The NFL provided two story lines last week during its playoff games in Dallas and Indianapolis.  They were both subtle and probably missed by most people.  Both involved the same sports phenomena, "The Jinx".

When Dallas played Philadelphia in December, Jessica Simpson, Dallas quarterback Tony Roma's girlfriend, was in attendance at the game sporting a pink football jersey with Romo's #9 on the front.  Romo played one his worst games of the year, lost the game to the Eagles, and Ms Simpson was blamed for the outcome of the game. The New York Giants invaded Dallas last Sunday and used the Simpson Jinx to their advantage.  They hired Lynsey Nordstrom, a Jessica Simpson look-a-like, flew her from her home in Seattle to Dallas, dressed her up in a pink #9 jersey, and placed her in a seat near the Cowboys bench. The score of the game, 21-17 Giants.

Anna Grant is a punt, pass, and kick winner in the annual NFL youth contest.  She is a 14 year-old from New Hampshire.  When introduced at the San Diego Chargers-Indianapolis Colts playoff game, she was resoundly booed by the Indianapolis faithful. Her crime? She was wearing a New England Patriots jersey for the team she represented.  Perhaps the arrogance of the fans in Indy came upward from the team on the field, all forgetting they had the Chargers to defeat to earn the right to face the Patriots again. The score of the game, 28-24 Chargers.

Sports participants and fans are a superstitious lot.  Any edge that can be pyschologically manufactured  is a good edge.  Be aware that your business competition will try everything and anything to "jinx" your business.  Be aware that your business team may do things that can "jinx" your business, through the best intentioned actions.  Stay true to your vision.  Stay true to your mission.  Stay true to your action plan. And above all, stay involved with your business to lead it through the times when superstitions appear to be logical.  Avoid "The Jinx".

And as always, we welcome your comments.

The Plain Page Prophets