Consistency: Focus on the Floor not the Ceiling

“I don’t do anything special, I just don’t miss.”- Cory Gregory- Fitness Training Expert on his training “secrets.”

I saw a video of New York Mets’ shortstop Francisco Lindor, working on his pre-pitch movement.  The clip takes place during batting practice. Every time you hear the crack of the bat, Lindor is landing softly on the balls of his feet.  There is a beautiful rhythm to it.  

I watched in amazement as he worked meticulously on this seemingly mundane detail.  Keep in mind, this took place in September – he’s been playing most every night since February.  “Frankie” is obviously incredibly gifted physically; however, it’s his consistency that makes him elite. 

A friend of mine who’s in professional baseball once told me there is little difference between the skills of a AA baseball player and a big leaguer.  The quickness, arm strength, physicality, are virtually the same. The difference is not in their “ceiling”; instead, the difference is the “floor.”

The ceiling is what one is capable of on a given day or night.  For example, the majority of AA baseball players are capable of having a strong performance in an MLB game.  They could go 4-4 with 2 home runs and make great defensive plays. Or, a pitcher could throw well and hold a team scoreless for a few innings.  Their ceiling is high enough to have a great performance. 

While these players are capable of highs, they are also susceptible to lows.  The highlight reel play on Monday can be replaced with two errors on Tuesday. Lack of consistency in preparation and performance cannot be tolerated at the highest levels.  The largest separator among elite athletes is not the ceiling, it’s the floor.

Most people focus on the ceiling.  In my profession, we watch recruiting videos that showcase an athlete’s potential. Attempting to determine the probability of success from a highlight video is equal to attempting to evaluate someone’s happiness by viewing their Facebook page.  Both showcase the ceiling while hiding the floor. 

Coaches, like me, are missing the boat.  There are a surplus of people who have the ceiling to play competitive collegiate baseball.  The real question is: what is their floor?

What does a high floor look like for a collegiate athlete?  They go to class. They show up everyday with a consistent approach and attitude.  They smile frequently. They are low maintenance. They see challenges as opportunities.  They have an ability to self-reflect and make improvements.  

What does a “high floor” look like in your business?  I’ve seen professionals from many different sectors make the same mistake as coaches – they hire off of potential while failing to consider the candidate’s floor.   

The next time you are at a professional game watch the defense as a pitch is delivered.  You will see all the players make some kind of prep movement in anticipation of a ball being hit to them.  Every player, 120-150 pitches a night for 162 games a year will be prepared to have a ball hit to them. On a given night they may get ten chances or none; it doesn’t matter, they will be ready.  They will have adversity in their personal life; it doesn’t matter, they will be ready. They may make errors and face hostile crowds; it doesn’t matter, they will be ready.

Have you been guilty of overvaluing potential?  It’s not uncommon to get swept away with talent.  We can find a competitive advantage by looking at things differently than others.  While many of our competitors focus on the ceiling, we can choose to value the floor.

Talent is important but consistency and maturity win.