This year's Super Bowl may be one of the more difficult to handicap in recent memories. Whether Peyton Manning can outmaneuver the smothering Seattle defense remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the matchup should provide one of the more entertaining big games in recent memory.

Of course, there are lessons that we should take away, as well. These are two teams that have earned their place in history. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning was all but written off a couple years ago after neck surgery. His resilience has stunned even his most ardent supporters. This future hall of famer will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the best, if not the best, quarterbacks in history.

On the other side of the line is the smothering Seahawks defense. While they may not be the 1976 Steelers or 1985 Bears, they are darn good! Just look at the statistics: fewest yards allowed, fewest yards per game, fewest points allowed, and the most interceptions. Given the claims industry's penchant for benchmarking to specific metrics, there are a lot of lessons that can be learned about measuring the right things and holding people accountable. This is the surest recipe for optimal results.

What are some of the lessons that we, as claims leaders, can take off the field and into our own organizations? First, it is that people matter. Of all the rosters in the NFL, the two facing off in this year's Super Bowl are arguably the best two teams. It is an epic showdown between the number one offense and the number one defense. These teams earned these ranks because their people consistently executed basic fundamentals.

As we've discussed before, people are the foundation of every organization. The right ones will give you a competitive edge because they will consistently execute. That said, the wrong people will leave your organization at a competitive disadvantage, largely the result of inconsistent performance. Just as the NFL isn't for everyone, neither is a career in claims. It is incumbent upon business leaders to ensure they have the most talented people in every position, be it an executive, claims manager, adjuster or assistant.

Beyond the people, there is the attitude. The Broncos bring years of experience and an air of positivity. This is what every organization needs. Imagine the success of any organization with leaders and visionaries who could execute in the trenches and the boardroom. Counter that with a more physical approach that is hands on, high intensity, every step of the way. Just as claims organizations can have different philosophies on how to attain success, so too can NFL franchises. The key to success is having the winning attitude and a will to succeed 24/7. As Vince Lombardi said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.”

Think of the potential in not only a claims organization, but any organization, if it were stacked with positive attitudes and a will to succeed. This translates to victory both on the field and off the field. Rather than focusing on points scored and games won, perhaps we are looking at effective investigations and accurate claims resolutions. Instead of a stadium full of cheering fans, we are looking to win adoring customers who are delighted in outcomes and eager to renew their loyalty for another season.

There are insurance carriers who have adopted this mantra, and they are growing exponentially. There are others who have not, often stuck in the status quo simply because it works. It is a difference in paradigm of what will get me to the Super Bowl versus can I get by with another .500 season.

Whatever the outcome on Sunday, these are two outstanding teams. They have taken tremendous steps to get from pretty darn ordinary to extraordinary. Typically, I would put my money on a defense to win championships, but I do have some reservations given the chess master on the other side. The Seattle defense plays a lot of single high safety and presses the outside. They have gotten away with it because of the strength of their pass rush. This could be their downfall against Denver, which has the ability to block, giving Manning some time to engage in his aerial circus.

It could actually be Seattle's offense that determines the outcome, if they execute on sustained drives thus keeping the Broncos' offense on the sidelines. If that happens, look for the Seahawks to win. If not, look for a Mile High celebration. If I must make the call, it will be Seahawks 27, Broncos 24.

Christopher Tidball is a claims consultant and the author of multiple books, including Blocking & Tackling: The Playbook for the Winning Claims Organization. He is a claims veteran, with more than 20 years of adjusting, management and executive leadership experience. To learn more, please visit www.christidball.com.

Special Reports /

Super Bowl XLVIII: Will Seattle's Defense Dominate? Why Claims Pros Should Care

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