By Spencer Short, Texas A&M
Growing up a huge fan of football—especially the Cleveland Browns—I’ve spent countless Sundays watching plays unfold, tracking strategies, and analyzing what separates a winning team from a struggling one. What I didn’t expect was how much of that knowledge would come in handy in my professional life. Now working at Morgan Stanley in Alpharetta, GA, I’ve found that navigating corporate culture is a lot like running a good football playbook. From teamwork to discipline to adapting under pressure, the lessons from the gridiron carry over in powerful ways.
Understanding the Game Plan
Just like in football, every successful company has a game plan. In the corporate world, this game plan takes the form of mission statements, goals, deadlines, and internal processes. At Texas A&M’s Mays Business School, I learned to appreciate the value of structure and strategy. But it wasn’t until I got into the real world that I realized how much this mirrors what football teams do every week—study film, set plays, and execute under pressure.
In football, you don’t just run onto the field and wing it. You review the playbook, understand your role, and adjust based on your opponent. At work, it’s the same. To succeed, you have to understand your company’s strategy, your team’s expectations, and how to adapt your approach to fit the situation. You can’t just show up—you have to be prepared.
Know Your Role, But Be Ready to Pivot
In football, not everyone can be the quarterback. Some players are linemen, some are wide receivers, and every role is essential. The same holds true in the workplace. Early in my career, I thought the fastest way to grow was to take on as much as I could. But I quickly learned that real success comes from mastering your role, contributing to the team, and trusting others to do their part.
That said, flexibility is key. Injuries happen in football, and players sometimes have to fill in at different positions. At work, projects shift, people leave, and priorities change. Being adaptable—without losing focus on your main responsibilities—is a skill that helps you stand out in any organization.
Communication Is the Key to Execution
Watch any great football team, and you’ll see players constantly communicating—calling audibles, adjusting routes, or shouting reminders. In corporate culture, good communication is just as important. Whether you’re working on a team project or reporting to leadership, you need to be clear, concise, and respectful.
At Morgan Stanley, we work in fast-paced environments, and there’s often a lot happening at once. A missed message or assumption can lead to big problems. The communication skills I’ve picked up from watching and playing sports—like staying calm under pressure and listening actively—have helped me build trust with my coworkers and manage projects more effectively.
Leadership Isn’t Always About the Spotlight
As a football fan, I’ve always admired players who lead quietly—those who show up every day, support their teammates, and let their actions speak louder than their words. In corporate settings, leadership looks the same. You don’t have to be the loudest in the room to lead. Sometimes, the best leaders are the ones who listen well, encourage others, and step up when it matters most.
During my time at Texas A&M and now in my role in finance, I’ve tried to model my leadership style on these kinds of players. I’ve learned that respect is earned by consistency, humility, and being someone others can rely on—not just by talking a big game.
Overcoming Setbacks with Grit
If you’re a Cleveland Browns fan like me, you know a thing or two about setbacks. Supporting a team that’s had its share of ups and downs has taught me patience and resilience—traits that are absolutely essential in the business world.
In football and in life, things won’t always go your way. A play breaks down. You fumble the ball. You lose the game. At work, it might be a project that fails or a deal that falls through. The key is how you respond. Football taught me that grit—picking yourself up, learning from the mistake, and showing up the next day ready to improve—is what sets great players (and professionals) apart.
Team First Mentality
Football is the ultimate team sport. No single player can win a game on their own. The same is true in a corporate environment. You need collaboration, support, and shared goals. At Morgan Stanley, some of the best outcomes happen when departments and individuals come together and pool their skills.
Being a good teammate—whether it’s celebrating others’ successes or stepping in when someone needs help—builds stronger work relationships and a more positive company culture. It’s not always about individual performance; it’s about making the team better.
Final Thoughts: The Corporate Playbook
Football isn’t just entertainment—it’s a masterclass in strategy, leadership, and teamwork. As a young professional working in finance, I see more and more every day how much the lessons from the field apply to the office. Whether you’re drawing up a game-winning play or pitching a new idea in a boardroom, the principles are the same: preparation, communication, adaptability, and heart.