When Billie Jean King lost a tough match, she didn’t sulk. She analyzed it, used it as fuel for her next challenge, and often praised the performance of her opponent. Her grace under pressure set her apart—not just as a great player but as a great leader.
lessons for leaders
Leaders face moments of triumph and challenge every day. A major win, like securing a big client, is a chance to celebrate without arrogance. A setback, like losing a key deal, is a moment to model resilience.
How you react teaches your team what’s possible. They’ll look to you to set the tone. Will you blame others when things go wrong? Or will you take responsibility and find the next step forward?
the power of sportsmanship
In the heat of competition, it’s easy to forget what matters most. But rivalries don’t have to divide. They can unite, as long as respect is at the center. The Michigan-Ohio State game reminded us that passion must be paired with grace. For leaders, the stakes are even higher. Every win and loss is an opportunity to model the behaviors we value most.
Remember that every win and loss is a chance to lead by example. Celebrate success without arrogance, and acknowledge the contributions of your team and competitors alike. When challenges arise, face them with resilience and accountability. These moments define your leadership. By demonstrating humility in victory and strength in adversity, you cultivate trust, respect, and a commitment to shared values that drive lasting success.
Grace isn’t just a virtue; it’s a strategy for sustainable leadership.
