Play to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose

You see this all the time in sports!  A team gets a huge lead over another team.  Then they begin to settle.  Instead of pressing on with their preferred style of play, they change their entire approach and mindset.

Typically, when the team with the lead stops playing to win and begins to play not to lose, three things happen:

1. They begin to play a style that goes against who they are...
2. They take less risk and become extremely cautious...
3. They become less effective in their play...

Effective leaders "play to win" vs. "play not to lose".

1. They continue to play their "style" and remain true to who they are as a person and leader.
2. They continue to take risk, go after opportunities, and conquer obstacles.
3. They continue to be effective in their leadership efforts.