Football coaches pore over game film to spot things they'd never see real-time during an actual game. For example, when blitzed, a quick-thinking quarterback can exploit weaknesses in the defense. The QB can survey the field for a one-on-one mismatch created by the blitz, avoid the pass rush by hitting a slanting wide receiver running a “hot” slant route, or even expose the lack of safety help deep by throwing over the top of the defense to a sprinting wideout. If the coaching staff can use the game film to identify the likely blitz formations and situations, they can prepare the quarterback to make the real-time, snap decisions required to take advantage of the blitzing defense. The value of this meticulous observation is intuitive in the sports world. After all, coaches get a week to review a 60-minute game. In the organizational world, where every day is game day, such analysis is less common. It's unfortunate because studying the game film can yield unexpected insights.

Traditionally enterprises have tried to rely on intuition - we are so good, we will figure it all out in the heat of the next game - or fully scripting the whole game – plans, budgets, forecasts. Real world experience proves that neither approach holds up to the realities of the business world. A game-film breakdown is the best option.

What insights might your team be overlooking because no one is observing carefully enough? Might be time to press the PAUSE button and start screening some game film. There are some things you'll never see unless you look.