What Does It Mean To Be Clutch In Business And Sports?

Forbes

17-05-2025

Devin Bigoness, Chief Client Officer at the Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning, contributed to this story.
Jalen Brunson. Alexander Ovechkin. Connor McDavid. Steph Curry. What do all these players have in common — aside from competing in this year's NBA and NHL playoffs? They've each been called 'clutch' at critical points in their careers. But what does that actually mean?
In sports, being clutch means executing at a high level and making the key play when the game is on the line. It's about performing at a world-class level on the biggest stages, such as the NBA and NHL playoffs, or the Olympics. Clutch ability is often what separates the good from the great. Legends are made in these moments. Think of Michael Jordan hitting the game-winning shot in the 1998 Finals and countless other iconic finishes. Tom Brady cemented his legacy by winning seven Super Bowls and leading multiple game-winning drives with everything on the line.
The opposite is also true: many talented players fall short of when the spotlight is brightest. One of the big stories so far of the sports year was Rory McIlroy finally winning the Masters this past April. It was a long-awaited triumph after several tournaments where he struggled to deliver when the pressure was at its highest level. A few weeks ago, he had a few Sunday highlights (and lowlights) as he faced some of the toughest shots.
From a research standpoint, one study 'A Qualitative Investigation of the Clutch State in Sport' in 2012 indicated that 'Clutch performers ramp up focus, intensity and control rather than 'losing themselves' in the moment. In business or sports, this means high performers can consciously elevate their game when stakes are high.'
The 2013 survey 'Characteristics of Choking vs. Clutch Performers in Sport' indicated that the ability to perform in clutch situations can be learned with mental and physical training. This ability can be learned, practiced, and needs to be a focus throughout someone's career as a key skill.
So, what does it mean to be clutch in business? Some of the same criteria apply — these professionals shine when pressure peaks. They can close the key deal. Deliver the project on time and on budget when the stakes are pressurized. They rise to the occasion when their team or organization depends on them. They also benefit from this in the eyes of their stakeholders by being known as someone who can get it done, maintains composure, and performs at their best when it most counts.
Based on our experiences working with business leaders, here are three elements to consider how to be more clutch — whether you are an athlete or business leader.
One of the ways that the greats prepare themselves for the biggest moments is through thoughtful preparation. They simulate pressure situations over and over again so they are ready if and when they come. The basketball player that practices the final 10 seconds of the game repeatedly so that in the game they know they have been here before and can be their best.
'I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed' - Michael Jordan. If success in your job or field requires you to step up and sometimes be out of your comfort zone, seize that opportunity, as that is where the most growth happens and also where the rewards can be the highest. Most people, when reflect on their career progress, can pinpoint pressure-filled moments where stepping up moved them forward.
Oftentimes, what separates out the clutch performers are the ones who can focus on the little things or the things they can control in pressure situations. They know that if they focus on breathing, for example, or their normal routine, they can increase their chances of performing. We have heard often from sales leaders who a few minutes before a big pitch they reflect on their practice, their key talking points, their breathing and their energy to get psyched up in order to best present themselves. In difficult conversations, one key approach is to focus on how you'll start and end the discussion, book ended the moment with clarity and purpose.
Success is often defined as performing and winning when it matters the most. Your capabilities are proven and earned in these defining moments. Leaders and athletes who can excel when it counts the most will reap the rewards and be highly regarded — whether in sports, business or the sport of business.