It’s a good idea for NFL rookies–and everyone else, too.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts as he warms up prior to the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Michael Owens/Getty Images
What’s one of the first things you should do when you find yourself in a new situation–working with a new client, pitching your product or service to a new industry, or even in a new job? Learn the lingo.
That very sound advice comes from Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who helped his team win the Super Bowl three times, but is perhaps best known for his romantic relationship with Taylor Swift. In the latest episode of New Heights, the podcast he co-hosts with his older brother, former Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce, the two brothers discussed the importance–or perhaps unimportance–of learning their teams’ playbooks. Jason pointed out that for those who’ve played football in college and/or high school, most NFL plays will be at least somewhat familiar. Besides, he said, players are taught the relevant plays at multiple points throughout the season and before every game, giving them plenty of opportunities to learn their parts.
“The biggest thing is that communication.”
But, Travis noted, perhaps the most important aspect of a playbook is the terminology in it, which can be specific to each team. “In terms the transition from college to the pros, the biggest thing is that communication with the whole new team, and whole new coaching staff,” he said. “Because you want to be able to have those ‘educated’ conversations with your coaches. Saying, ‘Oh that was a WAM Blitz,’–that gives them confidence that you’re seeing the field and you know your job and you know what we’re trying to get done as a team, as a unit.”
You want to be able to have those “educated” conversations. Kelce is right. In so many situations, it’s not just important to know how to do the work, or to know your area–it also matters that you know how to use insider terms that prove you know the profession, industry, or organization as well. That might seem shallow, but the fact is that throughout history, tpeople have often used insider words that only some understand as informal code–or even formal code–to identify those they could trust and those who shared the same specialized knowledge. Using the specific words that are relevant to your new client, partner, or team member sends a signal that you know what you are doing and that they can trust you.
Thinking from a team perspective.
“All that does is make you seem more valuable than just an athlete that can get the job done,” Kelce continued. “Now you’re thinking of it from a team perspective.” This question of communicating with the coaches and other players, using the right terminology for the team is more important than many players realize, he added. “So everybody that’s out there trying to learn a playbook, figure out how the coaches are communicating.” In the end, that might be more effective than memorizing plays.
There’s a growing audience of Inc.com readers who receive a daily text from me with a self-care or motivational micro-challenge or tip. Often, they text me back and we wind up in a conversation. (Want to learn more? Here’s some information about the texts and a special invitation to a two-month free trial.) Many are entrepreneurs or business leaders who know how important it is to “speak the language” when you want to gain the trust of a customer or business partner. It’s well worth taking the time to learn what those insider words are.
