Possibly, concentrating on the purpose we do something rather than just a number, is one way that Tom Brady and Bill Belichick and the Patriots have been so successful (Clear 202). Belichick has sold the idea that it is about the purpose (to win games) and that is the metric that drives all other decisions. Should they run the ball 30 times or throw it 50 against a certain team? Should they blitz against this team? If the idea is effectively sold to the others on the team, then they would be willing to miss out on individual statistics that others use to rate themselves, so the team can reach their ultimate goal which is for the good of the team.
How can this be imparted to students in class? The focus on the learning (winning) rather than the grade (personal statistics) is essential for our program. More exactly, the grade should be an indication of the learning, and not separate from it, let alone be the sole focus. Again, like Belicek selling the win over the personal statistics, the challenge is in looking for how to sell learning as the goal. Each week, there is a way for teams to check whether they have accomplished their purpose. Are tests or projects that win? It seems so.In football each year, the ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl. Is the Super Bowl of learning, college? a dream job? happiness? financial success? How can we create a shorter term ultimate prize rather than one that is years in the future? Is it
Each year there is a Super Bowl and hence a Super Bowl winner. After the season, the team and the players can evaluate themselves to reflect on what they did to lead to the championship (or for all but one team, not the championship). In learning, the goal is for everyone to win the championship and everyone can win the "championship." How does someone decide if they won the "championship" or if they even played in the game?
