Trust the Process

A couple weeks ago, the Kansas City Chiefs sat down for an interview with ESPN as they were 0-2 to start the season. Championship teams aren't immune to adversity — they're defined by how they respond to it.

This week, in the thick of our busy construction season at Century, I keep coming back to what head coach Andy Reid said:

“Starts with ownership… get good players. Good coaches. Good things happen.”  

First Who, Then What. (Jim Collins)

Travis Kelce (starting tight end) jumped in: 

“Starts with ownership… Our ownership to coach… sets the tone every single year. Challenges on taking it up a notch. It’s a culture I love coming into.”

CULTURE. People like us do things like this. (Seth Godin)

When the interviewer pressed Mahomes on the rough start, he didn't flinch:

“Going back to the fundamentals… Do what we do.” 

TRUST the process. (Stephen Covey)

The Chiefs invested six years (2013-2019) building a foundation out of brick before their first playoff success. Good people first. Culture second. Process third.

The Chiefs have been building their success like a family business. If the ownership group was on the clock for a quick return they could not have built the foundation the first six years. 

The Chiefs continue to turn the flywheel of their process to success. They’ve built the gathering hall to unlock people and unlock performance. That takes time.

Those of us in family business can play this long game. Have good players. Have good coaches. And because of that, good things will happen.

At Century, when we have the inevitable hard moments like the chiefs I share: 

Let's do what we do. 

(Always coming back to our values.)

Stay HUMBLE - When something goes wrong, ask: What can I learn?

Stay HUNGRY - Find one thing that moves us forward, even if it’s small.

Work TOGETHER - Before you finish your shift today, make someone else’s job easier.

What are your values for your family business that you can lean on?

Onward,
Matt