It's taken a couple extra days to compose this year end blog. I want to end on a good note. There are many players, coaches and executives out there that embody the good in sports and really are role models. To help put this together, I've asked my friends, David Kot, Ken Glenn, Melissa Squarcia and Patrick Curry to participate. I appreciate their efforts and have noted their input below. Keep in mind, any of these folks could fall from grace (see Tiger Woods) at any time. This is based on what we know. In general, I've selected people who provide inspiration to others and help them achieve at higher levels.
Roger Barta, Head Football Coach for the Smith Center, KS Redmen
Coach Barta has coached the Smith Center Redmen for over 30 years compiling a 289 - 58 record. His team has won eight state championships in a town of less than 1,500. His team had a record 80 game winning streak broken in the 2009 championship game. Coach Barta and his team are the subject of a great read: Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen by Joe Drape. Coach Barta is a great teacher and has led by example all his life. Read the book, it will all make sense.
Kris O'Dowd, Center, University of Southern California
Kris is a late addition to my list but no less worthy. I was watching ESPN while wrapping presents on Thursday when I saw the story of twelve year old Jake Olson. Jake is twelve and has battled cancer since his birth. It took his left eye when he was one. Over the next 12 years, the cancer came back 8 times. Finally, he had to have his right eye removed. Jake played center for his flag football team and became friends with Kris O'Dowd Southern Cal's center. He came to practices and O'Dowd took him under his wing. Kris was there before the surgery and has provided support since then. Kudos for looking beyond himself and understanding the impact he can have as an athlete. Follow the story on ESPN.
Tony Dungy, Retired Football Player and Coach
This is a good man, was a great coach, and now is the official rehabilitator of wayward athletes. He is a wonderful man who has shown us the pain of losing a son to suicide and knew when to hang it up. He continues to teach us right from wrong. My friend, Patrick Curry, lobbied hard for him. Coach Dungy needs to be careful not to get overexposed.
Toby Gerhart, Running Back, Stanford Cardinal
My friend Ken Glenn is passionate about this guy. The east coast didn't see much of Toby, but he has compiled impressive statistics over his four year at Stanford. He came in second in the Heisman and finished first in rushing yards (1,726) and touchdowns (26). He won numerous awards for football and plays baseball for the Cardinal. He will graduate in 2010 with a Management Science and Engineering degree. You get the feeling he can do anything he puts his mind to. He seems humble and focused. Keep an eye on this young man!
Derek Jeter, Shortstop, New York Yankees
He will go down as one of the most admired players in the history of baseball. Even Red Sox fans have to admire the "Captain." He set the Yankee record for hits this year in addition to having one of his best seasons. He is a person who goes out every day and hustles, works hard and achieves results. He will be a first ballot hall-of-famer. He also runs the "Turn 2 Foundation" and has given out over $10 million since 1996 to kids programs in Kalamazoo, MI, New York and Tampa. These grants help kids "turn 2" a more positive lifestyle.
Charlie Manuel, Manager, Philadelphia Phillies
He is a personal favorite. He has no airs and few expectations other than to win. He wants his ballplayers to hustle and think every play. I was one of the first to boo the decision to hire him in 2004. Boy, was I wrong! He has taken on sportswriters and members of his team when they don't perform or make the effort. The results, three straight years of playoffs, two trips to the World Series and a World Championship in 2008. He guided the team to the World Series in 2009 having to contend with a slumping Jimmy Rollins, the death of Harry Kalas, and a bullpen held together with rubber bands and bailing wire. Great leadership from a great man.
Michael Oher, Offensive Tackle, Baltimore Ravens
His life story (to date) is detailed in the book and movie, "The Blind Side" by Michael Lewis. His story is incredible. He is one of 13 kids left by his parents to fend for themselves. He gets taken in by a wealthy family who raises him to be a good kid and excellent football player. The Tuohy's of Memphis probably deserve their own posting. He proves that a positive attitude, hard work, and the help of others will help bring success. He was the 23rd pick in the 2009 draft by the Ravens. He played college ball at Ole Miss.
Tim Tebow, Quarterback, University of Florida
My initial thought is he's too good to be true. His performance and leadership to date are unparalleled. He has led the University of Florida to a national championship in 2008. He came back in 2009 for his senior year and played well. He is a great student, athlete and person. His eye black with scripture readings is the real deal. My friend Melissa Squarcia made the suggestion and convinced me to add him to the list. Good choice!
Ed Thomas, Deceased, Football Coach, Aplington-Parkersburg High School (Iowa)
We read about Ed Thomas with great sadness last summer when an ex-football player came and shot Coach Thomas. He died of his wounds. He is hailed as a hero in his community by leading the effort to bring the town back after a tornado in 2008. He won 292 games in 37 seasons. He was more than a coach, he was role model for the kids and the town. Follow this link to the story in Sports Illustrated. Indeed, a good man down.
Kay Yow, Deceased, Basketball Coach, North Carolina State Women's Team
Kay won 737 games over a 38 year career as a women's basketball coach. She won 680 games for the lady Wolfpack. She fought a valiant bout against cancer for over 20 years but it ultimately took her life in January. She coached nearly to the end as she took a leave of absence in early January and died January 24th. She is a hero to all that played for her. She taught women how to win and showed all of us how to live. Her moving farewell brought over 1,400 mourners to tears and cemented her reputation as a teacher, motivator, and ultimately healer. Rest in peace. See the video on youtube.
There are thousands of people making a difference every day, these are but 10 that made my list. So many are in the shadows that is takes a tragedy to uncover their impact. There are role models for all of us. Be one yourself!
Here's to a great 2010. Thank you for following this blog and the comments I've received. We'll pick it up in January. Happy Holidays to all!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Here We Go Again!
I found myself struggling for a topic this week. I was thinking about some of the positives in the sports world and decided that would be my last blog of the year. Yesterday, my son and I sat down to watch the Saints/Falcons game when within minutes, the idea came to me!
On Thursday evening around 10:45 pm, Jonathan Babineaux, starting defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons was pulled over and arrested for possession of 40 grams of marijuana along with some minor vehicle issues like too much tint on his windows, driving without a license, and an expired tag. He will now fall under the NFL's substance abuse policy because he had more than an ounce of marijuana in his possession.
Given this situation, some teams and coaches would sit the player as a statement that this alleged behavior won't be tolerated. Not the Falcons. They played their star lineman against the Saints and he recorded three tackles and a quarterback hurry. Coach Mike Smith of the Falcons had this comment: "First and foremost, anytime one of our guys show up in a negative light, I am and we are as an organization disappointed. With that said, this is a process that the league and the legal system goes through. We are going to let that process run its course."
In other words, Jonathan plays until the League says he can't or he's convicted of possession-whichever comes first. Two issues here: The Falcons should set the standards for their team and what is the example they are setting?
Most organizations have employee handbooks that describes and defines what's right, fair and tolerated. It will also describe the process by which deviations from appropriate behavior will be addressed. I'm sure the Falcons have a similar handbook, made more complicated by the Player's Union. The intent of these handbooks is to set the tone and expectations of an organization. It creates an overall sense of discipline. Once known, most if not all employees follow the rules or work to get them modified if they appear onerous. In the private sector, an employee who was arrested would still be able to work until decisions were made through the legal process. But, an arrest would follow them for a period of time as they filled out applications for credit or a new job. What message are the Falcons sending by allowing him to play? They could have sat him for a quarter, half or the whole game to let the rest of the team know that a player, no matter how good, has a responsibility to the team to be at their best. This certainly means not being arrested!
Good organizations set the tone for high expectations. The Falcons will continue to mire in mediocrity until they get their house in order and instill discipline in the clubhouse.
On Thursday evening around 10:45 pm, Jonathan Babineaux, starting defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons was pulled over and arrested for possession of 40 grams of marijuana along with some minor vehicle issues like too much tint on his windows, driving without a license, and an expired tag. He will now fall under the NFL's substance abuse policy because he had more than an ounce of marijuana in his possession.
Given this situation, some teams and coaches would sit the player as a statement that this alleged behavior won't be tolerated. Not the Falcons. They played their star lineman against the Saints and he recorded three tackles and a quarterback hurry. Coach Mike Smith of the Falcons had this comment: "First and foremost, anytime one of our guys show up in a negative light, I am and we are as an organization disappointed. With that said, this is a process that the league and the legal system goes through. We are going to let that process run its course."
In other words, Jonathan plays until the League says he can't or he's convicted of possession-whichever comes first. Two issues here: The Falcons should set the standards for their team and what is the example they are setting?
Most organizations have employee handbooks that describes and defines what's right, fair and tolerated. It will also describe the process by which deviations from appropriate behavior will be addressed. I'm sure the Falcons have a similar handbook, made more complicated by the Player's Union. The intent of these handbooks is to set the tone and expectations of an organization. It creates an overall sense of discipline. Once known, most if not all employees follow the rules or work to get them modified if they appear onerous. In the private sector, an employee who was arrested would still be able to work until decisions were made through the legal process. But, an arrest would follow them for a period of time as they filled out applications for credit or a new job. What message are the Falcons sending by allowing him to play? They could have sat him for a quarter, half or the whole game to let the rest of the team know that a player, no matter how good, has a responsibility to the team to be at their best. This certainly means not being arrested!
Good organizations set the tone for high expectations. The Falcons will continue to mire in mediocrity until they get their house in order and instill discipline in the clubhouse.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
It's Always the Cover Up!
What a week it's been. Every day since Black Friday we have woken up with news of alleged "transgressions" by Tiger Woods. It all began with the accident in the wee hours of the morning. Improbably, Tiger was saved by his wife Elin who "courageously" used a golf club (apparently one was handy) to break the glass in the back of the SUV Tiger was driving when he hit as many immovable objects as possible in his neighborhood. Elin then dragged him out of the car and waited for the paramedics to arrive. I suppose that when you break the glass in the back of a vehicle, it unlocks all the doors so the person "trapped" can get out. Kids, don't try this at home!
It appears the reality is that Tiger had some "transgressions" which he is deeply sorry for and has publicly apologized to his family on his website. In the meantime, we are led to believe he and Elin are re-negotiating their pre-nuptial agreement in an attempt to "save the marriage" so Elin will stay at least two more years. Does this mean she'll be a free agent in 2012?
Let's look at the facts. Tiger Woods wrecked his car at 2:30 in the morning after Thanksgiving. Does anything positive happen when people are out at 2:30? What happened after that appears to be an attempted cover up by the Woods family and advisers to create positive spin and save Tiger's image. Unfortunately, there are folks out there who kept some voice mails that seem to indicate some "transgressions" have taken place.
All this is none of our business. Unfortunately, Tiger and his team have made it our business. They have tried to cover up what really happen. It's the cover up that we can't stand. Athletes, politicians, stars, business tycoons and regular folks have trouble coming clean. Wouldn't Richard Nixon have been better off by explaining that his overzealous re-election team crossed the line and they have been fired?
In business, many feel that others can't handle the truth (see Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men"). Instead, we lie, understate, and cover up. Most of us can overcome a mistake or lapse in judgement. None of us can survive a cover up gone wrong. Eventually, the truth survives.
As leaders, we need to create and foster an atmosphere that promotes responsibility and the room for people to make mistakes. If the organization can create that accountability where the person admits a mistake, explains how it will be corrected, and is allowed to move on with their plan-then the organization will thrive. Are you aiding and abetting a cover up or promoting an atmosphere of trust, challenge and openness? Create Tiger's, not Cheetah's!
It appears the reality is that Tiger had some "transgressions" which he is deeply sorry for and has publicly apologized to his family on his website. In the meantime, we are led to believe he and Elin are re-negotiating their pre-nuptial agreement in an attempt to "save the marriage" so Elin will stay at least two more years. Does this mean she'll be a free agent in 2012?
Let's look at the facts. Tiger Woods wrecked his car at 2:30 in the morning after Thanksgiving. Does anything positive happen when people are out at 2:30? What happened after that appears to be an attempted cover up by the Woods family and advisers to create positive spin and save Tiger's image. Unfortunately, there are folks out there who kept some voice mails that seem to indicate some "transgressions" have taken place.
All this is none of our business. Unfortunately, Tiger and his team have made it our business. They have tried to cover up what really happen. It's the cover up that we can't stand. Athletes, politicians, stars, business tycoons and regular folks have trouble coming clean. Wouldn't Richard Nixon have been better off by explaining that his overzealous re-election team crossed the line and they have been fired?
In business, many feel that others can't handle the truth (see Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men"). Instead, we lie, understate, and cover up. Most of us can overcome a mistake or lapse in judgement. None of us can survive a cover up gone wrong. Eventually, the truth survives.
As leaders, we need to create and foster an atmosphere that promotes responsibility and the room for people to make mistakes. If the organization can create that accountability where the person admits a mistake, explains how it will be corrected, and is allowed to move on with their plan-then the organization will thrive. Are you aiding and abetting a cover up or promoting an atmosphere of trust, challenge and openness? Create Tiger's, not Cheetah's!
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