What Elite Performers Know That Others Miss: Situational Awareness

The lights are bright. The cameras are rolling. And the margins are razor-thin.

There postseason pressure—from the NBA to the NHL—and we’re all hearing something new from the teams still standing:

• "Situational awareness”

• "Understanding the moment”

• "Managing momentum"

From the Pacers and Oilers to the Timberwolves, the commentary isn’t just about talent. It’s about growth. These teams are not only just playing harder—they’re playing smarter. They’re not reacting—they’re anticipating. They’ve learned from heartbreak and matured.

“Situational awareness” is a high-performance differentiator, and we are always tapping into real-time and real life examples. These teams are showing us what it looks like to evolve—under pressure, in public, with everything on the line.

I learned this firsthand as a coach. With experience, the game slowed down. I could see two, three, even four plays ahead. It wasn’t magic—it was pattern recognition, preparation, and perspective. That’s what happens when you’ve been in the fire enough times to stay composed and think strategically in real time.

And—I taught it. I pushed my staff and players to see and anticipate what was coming next, both on and off the court. To read the game, the moment, the opponent and to stay present—but prepared.

Today, we coach business leaders to do the same. In the boardroom, in the C-suite, in the moments that matter most—your ability to anticipate, interpret, and respond before the play unfolds is what separates good from the elite.

Today more than ever, we help leaders develop this skill. To slow the game down. To see the full court. To lead with intention in real time—no matter how high the stakes.

In business, like in sports, awareness is the differentiator.