One of my passions outside of work is coaching football. I’ve spent 19 years coaching the sport at the high school and college levels. Full-time, part-time and now as life gets busier, volunteering at Waukee Northwest High School. While the games themselves can be exhilarating, what I value most happens off the field — building a winning team, developing whole people, creating a strong, resilient culture, and helping individuals work towards their goals.
During my time at Compass, time and again, the same principles which create a successful football team have carried over to the work I’m blessed to do every day. Building strong relationships with clients while helping them pursue their financial goals. Growing and developing the next generation of our Compass Financial team. The list is long. Here are three lessons from the gridiron which help guide us at Compass.
As simple as it sounds, have a plan. Every successful season starts with a plan. On the field, we don’t begin a season by simply showing up on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons hoping for the best. We establish goals, define roles, and create a plan to achieve our goals. The same is true in financial planning and investment management. A successful financial future rarely happens by accident. It starts with listening to what matters most to our clients — their goals, priorities, and the life they want to build. Then working together collaboratively to construct a plan to work towards those goals, while being prepared to solve the unexpected changes life inevitably throws our way.
Fundamentals. Every day in practices across America, without fail, each position group (think quarterbacks) starts practice with their own position specific drills, each position on the team honing their craft so they can come together as a unit and perform at a high level. The best teams don’t win because of one spectacular play. They win because they consistently execute the basics. For a client and advisor working together, those fundamentals include saving consistently, maintaining appropriate investment strategies, managing risk, and making thoughtful decisions through changing market environments. The small, disciplined choices repeated over time are what create positive results for clients. Our team members are also honing their skills every day, so we are knowledgeable and up to speed in an ever-changing world.
Culture is key. A team’s culture determines how people respond when challenges arise. It’s easy to have great “culture” when you are winning. How does culture stand up when adversity hits? In investing and planning, there is no shortage of adversity — markets will rise and fall, unexpected events will happen, and life will change. A strong culture provides the foundation from which sound decisions can be made, the same way a sound financial plan provides the confidence and foundation to navigate life’s financial decisions.
Thank you for choosing the team at Compass to be part of your financial journey. We appreciate the confidence you place in us, and we look forward to continuing to help you pursue your goals.