A Toast to 2010

As we end 2010, I like to celebrate those who made a positive impact in sports based on their leadership. In some cases, it is a legacy as some real heroes have passed away. This is not a complete list, or even the most popular list. It is a list of individuals and teams who have inspired, challenged, and in one case, cursed (you'll see why in a moment) me over the past year. Some have seen headlines in this blog, but its still a chance to remember them one more time.

George M. Bratcher
He is local to my community, West Chester, PA. The headline says it all, "Farewell to a Role Model." George served as a juvenile probation officer for nearly 40 years in Chester County, PA. Its hard to say how many young lives he turned around, but many were in attendance at his funeral in October. In return, the community created "Brian's Run" after his son suffered a spinal cord injury playing football to help pay expenses. That run continues today. Rest in peace Mr. Bratcher.

Jill Costello
In late November, Sports Illustrated, ran an article on Jill. It's a story of a young woman diagnosed with cancer who fought valiantly to the end. In her last weeks, she was the coxswain of the Cal rowing team that finished second in the NCAA championships. A month later she died. Her advice on living serves as a lasting inspiration: Your life is happening right now and this it the only moment you can control. This is the only minute that really matters. If you are constantly dwelling on something that happened in the past or feeling anxious about the future, you are missing out on YOUR LIFE. Do what makes you happy in this moment and your life will be full. Rest in peace Jill Costello.

Cody Ross
This is where I curse. He single handidly took the Phillies out of the World Series. He was picked up on waivers from Florida and then went on a tear for the San Francisco Giants ultimately winning the World Series. He always had a smile on his face and thunder in his bat. It seemed at times he carried the Giants on his back. Even better, he appears to appreciate the fans' reaction and thanks them back. A good guy to have as a team mate. Let's hope he has a good 2011, but save his heroics for someone other than the Phils.

The Phillies
This is a great bunch of guys. They want to be here, they love to play here, they want to win championships for the fans. They came out of nowhere in August to win 97 games. The fan support was incredible as they've sold out Citizen's Bank Park 123 consecutive times. I'm guessing that we'll add another 90 sell outs to this total in 2011. This assumes another trip to the playoffs and World Series. Though they lost Jayson Werth to free agency, they picked up Cliff Lee and should have a great staff barring injury.

Manute Bol
Another who died way too soon. He was a professional basketball player for 4 teams over 10 years. He is the only player to have blocked more shots than he made. He was from Sudan and served tirelessly to support his homeland. He was remembered at a memorial service in June by his family patriarch Bol Bol Chol who said: "This man is not an ordinary man. I believe this man is a messenger like other messengers sent into this world-to do something in this world. He has accomplished most of his mission, and so God took him and left the rest of the work to be done by others." Rest in peace Manute Bol.

New Orleans Saints
The year started out with a feel good story. A team and a city rising like a phoenix from the ashes. The Saints had been in the ashes since their beginning in 1966. A few seasons of glory, but mostly they were the 'Aints. They have been good in recent years, but not great. In 2009 they had the best record in the NFC. They hosted the NFC Championship at the SuperDome where they beat the Vikings in the last minutes. The 2010 Super Bowl saw them throw caution to the wind and beat Peyton Manning and the Colts. A city and team on the rise.

Drew Brees
Brees led the Saints to the Super Bowl. In addition, he was named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year. He joined the Saints in 2006 and has been nothing short of sensational. He and his wife Brittany have done so much for the Gulf Coast since arriving. He leads by example and through his actions. I'm not sure there has been a better match between athlete and city. The Saints should get into the playoffs again this year. I would root for him and the Saints if they made it to the Super Bowl again.

Joe Paterno
In 2010, JoePa garnered his 400th win as a coach. All at Penn State. I'm not sure this will happen again, certainly not in my life time. He turned 84 last week as he and the Nittany Lions prepare to play Florida in the Outback Bowl next week. There are rumors swirling that this may be his last game. If it is, the game will lose a true leader. He began with Penn State in 1966 and has graduated 78% of those who play for him. He and his wife Sue have given back to Penn State who in turn have named a library in their honor. One of JoePa's great quotes is this: "Believe deep down in your heart that you are destined to do great things." Mission accomplished JoePa!

Thank you for reading and reacting to these writings. It's fun to write and better to read your comments. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Leadership Vacuum

A leadership vacuum occurs when no one is willing to take a risk and make a decision to move an organization toward its vision and achieve its strategy. Now that we are beginning the Bowl season for NCAA Division I football, it is clear there is a leadership vacuum as it relates to crowning a champion. This may be an old argument, but let's look at the facts. To my knowledge, this is the only sport (division) that doesn't have a championship playoff. In fact, all other football divisions have playoffs and come up with a winner. The Division II and III champions have been crowned. The Division 1-A will championship will take place in January during major bowl week.

I honestly don't know or care to know the argument against a playoff. It can't be the student athletes or the difficulty in scheduling. I'm sure money is some how involved, but am not smart enough to follow that trail. Now, people like me will rant and rave and we'll have another year of dull games and over matched teams playing on New Year's Day. Nothing against Connecticut, but I can't see them having a chance against Oklahoma. I'm looking forward to settling in tonight to watch the Beef O' Brady's Bowl between Louisville and Southern Mississippi. It should be a barn burner. By the way, what is a Beef O' Brady? The NCAA created the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) that manages this mess. They got lucky with Auburn and Oregon. We'll see what kind of game it is on January 10th.

The NCAA suffers from a failure in leadership that many organizations have. Here's what happens-nothing! Typically, the accountants or those creating rules and regulations take over when a vacuum occurs. The rules become so complicated and the purpose skewed. At the end of the day, the rules are followed, but they don't make sense. In essence, you get Connecticut vs. Oklahoma on a daily basis. Take a look at the BCS qualification process-it reads like an FDA handbook.

Being a leader is not easy. It takes work and commitment. In place of leadership is chaos. Welcome to the NCAA Division I football. Take a stand and make a mark. If you're playing to win, then let them play.

Confessions of an Adult Learner

In baseball, players often adjust their playing style to account for age, injuries, or reaction time. I remember Cal Ripken changing his batting stance the last few years of his career in order to maximize his performance. We've seen pitchers like Tommy John, Tim Wakefield and Jamie Moyer also change to be productive in their latter years.

This isn't always true in life. As many of us get older, we tend to believe that we've seen it all and most of our learning is behind us. For several years, I was in this camp. My experiences with Catholic Leadership Institute however, have made me a believer in lifelong learning. This ministry provides leadership formation for Priests and Lay Leaders in support of the Catholic Church. I have served as their Director of Finance and Operations this past year. Here are some of my learning's:

• I have learned that a compelling vision will drive an organization. While this is a core belief of mine, I have witnessed it in person this past year. In 1990, two men had a vision which one keeps alive today that has created a $5 million ministry which will double in the next five years.
• I have learned that a culture based on core values can thrive as long as they are not just words on a plaque in the hallway. That reviewing them weekly and operationalizing them daily develops an incredible culture.
• I have learned that wisdom isn't only provided by those with gray hair-that those of all ages have wisdom, understanding, knowledge and provide counsel.
• I have learned that working for a mission based organization brings daily job satisfaction. There is alignment of one's daily activities and tasks to those of the organization.
• I have learned that praying for someone is the greatest honor you can give. I try to pray for others daily so they may find happiness and health.
• I have learned from others with different personalities and communications styles. Though it's a challenge, I am learning that by understanding these styles, I can implement the appropriate behaviors for the benefit of all.
• I have learned that being accountable to others enhances your performance and provides a model for others.
• I have learned that being honest with those who lead will earn their respect, not condemnation. A culture of honesty and integrity can exist, but each individual needs to be engaged. To be part of such an organization is refreshing.
• I have learned how to transition from one organization to another in a way that supports both. Again, through honesty and open communication, the organization can react to change in a positive manner.

Catholic Leadership Institute uses a snippet from The Lion King in one of its self-leadership modules. A song from the movie, Circle of Life, reminds us that you can't take more than you give. I did not abide by this principle. This ministry has given me so much more than I've been able to give back.

To say thank you to an organization that has taught me so much is not enough. To say they've changed my life seems trite. But both are true. I will keep everyone associated with Catholic Leadership Institute in my prayers. After all, I've learned that prayer is the greatest of gifts.

Please click here for more information on Catholic Leadership Institute.

Unacceptable Behavior

Just when you think you've seen it all, a play occurs that can't be explained. Yesterday, I was watching the Dolphins and Jets when Jets trainer Sal Alosi stuck his knee out to trip Dolphins cornerback Nolan Carrol who was covering a punt. It happened in the third quarter of an otherwise unremarkable game.

Alosi was quick to apologize to anyone who would listen. But I'm not convinced he would have done so if he wasn't caught on camera. Dan Fouts, working the game for CBS, saw it immediately and called it out. It made no sense and there is no place for it in any game, much less the National Football League.

The Jets and the League will decide Alosi's fate. He said he is willing to take whatever punishment and get it behind him. Though I may be in the minority, I don't think he should keep his job. There are certain rules that players and coaches must abide by to keep order on the sidelines and the game in general. A coach who willfully trips an opposing player during a play breaks these rules. Players have been banished for less.

Many organizations face similar dilemmas every day. Their best sales man is great at making a sale, but violates the travel policy. The CEO who bends the rules regarding stock options. The assistant who "borrows" money from the petty cash drawer. At what point do you draw the line? Is it equal for everyone? Organizations need to determine what that line is in advance before emotions take over. Great organizations set standards for behavior and expect everyone to follow them. If Alosi remains the Jets trainer, it will say a lot about their organization.

Is the Grass Greener?

This past week, there have been several free agent signings in baseball that have made the headlines. In particular, last Sunday's signing of Jayson Werth by the Washington Nationals. For those who don't know, the Nats signed Werth to a seven year, $126 million deal. Great for Jayson Werth? Apparently, but it tells me a bit about his priorities.

First and foremost, I don't begrudge him or any other player from maximizing their payoff. Careers are short, owners are willing to pay, and it's free enterprise at its finest. When I first heard the signing, I immediately thought of the deal Alex Rodriguez signed with the Rangers in 2001 for $252 million over 10 years. The Rangers were last in their division. This deal nearly bankrupted the Rangers and they were unable to sign players to surround A-Rod. He was finally dealt to the Yankees in 2004 but they had to eat another $67 million of his contract.

So Jayson Werth is a very rich man after playing well for the Phillies the last couple of years. Unless lightning strikes Washington, he will not sniff the playoffs for many years. Given their history, perhaps never again in his career. He has a couple of good players surrounding him, but nothing like the Phillies where he was an important, but not the most visible cog on a championship team. The biggest question is whether the Nationals can sign anyone to support him? They have drafted well (since they have the worst record in baseball) but even a phenom like Stephen Strasburg is not without risk. He will be out most of the 2011 season following Tommy John surgery. We should ask Mr. Werth how he feels about playing in front of 10,000 fans a night in August rather than sell outs with the Phils. I suspect the Nationals can finish last in the division with or without Jayson Werth.

I hope I don't sound like a grumpy Phillies fan. I didn't expect him to re-sign with us anyway. I'm just not sure that $126 million will make the grass greener in Washington. This may be a helpful lesson to all of us on motivation. It appears that Werth's motivation is financial security. Could he have done that with a winning franchise? Hard to say. In business, we need to understand what drives an individual to work for a particular organization. In most I've worked for, it's security, but not riches. Some are motivated by the mission and won't get rich, but will be satisfied to support the cause. As a leader, you need to figure this out for each individual. Sometimes, there may not be a fit.

I hope Jayson Werth finds happiness and job security with the Nationals. Let's hope history doesn't repeat itself or he'll be a Yankee in three years.

4th and 20

It's not every day I get to see my Alma Matter, Miami University, play in a championship game. Last week, they squared off in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship against the 25th ranked (and undefeated) Northern Illinois Huskies. I picked up the game late in the 4th quarter with Miami (Redhawks) down 21-20.

For those of you who don't know, Miami is located in Ohio and was founded as a college in 1809, years before the city of Miami (FL) was incorporated, much less the university of the same name. Lest I digress!

With less than 2 minutes left in the game, the Redhawks got the ball back and started to drive down the field. They were pushed back, the quarterback was sacked, a long pass went incomplete leading to 4th and 20 with just under a minute to play and no time outs. Austin Boucher, the quarterback, set up in the shot gun and threw the ball into coverage. One Huskie went for the interception while another tackled the first receiver allowing Redhawks receiver Chris Givens to make the catch and gain 31 yards and a first down. Two plays later, Miami scored the winning touchdown and held the Huskies for the last 33 seconds to win.

An improbable championship for an overachieving team! Last year they were 1-11. This year, 9-4 and a trip to the GoDaddy.com Bowl on January 6th. This is a resilient team that plays hard every down and creates opportunities for themselves. Never once did they look like they were going to lose-not even on 4th and 20!

How does your team react in the face of adversity? What if your backs were against the wall-would you rally or fold and try again another day? Many teams fold, though they don't admit it. Many don't set the bar high enough so there is less difficulty. Last week's win by Miami is a perfect metaphor for life and business in general. Set the bar high and work your fannies off to surpass it. Congratulations to the Redhawks and on to Mobile!

A Real Homer

I don't know why it struck me so hard yesterday when I heard the news that Chicago Cubs great, Ron Santo died. Maybe because I just heard him on the radio. Maybe because he suffered from diabetes. Maybe it was just the day.

For those who don't know Ron Santo, he was the Cubs 3rd baseman from 1960 to 1973, ending his career with the White Sox in 1974. He earned the National League Gold Glove award in five straight seasons and was a nine time All-Star. He batted .277 with 342 home runs and 1,331 runs batted in. He was the dominant 3rd baseman of his era and has not made it into the Hall of Fame. I remember watching him play on tv as a kid-he was a tough out and nothing got by him. My favorite memories are more recent as I've been able to listen to him and Pat Hughes broadcast Cubs game. He has been the color announcer since 1990. No one, I mean no one, roots harder for their team on air than Ron Santo. He sounded like me listening to a Phillies game. He got upset if they made a mistake and cheered unabashedly on air if they succeeded. If the Phillies weren't playing, I'd dial my XM radio to the Cubs just to listen to Ron Santo.

The story doesn't end here. He suffered from diabetes as a teen and played his entire career taking insulin. Ultimately, the disease cost him both legs below the knees. He also suffered from bladder cancer which took his life Thursday night. By all accounts, he never complained. When asked if he'd be returning to the radio in 2011 he responded, "What else am I going to do? Doing the Cubs games is like therapy for me."

Every organization needs a Ron Santo. Someone who will tell it like it is but is also your biggest cheerleader. They say he bled Cubs blue. Do you have someone bleeding your organization's colors? If not, find a way to create that loyalty and breed "Ron Santo's." Rest in peace Mr. Santo. Job well done.

Everyone Counts

It probably doesn't surprise you to know that the average lineman in college football is 300 pounds-most of it muscle. You may not be surprised to know that college running backs are over 6 feet in height and weigh north of 200 pounds. None of this size matters in the last seconds of a tied game.

This weekend, two important games were decided by kickers. On Friday night, Boise State lost for the first time and dashed any hopes they had to play for the national championship. They blew a 24-0 halftime lead against Nevada, but had a chance to win with 2 seconds to go. Their kicker, Kyle Brotzman, missed from 26 yards out-that's a little more than an extra point (more on that later). They were tied in overtime when Brotzman had a chance to win it with a 29 yard field goal. He missed that one too. Nevada drove down the field and their kicker, Anthony Martinez made a 34 yarder to win.

Last night, I'm watching Georgia and Georgia Tech play in their annual rivalry. Tech was down by 14 in the fourth quarter but came back. Their kicker, Scott Blair lined up for the extra point to tie the game with less than 5 minutes remaining. Oops-wide left. Tech couldn't recover and lost a game they should have won.

The point of these stories is not to throw stones at field goal kickers. The point is that they are the smallest guys on the field with little to do during a game. If they kick off, kick it deep and keep it in play. Make all extra points and make all field goals within your demonstrated range. Keep loose and don't panic. In some respect, they have to have the same mental make up as a closer in baseball. Keep things straight in your head!

In business, everyone counts. There may be those in your organization that don't have a big role. Do know however, they can make a huge difference. Think of the receptionist that is the first impression for your organization. Think of the clerk who makes sure everyone gets paid every two weeks. They may not seem important at first-but they too can be game changers. Make sure they understand their role and how important it is that they perform at a high level.

I'm sure Mr. Brotzman and Mr. Blair will survive these games and find a way to redeem themselves. They are important members of their respective teams. Keep this in mind as you review your team and their individual contributions.

The Doctor

He's not really a doctor, but his knowledge of all things practical and interesting qualify him as one in my book. Several years ago I was coaching a group of 7 & 8 year old baseball players that included both of my sons. As I was coaching third base one day-I struck up a conversation with a young man and we discussed what he would do if he got the ball. It turns out his Dad heard our conversation and a friendship was born.

The next couple of years, my friend David Kot, helped keep score and order in the dugout. No small task given the attention span of 9 and 10 year old boys. He comes across as low key but his mind is always moving-thinking ahead of the rest of us. He is a very successful leader in the banking industry. He has a penchant for finding simple solutions to complex problems and can appreciate the human element when making changes. His work ethic is incredible, apparently a gift from his father Leon.

There have been few in my life who are as generous and giving as The Doctor. I know I can count on him in any emergency along with his wife Mary. He is also something of a renaissance man. He is an expert in wines, hunts in Africa, has a gun and sword collection and makes it a point to research issues and activities his family and friends care about.

I have known The Doctor for nearly 13 years and have enjoyed every aspect of our friendship. I don't know how and why people come into your life. What I do know is that I'm a better man for knowing The Doctor. Happy Birthday and here's to many more years of friendship.

Thanksgiving

As the demands of work slow down for a couple of days, it gives me the opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Thanksgiving. On a personal basis, I have a lot to be thankful for which I'll define in more detail below. On the sports side-here's what I'm thankful for and hopeful they'll continue:

• The Phillies and the string of sell-outs. I can only hope they continue to see the benefit of putting great teams on the field.
• The continued recovery of great athletes like Josh Hamilton, Ron Washington, and Michael Vick among others. Let's hope their rehabilitation continues and they can be true role models.
• This may be counter productive, but I'm not all that disappointed that the Miami Heat is off to a slow start.
• Another negative thought, but I can't help it. I'm thankful that Brett Favre and the Vikings can't win. Maybe this will be his last year and all the drama he brings will go quietly back to Mississippi.
• TCU and Boise State-let's hope they get a chance to showcase their talent. All this would be moot if we had a playoff system. I would be thankful if someone could explain why we don't have a playoff.
• Coaches at the high school, middle school and elementary school levels. There are thousands of men and women teaching children of all ages how to play the game and how to win the right way.
• Non-stop football on Thanksgiving weekend.
• Division III athletes who play because they love their respective sports.

I am thankful that I have my health, a wonderful family and employed in a job I love. I know that many families are struggling and unemployed. Let's hope the new year brings a better economy. I'm also thankful for those who read this blog and take the time to comment. Thank you for caring. Best wishes to all for a Happy Thanksgiving and the upcoming Holiday season.

Recognition

Last week, baseball started giving out it awards for the 2010 season. I can't argue the merits of most of the recipients. My beef is with Manager of the Year, specifically in the National League.

Let's look at what I believe should be the criteria for the award. Wins, playoff contender, gets the most out of his team, deals with adversity, and finally-wins. Sorry, in professional sports, wins is very important. Bud Black of the San Diego Padres is the National League winner. Here's how he stacks up against my criteria. First and last-wins. The Padres won 90 games and finished 2 games behind the Giants in the National League Western Division. To his credit, his team won 15 more games in 2010 than in 2009. Playoff contender-nope! Did I mention his team had a 6.5 game lead at the end of August and lost. He did get the most out of his team but he couldn't get the Padres out of their September tailspin. Don't get me wrong, Bud Black is an excellent manager and did a lot with little talent. But you have to win.

Let me make the case for the FIFTH place finisher, Charlie Manuel of the Phillies. Yes, I am biased but you decide if my case makes sense. The Phillies won 97 games, the most in the major leagues. They made it to the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. The team was 7 games behind the Braves in July. During the season, the following starters were injured: Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz, Shane Victorino. Said another way, the entire infield and catcher. At one point Utley, Rollins, Polanco and Ruiz were out of the line up. Five hitters (including the pitcher in the National League) were second teamers. In fact, Ruiz's replacement, Brian Schnieder, was also injured. I can't even remember the third string catcher's name. In addition, he cobbled together a bullpen that was plagued with injuries and ineffectiveness much of the season. So, I would say he dealt with adversity. How does he finish fifth? The answer-expectations. The Phillies were supposed to win and ultimately they did.

I'm sure Charlie Manuel doesn't care. It's not his style. He is a steady performer who worries about doing his job rather than the recognition. His players love playing for him and the fans have finally come to appreciate his talent. He has two rules: hustle and show up on time. What's not to like?

Recognition in the workplace is often a difficult concept to handle. Too much seems trite and too little can send good people packing. Worst of all, misplaced recognition will cause a whole series of problems that could take years to undo. Often it's the steady performers that get overlooked. They show up every day, do their job well, don't ask for much. Be careful, they need attention! Most often it's just a pat on the back and a kind word. Often they are introverts, so the public attention can be a bit uncomfortable. They are the heart of your organization. Remove it, and the team suffers.

Don't be like the sportswriters and ignore the steady performers. Help them reach their goals and affirm their contributions. Appreciate them and you will have a loyal employee for many years to come.

Forgive But Not Forget

On Monday night, Michael Vick treated America to one of the finest performances of a quarterback ever. That's right-ever. In the game against the Redskins, he had six touchdowns and threw for 333 yards. Just for kicks, he rushed for 80 yards. He was personally responsible for 413 yards and 36 of the Eagles 59 points. He was unstoppable.

This is the potential of Michael Vick. A great athlete with a formerly bad attitude. As most of you know, he was drafted out of Virginia Tech by the Atlanta Falcons. He played well for six years before pleading guilty to federal charges associated with a dog fighting ring he led. The dogs were critically abused. He served 21 months in prison and another 2 months in home confinement. He filed for Chapter 11 before being signed by the Eagles prior to the 2009 season. By all accounts, he was a punk. The good news is that he got caught and did time for his crimes.

Now Michael Vick is back doing what he does best-make plays on the football field and win games. There appears to be a new Michael Vick. One who understands he made mistakes and was given another chance. One who is remorseful for what he did. One who does not want to go back to jail. One who is in the community explaining that his actions were very wrong.

We should forgive Michael Vick, but never forget the cruelty to those dogs. I am very happy that he is leading the Eagles and not because I live in Philadelphia. I'm happy because the guy seems to have grown up and matured before our eyes. I guess I'm also happy he actually served time and has paid a big price for his transgressions.

People make mistakes all the time. As leaders, we need to forgive those who make mistakes when they are remorseful and show a willingness to change. We may not forget them, but we should move on. Let's hope this story continues to play out well for Michael Vick and prove that people can be rehabilitated.

Memories

Last week Sparky Anderson passed away. Baseball fans know him as the manager of the Big Red Machine (Cincinnati Reds) in the 70's and later as manager of the Detroit Tigers. He is the only manager to win the World Series in both leagues-twice in the 70's with the Reds and in 1984 with the Tigers.

Whenever I think of Sparky Anderson, I think of great teams and October baseball. He had his share of losing teams, especially with the Tigers in the '90s. He was 76 when he died-I thought he was 76 when he first managed the Reds in 1970. He had this shock of grey hair that made him look twice his age. In truth, he was 36 when he first started with the Reds. He was a player's manager. In his Hall of Fame speech in 2000, he stated he was good because of his players. He just got out of their way.

In 1979, while watching TV, a news flash came on reporting that Sparky Anderson would become the manager of the Tigers. The first question was why? They had hired Les Moss to start the 1979 season and it was mid-June. The answer-he was available and interested. When you can get a hall of fame manager-do it. He took over in mid-season and immediately made the Tigers better culminating in a World Series championship in 1984. He managed another 10 years before retiring in 1995.

Are there people in the work place that bring good memories when you think of them? I often ask the following question in interviews: "Who was your favorite manager and why?" The answer is always immediate and telling. The body language changes, a smile comes across the candidate's face and they reminisce a bit. It also tells you how they like to be lead and whether there is a fit.

I know there are a lot of baseball players today remembering Sparky Anderson with fondness and appreciation. Most would say he brought out the best in them. Isn't that what a leader should do? Sparky, thanks for the memories and rest in peace.

My Woman of Achievement

Very often awards are given out to those who support organizations through their time, talent and treasure. There is nothing wrong with this practice. I have been the recipient of a couple of these. It certainly energized me and hopefully provided an example to others.

Last week, my wife Joan broke the mold as did the other recipients of the Chester County (PA) March of Dimes Women of Achievement. She won the Ellen Ann Roberts Award for Business. She has done some fundraising for the March of Dimes, but this was an award based on her contributions to the business world-which there are many.

I have a different perspective however. I have known Joan for over 25 years, nearly 23 as my wife. It's no surprise that she was honored for her business efforts. The secret that a few of us know is that she puts the same focus and energy in everything she does. When she stayed at home, she was completely focused on motherhood and taking the burden off me. She felt that was her role. It also allowed her to comfort her father when her mother died way too early at 57. She and her siblings managed a foundation her father set up after she died. When he died a few years later (again way too early at 66) she succeeded him as President and helped make it a world class foundation. When she got back into the business world in earnest, she did so with gusto, determination and grit. It's not always easy working with your spouse-but she lead by example with her focus and drive. There is no better networker, salesperson or consultant than Joan. She has the rare gift of being able to sell and deliver the results.

I have been blessed to be at her side for all these years. She is a remarkable woman with incredible strength. She raises every one's performance by being around her. A friend of ours gave her a notepad with the title "Perennial Optimist" on each page. No truer words have been spoken.

I know marriages are a partnership and ours certainly has been. But to be fair, Joan has done much of the heavy lifting. She introduced me to the Catholic Church and helped (not forced) me find my way spiritually. She has set high standards for our family which has allowed our two boys to develop into fine men. She is a rock personally and professionally. She didn't miss a beat this year when I left our consulting firm. She kept her client base in tact and has formed a partnership with our good friend David Herdlinger. There is no doubt that Kashbox Coaching will be a huge success and gain national prominence.

I was so proud to be with her and watch her accept her award last week. I'm even prouder to be her husband and best friend. The biggest item on my bucket list is to celebrate 50 years of marriage with Joan. Nearly 23 and counting. Congratulations Hon, I love you!

Drama Queens

As a party of one, I'm getting tired of Brett Favre. One week its alleged pictures to a co-worker two years ago. Now, we have breaking news regarding his ankle. I'm sure if he plays this weekend, we'll be treated to grimaces, limping and breathless announcers talking about his courage. PLAY THE GAME!!

Unfortunately, Brett Favre is not the only drama queen in sports. The list is exhaustive. How about A-Rod, Roger Clemens, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., LeBron, Kobe, etc. This is not a new phenomenon either. The collective "we" have put up with all this for years-since the beginning of time. The bigger the pain, the more press they get. What gives? Could it be that the squeaky wheel does get the grease?

How about your office? I bet you're thinking of a couple of folks immediately. Here's my take. Drama queens are really insecure. I've known some that feel if they don't trumpet their successes and let everyone know their contributions (in excruciating detail I might add) then they will be let go. Perhaps their resume supports that hypothesis. Maybe all that good "experience" was really code for good riddance. A good question to consider.

I've come to the conclusion that the more a person uses the word "I" the less I want to work with them. "I did this" and "I do/did that." Do your job and let your actions do the talking. We all know there's no "I" in team. Overused-I don't think so. Think about the people you work with-are they more concerned with public recognition or working together. I bet the people you like to be around are good teammates. Hire people who talk about "we" not I. You'll avoid the drama queens and enjoy going to work.

By the way, I used "I" 11 times (not in quotes). You decide if I'm (12) a drama queen.

There is No Joy in Mudville

Today, Mudville is Philadelphia. The mighty Casey (Ryan Howard) struck out to end the game and season for the Phillies. For whatever reason, I thought of the Ernest Thayer poem, Casey at the Bat. You may recall in the poem, it didn't seem possible that Casey would get an at bat. But just like the Mudville 9 in the poem, two were on and two were out. The season ended with Ryan Howard watching strike three on a 3-2 count. It was a perfect pitch by the Giants closer, Brian Wilson.

Though tempted to blame-we can't. It's a team game. The fact the Phillies lost the series can't be pinned on one at bat, one pitch or one error. In a seven game series, a team has plenty of opportunities. It's what they do with those opportunities that determines if they keep playing or go home. Ask the Reds, Braves, Twins, Rays, and Yankees. In essence, the Giants played better as a team than the Phillies. They picked each other up and did what they needed to do to win.

How does your team work? Is it a group of individuals out to do the best for themselves or is it a team that supports, cajoles, backs up and looks at each victory as one for the team? In business, the latter is hard to develop unless its supported at the top. It's the same in baseball. What makes the Giants story stand out is that many came to the team after the season started. Their manager put the pieces together well and utilized all their talents to win games. Isn't that what a leader should do?

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, we will survive. The last stanza of the poem says it best:
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Philadelphia - mighty Ryan has struck out.

I hope Mr. Thayer appreciates the artistic license. Go Rangers!

Darkness To Light

Is there a better story than the rescue of the 33 miners in Chile? Through an international effort and many prayers, each one was brought back up safely months before the original projection date of Christmas. A great effort. It never got old seeing one miner after another coming up and being greeted by family members. A lot of heroism to go around with this experience!

In sports as in business-there are many situations where a person's performance has been impacted by an accident, situation or their own doing. As I thought about the miners, I thought of some sports stars that have seen the bottom, and have or appear to be making their way of out of the darkness.

Bobby Cox - he just retired after 32 years in the dugout or general manager's office. He was named Manager of the Year four times and won over 2,500 games. Last week, he managed his last game as he retired from the sport at 69. It was impressive that the Giants stopped their celebration on the field to tip their hat to Cox as he left the dugout. But not all was peaches and cream for Cox. In 1995, he was accused of punching his wife and pulling her hair. He completed a violence counseling session(s) and alcohol evaluation and charges were dismissed.

Michael Vick - we all know the story of Michael Vick. In August, 2007 he was convicted of animal cruelty and suspended indefinitely from the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons released him. He was broke and filed for bankruptcy. When he completed serving his time in 2009, he was signed by the Eagles and played sparingly last year. This year, he became the starting quarterback after Kevin Kolb was hurt in the first game. Since then, he himself got hurt and has missed two games. He is scheduled to be the starter when he heals. It appears that Vick is doing everything he can to turn the page. Time will tell on this one, but so far, so good.

Josh Hamilton - he is the center fielder for the Texas Rangers and will probably be the American League Most Valuable Player this year. He hit .359, hit 32 home runs and had 100 runs batted in. All this while missing most of September with an injury. His team is fighting the Yankees for the American League pennant as we speak. Hamilton was the first player drafted in 1999 by the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2001, he started down the long dark road of alcoholism and drug addiction. He has been in and out of rehab many times and didn't play baseball from 2004 to 2006. He has had many mentors and works hard every day to avoid temptation. He did slip in 2009 but has been clean since. His teammates chose to celebrate winning the series against the Rays last week with ginger ale in respect of his addictions. We all hope Josh Hamilton can slay the demons and continue with a successful career and care for his family.

Ron Washington - he is the manager of the Texas Rangers and has been since 2006. This spring, it was reported, and later confirmed by Washington that he had a positive test for cocaine. He admitted his mistake and has moved on to lead his team to the American League championship. His team and Rangers ownership backed him-not an easy thing to do. He is a good man who has been a baseball lifer-coming up with the Royals in 1970. Let's hope this was a one shot deal.

The Rangers have taken chances with Hamilton and Washington. Their support, accountability and high expectations have served them well on and off the field this year. Nolan Ryan is the owner-a great player, man and owner. He is a stand up guy and looks for others to do the same. That means he will look both men in the eye and ask them to be honest. To date, they both have looked at him and responded with honest answers. That's all we can do as leaders. Ask for an honest day's effort, tell the truth and then be supportive. Good luck to all and thank God the miners are free!

Bad Meat?

This was the post I was supposed to do last week, but a no-hitter got in the way. As many of you know, Tour de France winner Alberto Contador was accused of doping during this year's race. He, like all who have tested positive, was shocked and dismayed. He suggested that he had a bad piece of meat that skewed the results. Time will tell. What is impressive is that the excuses get more creative.

It's hard to believe how many cyclists have tested positively for some sort of drug enhancement. Since 1975, 10 of the 16 winners have tested positive for some type of drug use, though not all during the Tour. Lance Armstrong, winner of 7 consecutive has been accused, but never convicted. What kind of sport is this that you have to dope yourself with performance enhancing drugs to win or even compete? Don't get me wrong, cycling is a wonderful sport for all ages. Every July, the Tour de France takes our breath away with the vistas and great athletes battling against all the French terrain can throw at it. The effort of each athlete is tarnished by an accusation several months later that they tested positive for a drug.

Do we tolerate industries or businesses with this kind of record? Who would want to work in such a place? Think about it-the work is so difficult that you have to drug yourself every day to perform and compete. How long would you last? Who would take you seriously? Because of your association with that industry or business, your reputation would suffer. An endless downward spiral may occur.

At least regulators have job security. But at what point do the checkers out number the competitors? We see this in cycling and in some industries (banking ?) we may be close. The cycling "industry" is in need of real leadership. The problems are many and solutions are few. Perhaps its time to pull the plug on the Tour de France for a few years and find a way to rid the sport of doping and honor those athletes who can do compete without drugs. I guess if I'm Alberto Contador, the lesson is, don't eat the meat in France!

Unbridled Joy

Welcome to Doctober! I just finished watching Roy Halladay pitch a no-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies in his first playoff game of his career. What a masterpiece! He threw 104 pitches, 79 for strikes.

What struck me about his performance was his skill, focus and unbridled joy at winning the game. He has been one of the top pitchers in the majors for many years. He works as hard as anyone relative to conditioning and has even added a pitch to his repertoire this year. As you watched him throw strike after strike, it was clear he was in the zone and focused at getting Reds out. Finally, when Carlos Ruiz threw out Brandon Phillips for the last out-the smile and joy radiated. His teammates mobbed him and they all enjoyed the moment.

There may have been questions about how he would perform in the post-season. Until today, he never pitched past the first weekend in October. I think he answered those questions. He will be a force throughout the playoffs and hopefully the World Series. He had plenty of stamina thanks to his work ethic.

As leaders, we can use Roy Halladay's performance as a teaching and coaching moment. Skill, focus and joy at your job will make you a valuable resource for your organization. Hone your craft and perform it at the highest level each day. Stay focused on the task at hand-don't let outside distractions take your eye off the ball. As important, love what you do and know that you're making a difference every day. Congratulations to Roy Halladay-may this be the first of many post-season wins!

Redemption

Last month, I wrote an entry entitled "Details." In it, I mentioned that golfer Jim Furyk overslept and missed the Pro-Am of the Barclays tournament. By missing the Pro-Am, he forfeited his chance to play in the regular tournament. He was in the running for the FedEx Cup and a prize of $10 million. All looked lost!

Yesterday was a new day and a chance at redemption. In the Tour Championship, Furyk made an incredible shot from the bunker on the 18th hole and tapped in to win. He not only won the tournament and the $1.35 million prize but also won the season long FedEx cup and $10 million. Quite a day for Mr. Furyk.

The moral of the story is two-fold. First, he took responsibility for his actions and blamed no one but himself for missing the Pro-Am. Second, he didn't crawl into the fetal position and cry himself to sleep every night. He continued to play well, practiced hard, and made shots when he needed to yesterday. He is a champion and has worked like a champion.

How many times have you been second guessed, ridiculed for a decision, and organizationally left for dead? More importantly, how many times have you second guessed others. Most organizations have cultures that try to analyze the actions and reactions of others-to the detriment of morale. Those who try and sometimes fail need to be recognized for the effort and given the support to succeed in the longer run. Look for and celebrate dedication. It's not hard to find those wanting to succeed and willing to work in a positive manner to get there. Congratulations to Jim Furyk and the thousands of workers who won't be slowed by setbacks and take responsibility for their actions.

Sins of the Past

As we all know, football has begun at both the college and pro levels. There have been exciting games, great plays and plenty of entertainment for the sports junkie. Last Thursday, the New Orleans Saints kicked off the season with a win over the Vikings. In that game, running back Reggie Bush ran for 14 yards on just two carries. I first became aware of Bush while he was at the University of Southern California (USC). He had an outstanding career, earning the Heisman Trophy in 2005. Based on what I remember, he was deserving of the award, though many could make the case for runner-up Vince Young. He pro career has been pedestrian-at times brilliant, but mostly average. He's a nice fit in the Saints line-up, but is not the superstar his college career may have predicted.

Yesterday, the sins of his past culminated in his returning the Heisman Trophy. Based on an NCAA investigation where USC vacated (lost) its last two wins of the 2004 season and all of the 2005 season, Reggie Bush and his family is accused of receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars of gifts from agents. USC has also been banned from bowl games this year and next and will lose 30 scholarships over three years. USC has taken down his jersey, and generally disassociated itself with Reggie Bush. Rather than waiting for the Heisman Trophy Trust to ask for the trophy back, he returned it. He moves on, collecting his NFL paycheck and the university picks up the pieces and goes into obscurity for a couple of years.

There is no doubt that Reggie Bush is a talented football player. There is also no doubt that he had a disregard for rules and the effect breaking them will have. I'm sure he is embarrassed and even disgraced at having to give up the Heisman Trophy. But he knew he was breaking the rules. Sometimes it takes awhile for life to catch up with us.

Most of us know that real leadership is based on the foundation of self-leadership. This means you are confident, have high self-esteem, and have a vision and goals for yourself. It also means that you have defined core values that you live by. Core values are defined as those which you won't compromise. To be fair, I'm not sure I met this definition of self-leadership in my 20's, but I also knew right from wrong. I have found that defining your core values is the first step in self-leadership. It becomes your rudder-always moving you in the right direction. Life is a learning process. Learn to live by your core values and avoid the public humiliation we saw yesterday inflicted on Reggie Bush.

So Many Topics-So Little Time

This is the best week in sports-period. I said the same thing last year and will do so for the rest of my life. Pennant races in baseball, college football, pro football, US Open tennis. A smorgasbord of sports. The hard part is tying it into life. We all have to work, find time for our families, and continue to pursue healthy hobbies. What's a sports fan to do? Did I mention the weather in the Mid-Atlantic is beautiful!

Adding to all these priorities on a personl levelnce is that I can't decide on a worthy topic for this blog. Last week I thought about Nyger Morgan and his style (or lack thereof) play. How about Boise State and their come from behind win? Pride or passion in all sports-there are many examples of each. All of this confusion comes from a constant struggle with priorities, time/life balance, and not wanting to miss any of it.

What is balance? How do you stay focused on the important things? In sports, the great athletes have supreme focus and have the ability to stay that way. How about the rest of us? I'll use myself as an example. I think I'm disciplined but find myself straying from my priorities on an hourly, daily and weekly basis. At the end of the week, I'm in good shape work wise, but have I put the right focus on family and home? Have I gotten the exercise I need to maintain good health? Have I watched every inning of every Phillies game? The answers are probably no, yes, and yes. The fall will only get worse as the baseball playoffs begin, football is on every night and the days continue to get shorter. My wife is a sports fan, but not a fanatic. There will be many nights where I don't get to bed until after midnight and try to get up at 5:15 to work out. Something will have to give (more personal days from work?)

Organizations continually try to ensure their team is focused, results-oriented, and hopefully aware of their personal and professional balance. The reality is that organizations need to keep employees focused on goals and tasks when they are on the job and hope that the postitions they've created are structured to allow for the right balance. The good organizations have a feel and listen to their employees about what can get done in a "normal" work day. Not all organizations are good however. As a leader, stop, look and listen to your teams and make sure the results you need allow for a healthy life balance for your employees. In the long run, this will provide the best results.

Details

I hate it when details get in the way of results. Last week we heard about golfer Jim Furyk who was disqualified when he overslept and was five minutes late to the Pro-Am tournament preceding the Barclays tournament. By missing the Pro-Am, he is also disqualified from the four day event. This may cost Furyk some real money (read millions) as it qualifies for the FedEx Cup. The winner gets a $10 million bonus. Furyk was third before missing the tee time. It's hard to imagine how this can happen. My wife sets three alarms to ensure she makes an early flight.

Sticking with golf, how about Dustin Johnson a couple of weeks ago? You may remember him as the golfer who was penalized two strokes on the final hole of the PGA tournament. He was heading for a three man playoff when it was discovered he ground his club in a sand trap. Admittedly, it was hard to tell it was part of the trap but a notice explaining this very situation was posted in the locker room before the final round. No playoff, no chance for a major.

Going outside of sports, it was revealed that the State of New Jersey missed out on $400 million of education funding by the Federal government this week. It turns out that the person filling out one page gave the incorrect information. Governor Christie was spitting tacks, but everyone else filled it out correctly.

Attention to detail is not every one's strong suit. Sometimes, it's situational. In many circumstances, I can be very detailed and ensure the job is complete. In other situations, not so much. I find that when I know someone is checking my work, I tend not to do as complete a job. Sounds a bit backwards but there may be a lesson. When we are ultimately accountable for projects, revenue, proposals-we tend to make sure its right or we stand up and take the blame like Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson. When there is an army of checkers, my theory is that folks slack a bit knowing someone else may catch anything important. Not a very efficient way to run an organization.

Mistakes will happen. Organizations that solve for mistakes by adding additional checks and balances run the risk of bloating the staff and lessening accountability. Creating responsibility, even at the lowest levels of the organization creates efficiency and high expectations. It also promotes creativity, empowerment and opportunity. Be careful in your response to mistakes by creating checkers. Instead, create an organization that is attentive to the details and takes responsibility for their work.

Looking for Buoys

For the past few weeks, a good friend of mine from high school was on my mind. His name is Randy Adams. He was best man in our wedding and lives with his wife Sally and three boys in North Carolina. We grew up together from elementary school to college at Miami University. We were both in the same fraternity, Sigma Nu and even ran for House Commander (President) against each other. We don't talk often, but like most good friends, don't have trouble getting into an easy flow in a few minutes.

I took the opportunity to call Randy yesterday and we caught up for about 20 minutes. During the call, he told me about the death of his nephew in February in an auto accident in Indiana. It's a terrible story, but one that I read about at the time but didn't put the pieces together. It turns out that Randy's nephew, Mark (Reedy) was traveling as a passenger with Brendan Burke, the son of the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager. Brendan was also the student manager of Miami University's hockey team. Sports Illustrated had a touching article on him and his dad soon after the accident. The name of the other young man killed was lost on me until yesterday.

As I read Mark's obituary and articles in the local press from his hometown, I was immediately brought back to my high school days. He went to the same middle school and high school that Randy and I did. He was the top diver in Oakland County and state runner-up. He has a wonderful family and was loved by them and many. Such a tragedy. Mark was 18 when he died.

How often does it happen that we don't get the whole story? We see the headline, something draws us to an article, but we really don't dig deep for the details. So often in business and in life, there are buoys to guide us if only we look. Why is it when we decide to buy a brown sports car, we notice how many brown sports cars are on the road? The more we're open to look deeper-the more our lives will be enriched and we'll achieve the results that we're looking for.

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Mark Reedy, but I know his parents. He did a lot of living and achieving in his life. Perhaps that's his legacy for those he left behind. Make the most out of life and look for the buoys that God puts in our way.

A Change of Scenery

This weekend marks the trading deadline for baseball. There is a two-fold purpose for the deadline. First, it allows teams going nowhere to trade their high priced talent to teams in the pennant race. The hope is that they get quality prospects in return. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. Sometimes it works in the short term, but not so much in the long-term. Take a trade the Tigers made in 1987. They acquired a pitcher named Doyle Alexander to help them overtake the Toronto Blue Jays. Perfect! Except the guy they gave up to get him was John Smoltz, a certain Hall of Famer, to the Braves.

Many players changed teams this week. It is hoped that some will do better with a different team. They may have been buried with their current team. A change of scenery does some players good. Take Brad Lidge in 2008. After struggling with the Astros, he was traded to the Phillies and saved every game he appeared. Perhaps he needs another change given his recent performance. Players get in ruts, they don't get along with his manager, they are too far away from their family. Any number of reasons a change will work.

Are employees any different? In larger organizations, it may be better to move (or allow to move) employees to other departments, take a transfer, or even leave the company. In smaller, organizations, those opportunities may not avail themselves. In all cases, its important for the manager and employee to have a good discussion on fit, career goals and how their current position can help them meet their career goals. Too often, we're afraid to have that conversation. This allows bad feelings to fester and create an emotional departure to the detriment of everyone.

We should all be open to a change of scenery if it benefits all concerned. It often works in baseball-why not for your organization?

Wake-Up Call

On Thursday night, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel relieved hitting coach Milt Thompson of his duties. Milt had been with the Phillies in this capacity for six years, preceding Manuel. In addition, Thompson had spent five years with the Phillies in the 1980's and 1990's during his 13 year career. By all accounts Thompson is a good man, excellent teacher, and dedicated worker. Was it his fault that his players didn't hit this year? Was it his fault that they scored less than four runs in nearly 40% of their games? Was it his fault that so many players were/are injured? The answers are yes, yes, yes and yes. Really?

Milt Thompson was the sacrificial lamb. Management can't fire the players (easily). His firing sent a message to the team that they cost a good man his job. So far, the Phillies have taken the message to heart. In the three games since Thompson's firing, they have scored 20 runs and won three in a row. They have significantly improved their situational hitting, especially when men are on base. Is this a permanent change? Time will tell. I was at the games on Friday and Saturday and saw a team that seemed to have regained their swagger. Phillies fans hope it lasts past the weekend if we hope to make it to the World Series for the third year in a row.

Does a message ever get sent in your organization? The bottom line in sports and business (both for and non profit) is to get results. It is up to the leaders in the organization to get results. If they don't, then changes have to be made. It is up to individual leaders and managers to drive results in a values-driven way to generate positive organizational results. If they don't, the time consuming and painful process of documenting poor performance begins. How an organization sends the message and follow up actions will determine the strength of the organization and development of the team.

Personnel changes are always difficult, especially in the middle of a season or project. Milt Thompson will land on his feet as do many who face the same challenge. Let's hope the Phillies get the message and save their own jobs.

The End of the Line

There comes a time in sports where a player retires. They may have had a highly successful career or been a bit player in the sport. Last week, my youngest son's American Legion team was knocked out of the playoffs. It was a surprise to everyone since they only lost three games in the regular season. Unfortunately, other teams were peaking at the right time.

He turns 19 this week so his Legion days are over. It has been a thrill to watch him play baseball for the last 15 years, many of which I had the opportunity to coach. He'll be a sophomore at Penn State in the fall and has aspirations of playing Club ball. We'll see how it all turns out. As far as local baseball goes, this is the end of the line. In his case, the last game is a definite end point. He may play in other leagues or at school but he won't be representing his community as a ballplayer. We had the same feeling a couple of years ago when our oldest son's high school football career ended on a chilly November night. In all our minds, a couple of games too early as they too were bounced from the playoffs. He went on to play a couple years at the University of Chicago. I had a chance to watch all his home games last year including the last one where he played most of the 4th quarter. That turned out to be his last game as he's moving on to focus on studies and plan for a career.

How do you celebrate the end of a career or an associate leaving your organization? While retirements are typically a celebration of one's career, those who leave for another organization are often ostracized. How an organization celebrates the contributions of the individual helps define their practiced core values. Do you honor the person? Are you pleased for them when they move on to another organization? Are you happy they have the chance to fulfill their dreams and ambitions? Unfortunately, many employers take someone leaving personally leaving an awkward situation in its wake. In fact, many organizations are so concerned that state secrets may be taken that they escort the individual out immediately. Don't get me wrong, this is necessary in some cases-but not all.

The end of the line doesn't have to be a morbid place, but can be one of celebration. While I would love to watch more baseball and football, I know that a chapter has closed and new, exciting ones are opening up. Celebrate those who leave and create a wonderful atmosphere for those who stay.

Great Expectations

It's lonely at the top. We've heard this over and over again. Yet, this is exactly what athletes try and achieve, especially in individual sports like golf and tennis. This weekend, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal once again won Wimbledon-perhaps the most prestigious tournament of the year.

For Nadal, he won his second straight Grand Slam event. The first being the French Open several weeks ago. In both the Open and Wimbledon, he won in straight sets. His two opponents could not muster even one set. The road to his third Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open seems paved with pretenders unless Roger Federer can mount a comeback. No one is ready to give Nadal the U.S. Open title, but prospects look bleak for his opponents. His number one ranking is in no danger today.

Serena Williams won her 10th Grand Slam singles title on Saturday easily beating 21 seeded Vera Zvonareva (who?). This was her fourth Wimbledon singles title to go along with several doubles titles with her sister Venus. She too dominated her opponent in straight set and dispatched Zvonareva in 67 minutes to retain her number one ranking. Other than her sister-who is going to challenge her?

These two great champions have much in common. They work long, solitary hours to perfect their game. They are focused on winning, even if it doesn't play well in the papers. They are fully and completely committed to being at the top of their game and don't look to relinquish that seed or title anytime soon.

Do you have great expectations for your team? Is there one person continually at the top of the scale? If so, how do you challenge them? How do you create "opponents" that will try to exploit their weaknesses and make them stronger? Are they committed to working long hours to stay at the top of their game?

Often, leaders focus on those who need the most help-the squeaky wheel at the expense of our high performers. While this makes sense, most turnover occurs with our best and brightest. Sometimes it's dollar driven, but in my experience it often is a lack of attention. As leaders, we need to figure out how to make our best better. Great leaders get the most out of all their people and get energized seeing one of their own succeed and prosper. I suggest focusing on the top 20%-the rewards for the organization will be many and the individual, countless.

The Legends of LA

This piece may seem a couple of weeks old, but the reflections will be timely. The last few weeks have reminded us that there is wisdom in Los Angeles. Ten days ago, Phil Jackson guided his Los Angeles Lakers to their 2nd consecutive NBA title. For Jackson, it was his 11th, between the Lakers and the Chicago Bulls.

A couple of weeks ago, we learned of the passing of legendary UCLA Bruins basketball coach, John Wooden at the age of 99. He coached the Bruins to 10 NCAA Championships in his 27 years at the University. He was a great man who shared his wisdom in books, players and and countless interviews. He was remembered last night at Pauley Pavillion where his seat was retired where he watched the Bruins for nearly 25 years.

What binds these two great coaches besides geography? The fact that both ended up in Los Angeles is a coincidence. Both are from the Midwest-Wooden from Indiana and Jackson from Montana. Both played basketball-Jackson in the NBA where he collected two more championships as a player with the New York Knicks in the early 70's. Both are brilliant men who have made it their business to know how there players think and work together. In general, they have the following in common:

• Great players
• Ability to motivate
• Life balance
• Sincerity

Both men had great players. In fact, as Jackson mulls retirement, many are stating that you don't need a great coach for this team. It should run on its own. Don't be deceived. Great players need great coaches. One supports the other. It's called respect. Players need to believe in their coach in times of stress, when the game's on the line. Even players making four times the salary. The ability to say the right thing at the right time is a common gift among the two coaches. They both seem to have balanced lives and focus on the important things. Finally, both are sincere, approachable and wise.

How about your organization? Do you have a great staff? Can you motivate them in times of stress? Do you create an opportunity for life balance? Are you sincere, approachable and trustworthy? Most leaders complain they don't have the right people in the right place. I've been guilty of this in the past. A good leader attracts good players who understand their system and want to be motivated. A good leader develops their team to take the organization to the next level.

We can learn a lot from these two men. I suggest reading their books and understand their fundamentals of leadership. Phil Jackson-congratulations and Coach Wooden-RIP.

What You See Early is What You Get

This week, several rookies made their major league debut. None bigger than last year's first pick in the baseball draft-Stephen Strasburg. Last June, he was finishing his stellar career at San Diego State University under the tutelage of Hall of Famer, Tony Gwynn. That month, he was also selected first in the draft by the lowly Washington Nationals. Since then, he has pitched lights out at every stop (albeit short) along the way. His minor league career began in October and last nearly eight months before joining the Nationals last week.

So how did his first start go? "Preposterous" says Bob Costas. Strasburg started the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and pitched seven innings. Along the way, he allowed 2 earned runs, gave up no walks and struck out an incredible 14 Pirate hitters. One short of the record for a debut. Unbelievably, he struck out the last seven batters he faced! Oh, by the way, he also throws 100 mph on occasion.

Yesterday, was another debut by a rookie in Boston. Daniel Nava started in left field. All he did was hit a grand slam home run on the first pitch he saw! Not a bad start to a career. More on Daniel Nava another time (perhaps because I'm upset it was against the Phillies).

I had a boss that used to say, "what you see early is what you get." It goes both ways. If you see someone working hard, asking good questions, interacting well with others and getting results-chances are that person is going to be a good hire and employee. If you see someone who is chatty, questioning why they have to do something, whiny and has attitude problems-guess what, institute a 90 day probation policy. That person will also do the same throughout their employment.

Early results like we have seen from Strasburg and Nava don't necessarily forecast hall of fame induction. But they do forecast work ethic, clubhouse chemistry and desire to win. In baseball and all sports, the road to the top is tricky and requires one to stay healthy along the way. In an organization, there may be fits and starts, but the one with the good work ethic, attitude and desire for results is going to receive more coaching, focus and help from others to ensure they do well.

You may want to consider utilizing a temp-to-hire or probation period hiring policy. See what a person is like before making the commitment to hire full-time. Talk to an HR professional or labor lawyer for details and applicability in your state. Here's to a good week for the rookies-how about the ones in your office?

The (Un) Perfect Game and Stand Up Guys

I'm driving home Wednesday night listening to the Detroit Tigers game against the Cleveland Indians. Being from Detroit, XM Radio allows me to listen to my home town team when the Phillies aren't playing. Low and behold, Armando Galaragga had retired 21 Indians in a row. No hits, errors or walks. I got home as the Tigers finished batting in the 8th and turned on MLB Network with one out in the top of the 9th. I think most Americans know what happened next. Jim Joyce, know as an excellent umpire, missed the call (badly) on what should have been the final out and preserved the third perfect game of the season and the 21st in the history of baseball.

There are a lot of angles on this story. Last July, I wrote about Mark Buerhle's perfect game being a sum of all the parts. In a perfect game, everything has to go right. I didn't mention the umpires, but clearly they have to be perfect too. The call Jim Joyce made was atrocious and will haunt him the rest of his career. But there is a silver lining to this story and lessons for all of us. The next day, Jim Joyce stood in front of the cameras and stated unequivocally that he made a mistake. He apologized and took all questions asked of him. Jim Leyland, the Tigers' manager, stated in his press conference that Jim Joyce is an excellent ump and he made a mistake but showed support for Joyce. Most important, Armando Galarraga, showed real class by not bad mouthing Joyce and accepting his apology. Best of all, Galarraga took the line up card to home plate the next day where Joyce was the home plate ump. It was an emotional scene as Joyce openly wept and Galarraga patted him on the back.

What's the lesson for us and our organization? Many. How many of us admit our mistakes? In my experience, not many. Jim Joyce could have avoided the press and said he did his best. Instead, he acknowledged his error and asked for forgiveness to the only person that counts-Galarraga. Think of all the buck passing in organizations to try to cover up a mistake or not be called out. In my experience, those that admit they are wrong or made a mistake are forgiven and the assumption is it won't happen again. Why don't more of us admit it? We take the heat once and we're done. It may be that they don't feel their organization will watch their back and support them. These are usually the same organizations that have high turnover and pay headhunting fees to bring new talent on board.

We can't expect perfection, but we can strive for perfection every day. Armando Galarraga was perfect on June 2nd, but Jim Joyce wasn't. Maybe that explains why there have been 20 perfect games thrown in baseball's history. Remember, you can't control all events, but you can control your reaction. Jim Joyce, Jim Leyland and Armando Galarraga were perfect in their reaction.

Leadership - Family Style

Imagine being one of ten kids living in a small home outside of Boston. Do you get forgotten? Do you do as you wish? Are you always mad because you don't have your own things such as a room, closet or bathroom? For Dan La Perriere, none of the above are feeling he had or has. In fact, the lessons he learned from his parents are with him today as he's well entrenched in his second career as a consultant and coach.

I met Dan about six years ago at a quarterly meeting with our supplier Resource Associates. He is a quiet, easy going sort who at the time was in business with his wife Lee, and friend Kathy Bowman Atkins. Lee has since gone out on her own. Dan and Kathy have built a successful consulting business in and around Greensboro, NC. They met at General Dynamics and decided to go out on their own. It's proven to be a very successful partnership.

Dan's parents were hard working folks living in New Bedford, MA. Dan's father recently passed away, but lived a good life based on hard work, commitment and love for his family. All lessons passed down to his kids. Dan was the third of 10. He remembers vividly the organization involved in getting ready for Church, folding clothes and bringing in groceries. Dan's father was in the Marines during WWII. As you might expect, they had weekly inspections focused on keeping their rooms, closets and bathrooms clean.

Dan married his high school sweetheart on his birthday, the day after Lee graduated from college in 1973. They have three wonderful children and just welcomed their first grand child into the world. Dan. like his siblings, has had a wonderful career at AT & T and General Dynamics before founding (with Kathy) The Lattitude Group. His demeanor, patience and listening abilities have served him well throughout his career and with his family. He has been a great coach to me over the past two years and has helped Joan and I with our annual strategic plan.

I am pleased and blessed to call Dan a friend and know he would do anything for me. Can't ask for much more in life. I never met Dan's family, but see how he has incorporated the lessons well. It shows in his words and actions. Lessons abound for all of us, but it's the few who utilize them on a daily basis. Happy Birthday and Anniversary. Continued success for many more!

Foul!

Back in October, I wrote a blog entitled, "Knowing Your Role." It talked about the positive impact back up players had in the Phillies championship run. Today, its just the opposite. On Wednesday, umpire Joe West, in his 34th season as an umpire, called two balks on Chicago White Sox pitcher, Mark Buehrle. The balk is at best a confusing play in baseball. A pitcher is not allowed to deceive the runner at first and therefore must abide by several rules to avoid the call and keep a runner at first. Left handed pitchers have always had an advantage as they're facing the runner and need only to stride toward first. There is an imaginary 45 degree line running from the pitcher's mound to the first base line. If you're foot lands on the home plate side-it's a balk. It is the least called rule in baseball. On Wednesday, Joe West called it on Buehrle in two successive innings. The last call, in the third inning, resulted in Buehrle being thrown out of the ballgame. His manager, Ozzie Guillen, was thrown out after the first call in the second inning. The last time Mark Buehrle was thrown out of a game was in 2005.

Who do we pay to watch? Is the umpires? No. Is is the manager and coaches? No. Final guess-is it the players? Absolutely! I saw a reply and saw a close play that is almost never called-certainly not twice in a ballgame. To make matters worse, West waved Guillen away before he could ask what Buehrle did. Unfortunately, Mr. West has a history of turning the spotlight on himself and making him the issue. A great umpire is seen and not heard. He is the one who keeps calm while all the emotion swirls about him. He doesn't or shouldn't create the issue-he should subdue it. Not so on Wednesday and not so in recent history.

Do you see this happen at work? Are there folks in your organization whose chant is "Me,me,me,me...? " How do you help them realize they are negatively impacting the organization? For many organizations, nothing is done. In most cases, it's not unlike a child seeking attention. For successful organizations, individuals are coached on their positive and negative actions on a routine (weekly or bi-monthly) basis. Without this constant correction and input, a culture starts to get corrupted and it spreads. Building a good team takes time, patience and perseverance. It also involves a lot of spade work to get it just right. Perhaps Major League Baseball needs to prune some of its own and make sure everyone knows their role.

Grinders

In the last 24 hours, I've witnessed two events that celebrate the fortitude of the human spirit and how sheer willpower can help us achieve our goals. I don't watch much hockey and like most sports I believe the season is too long. Last night, however, was a remarkable game and feat by the Philadelphia Flyers. In the Eastern Conference semi-finals (2nd round of the playoffs), the Flyers found themselves down three games to none in the best of seven series. In other words, they were one game away from elimination. The Flyers fought back to tie the series and traveled to Boston for the final game. Ironically found themselves down 3 -0 after 15 minutes. As many of you know, the Flyers came back with four answered goals to win the game and the series. How improbable is that you ask? In the history of all major league sports, baseball, football, hockey, basketball, it has been done exactly three times prior to last night. The last time was in 2004 when the Red Sox came back to beat the Yankees.

This morning, I volunteered at the local Kennett Square (PA) Run. It's an annual event with nearly 3,000 runners and walkers participating. My job was to make sure cars didn't leave a neighborhood on the route. Often, it's a dangerous job, but I'm happy to report no incidents! My post was just short of the four mile mark at the top of a long incline. This was a 10K or 6.2 mile race. The first runners appeared to hardly exert an effort, though their pace was lower than 5 minutes/mile. The rest of the field was an assortment of athletes of all shapes and sizes-literally. I'm not sure the body is made to run like some of the folks did. Bottom line, they all made it up the hill and persevered. They may not have been going fast, but they were going. For many, it was a very difficult challenge. I saw a lot of grit and determination. As the last two persons jockeyed for the last spot, I wasn't sure if they appreciated their effort or were embarrassed to be at the end of the race followed by a police car. I hope they appreciated their effort.

In both cases, the effort to meet the goal was a circuitous one. Flyers coach Peter Laviolette summed up their journey by saying "It's not the ideal path, but its our path." No one wants to lose the first three games, but sometimes it happens. You can't always control events, but you can control your reaction to them. How hard are you willing to work to reach your goal? What happens if unanticipated obstacles get in your way? Do you grind through it or give up? Many of us give up just before we succeed. Perhaps the runners in Kennett Square and the Flyers can show us how to grind it out.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Last week, baseball lost one of the good men of the game. Ernie Harwell died at the age of 92. For 42 years, Ernie was the play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers. Coincidentally, his first season in Detroit was my second season of life. For nearly 20 years, he brought the Tigers to me through the radio. He matched the pace of the summer-some highs, some lows, but mostly a nice, relaxed pace. His presence was always assumed. In the past few years, I've seen shows about him or heard clips from games he called. Though everyone calls their announcer the best-Ernie Harwell was.

Last year, Philadelphia lost Harry Kalas and there was deep mourning for a lost friend. I know Detroit is going through the same hurt today. Ernie Harwell was 92 and as he said, worked at something he loved. I was saddened when I heard of his death on Tuesday. Memories of people I've known, neighborhoods, ball games, and high school all came flooding back because of the death of a man I never knew personally, but represents an impressionable part of my life. There is a certain sadness in thinking about all that's behind me. I'm also buoyed by the fact that I remember my family, friends and experiences in Michigan fondly and with clarity. In two years I'll see many of them at our 35th reunion. Until then, there is Facebook.

Most of us would sign up for a good quality of life into the 90's. Ernie Harwell knew he was blessed with a long life doing what he loved. To read the eulogies, the love was mutual. Willie Horton, the Tigers left fielder in the 60's and 70's said it was a blessing to have him in his life. Is that such a bad legacy to leave behind? Ernie Harwell left the world a better place. It's a goal worth living.

Mr. Bill and Miss Kathy

My biographical series continues with a man I met growing up on the hard streets of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Just kidding, I don't think there's a more bucolic place in the country than Bloomfield Hills. We had lived in our house for a couple of years when a young family moved in across the street. They were young, hip and had a cool yellow Corvette. They had one child at the time. I was nine going on seven. It turns out that my life and Bill and Kathy Sante's lives would intertwine for many years.

As I recall, they were the first adults who treated me as an grown up-or at least a kid with a decent head on his shoulder. I'm sure there were others including my parents, but they don't count. It took a couple of years to get to know them given my busy schedule as a fourth grader. Soon though, I was doing odd jobs and babysitting on weekends. Bill has a great sense of humor and often used it to pass on a life lesson. He was excellent at helping me manage up the chain of command at our house while not taking sides. I helped him paint one summer and enjoyed his witticism and war stories-all appropriate for a young teen.

In 1978, while I was at college, Bill took a job with Rockwell International and moved the family to Pittsburgh. A year later, Bill was diagnosed with Hodgkin's and went through an aggressive radiation therapy. He survived and continued to be a mentor. As luck would have it, my first job took me to Pittsburgh. Bill and Kathy opened their home and took me under their wing. I know they appreciated my roommate and I cooking at 2:00 in the morning. It was during that visit that Bill got concerned about our choice of an apartment and shared his reservations with my dad. Good call-though I didn't see it that way at the time. I saw them frequently and Bill continued to give good career advice.

I left Pittsburgh in 1984 only to return again with a family in 1995. Bill and Kathy were wonderful and enjoyed the turnaround as I tried to manage two boys under the age of 5. They lived a couple of miles away and were frequent visitors. They also enlisted their oldest daughter Jennifer to help out. They have been great friends for us-always there when we needed them. The circle of life plays out in our relationship as they watched our boys while we attended my father-in-laws funeral and I have given their son Bill some career advice.

We saw Bill and Kathy a couple of years ago when we were looking at colleges for the boys. They are in great shape and have several grandchildren in the area to dote over. I have been blessed to have them in my life and appreciate all the love, support and advice over the years. One never knows what lessons will be learned drinking a Coke in the shade during a break.

A Code of Honor

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I don't watch much golf. I usually hit the majors and maybe some of the Ryder Cup. Suffice it to say I didn't make plans to spend Sunday afternoon watching the Verizon Heritage from Hilton Head Island. In retrospect, maybe I should have.

Our local paper headlined that "Davis' Penalty Leads to Furyk Win." It was the headline because Jim Furyk is from the area. I read on to find out that Furyk and Brian Davis had a playoff to determine the winner as they were tied after 72 holes. Davis, an Englishman, has never won on the PGA tour. As he attempted to chip on the green, his pitching wedge moved a loose reed in the marshy area surrounding the green. He called for a rules official, explained what happened and called a penalty on himself! The rules official asked his colleagues to review the replay and soon confirmed the two-strok penalty. Davis conceded the hole to Furyk who became the winner.

What does this say about Brian Davis? Cynics might say that if he didn't call it, someone might have called it on him. I prefer to think differently. As I read the article (I didn't see it-even on replay) it appears he immediately called for the official and didn't even try the shot. Golfers, as a whole, take the rules seriously and consider adherence to them an outward sign of integrity. Mr. Davis showed all that and more on Sunday. It shows he is a man of honor, with a great deal of respect for the sport. He lives by golf's code of honor.

Would we do the same thing? If we make a mistake or omission at work, do we call ourselves out? Perhaps we do if we know we'll get caught. What if there is no chance of knowing you made the mistake or omission? I've asked myself that question this week. I believe I would, but won't know until I'm in that position. How does an organization reward those who have that integrity and not punish? These are not easy answers. A friend of mine defines honesty as being truthful in what you say and integrity in taking responsibility for what you do. It's a hard definition for all of us to follow, yet 90% of those I've worked with or met would say that honesty and integrity are among their core values. On Sunday, Brian Davis showed the world that he is a man of integrity and lives by a code of honor.

Order Has Been Restored

There was a Nike ad I saw this week in Sports Illustrated that is the title of today's blog. It sums up this piece I had rolling around in my head since Duke won the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship a couple of week's ago. Duke has been a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, though there has been a drought the past six years-no trips to the final four. 2010 put things back in order.


Duke is lead by their coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K). He had been there 30 years, nearly half his adult life. In that time, Duke has won 4 National Conferences (including 2010), been to the Final Four 11 times; have been in 12 Elite 8's, won the ACC Conference Championship 12 times and the regular season 12 times. They play meaningful games almost every night. To be this effective, there must be a system.


Whether you like Duke or not, you must respect what they've accomplished. The men on this team typically graduate and most don't have a career in the NBA. He brings in players that will excel in his system, not be standouts who will leave after their freshman year. He is a tactician, a motivator, and has a system that works. On occasion, he tweaks the system but there is no doubt it is his.


Every successful organization has a system in place in order to replicate success. One of the hardest thing for small organizations is to take the time to create processes that still allows creativity and the flow of new products. It's a delicate balance that many organizations can't achieve which stymies or extinguishes growth. Every organization needs a Coach K at a leadership level that will create and execute a successful system. What kind of order does your organization have? Maybe its time to create some.

Sometimes, The Best Person Wins!

I don't watch much golf, but for some reason I always seem to watch the Masters and US Open. I had a run in my youth where I saw three out of four US Opens in a row. Incredible courses and incredible golf. Perhaps heading to Augusta is on my bucket list-but that's not the point of today's blog.

The Master's has been hyped for weeks as the return of Tiger Woods. Against all odds, he actually played well and kept himself in the tournament until late today. Fortunately, that's not the story. Today, Phil Mickelson won his third Masters. He is such a likable guy and like most of us on the golf course, takes shots that defy logic. In many of the major tournaments, those shots fail. He has finished second or tied for second five times at the US Open including last year. You may recall that his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks before the tournament.

Phil is an easy guy to root for. He seems like a regular guy who grinds his way to wins. Today he took the same shots he did at the US Open last year, but made them. On the 13th hole, after hitting his fourth tee shot into the woods, he made an impossible shot between trees and landed on the green. Pure Phil.

His wife continues to battle breast cancer and last July, his Mom was diagnosed with it also. If anyone should have won today it was Phil Mickelson. The embrace and tears after his win with Amy (his wife) was touching. Reminiscent of Tiger's emotions after his father died.

Who in your organization deserves to "win?" Most of us have people who battle personal issues but come in every day to do their best. Perhaps they have ailing parents and a special needs child. Maybe they've overcome an addiction and fight it every day. In our own way, we need to reach out and let them know they're appreciated-that they're making a difference for the organization. We all want to see our teammates do well-what should we be doing to support them? Just like Phil, the best person needs a win.

The Best Day of the Year

Everyone has a favorite day. Perhaps it's your birthday, a holiday, etc. Today, is my favorite day. This is the day that baseball opens (officially) and the college basketball champion is crowned. It is a day of optimism, enthusiasm, pride, patriotic fervor and a chance to finally shake the winter.

This is a day that I've been anticipating for weeks, if not months. If I had thought it through, I would have taken the day off and watched 10 hours of baseball, taking a break to watch the first hour of "24" then settle in for the men's National Basketball Championship. I would have eaten a lot of junk food, monitored my blood sugar to make sure I would live to see tomorrow then struggled the rest of the week with my normal sleep patterns. It would have been a fine day. I'll have to write a note to myself to do it next year.

To be fair, I don't watch college basketball until mid-March. I play a pool and am usually humiliated, but have fun trying. There is so much about life that gets played out in 2+ weeks of the NCAA tournament. Hard work, determination, preparation and the feeling that on any given day, David can beat Goliath. I'm not sure that will play out tonight (Butler vs. Duke) but it's a nice thought. What I do know is that the tournament is the perfect lead in to my favorite sport-baseball. Today there are 13 games starting with the Nationals hosting the Phillies and ending with Seattle at Oakland. Thus, the long and winding road of 162 games culminating with the playoffs and World Series. Life is good!

What is your favorite day? Does your organization have a favorite day? We all need to look forward to something out of the ordinary that recharges our batteries and gives us a positive outlook on life. For many, this is done on personal time. Nothing wrong with that. Forward thinking organizations need to create days that bring a sense of fulfillment while helping to invigorate our thinking. It could be a retreat or training but it should help to motivate all your employees. Clearly, it's easier to do in small organizations but that shouldn't stop us from trying.

Enjoy today-no matter your motivation, interests or passions. I'll revel in the fact it's the best day of my year.

Birthday Celebrations

This is a big week for our family. It turns out that my parents were born six days and four years apart. This Friday, my Dad turns 80 and last week my Mom turned 76. I probably get no points for stating their ages, but both are milestones to be celebrated. These are special days for both, with many experiences between them. Thankfully, both are in good health and stay active.

When one looks back on their lives, there are lessons and experiences that stick with us. Both of my parents were born and raised during the Great Depression. As many of you know, those raised during that time tend to be conservative with their money, have a great work ethic, and never want to be without again. My mom's side had it a bit easier than my dad's family, though the impressions formed run deep. Like many families, they never knew they were poor or did without. This allows one to grow up without airs or feeling like you need to catch up with others.

My parents represent the baby boomers and part of the "Greatest Generation." They have worked hard all their lives, put three kids through school, supported us when necessary, and provide an on-going example of how to live your life. They don't ask much in return and probably don't get much back. They have lead by example all their life and my siblings and I are better off for it.

Birthdays are a time of reflection and hope. We celebrate the past and hope it has positioned us well for the future. When you're 80 and 76, there is much to celebrate. I suppose one wonders about their legacy, did they make good decisions, and what if they had to do it all over again? We all make decisions throughout our lives that define who we are and what we have to give. My parents are no exception. My Dad was in the Marines then went to Virginia Tech. He met my Mom and then took a job with Chrysler in Detroit. For thirty-two years he worked there, and created a life for themselves in Michigan. In 1996, they moved back to Virginia to Williamsburg, about an hour north of where they were raised.

Who knows how many years they have left? By the looks of both of them-I'd say many. I can attest they have made good decisions and don't need to consider "what-ifs." I'm proud to be their son and thank them for all their love and support. I guess that's the best way to say thanks and repay them for all they've done and given to me. Join me in celebrating their birthdays and let's hope there are many more.

Nothing Left to Lose!

The first weekend of the NCAA men's basketball tournament is a sports junkie's dream. For 96 hours, 32 games are played where anything and everything can happen. Just ask the men of the University of Kansas. They were the best team in America according to every poll and now they sit and watch. Murray State and Michigan State have won games at the buzzer. This is sports at its finest.

In my mind, no team has been more impressive than Cornell from the Ivy League. Typically, the Ivy League sends their champ to be a sacrificial lamb for a big school on their way to the final four. This year, Cornell dominated their opponents with a 27-4 record. On Friday, they whipped Temple and did the same on Sunday to Wisconsin (Big Ten). Next stop, Kentucky on Thursday night. I suspect teams like Cornell feel like they are playing with house money. They have nothing to lose. They have already gone much further than anyone thought. Now, they play on the national stage against one of the great basketball programs in the country. Expectations are low and their intensity will be high.

This reminds me of start up organizations. While their owners have a lot to lose, they're not given much credit (initially) in the marketplace. The organization is intensely focused on product launches, sales and effectively utilizing cash (or at least should be). It is hard to keep this intensity for long and soon process and ritual take over. Many organizations would be better off having the entrepreneurial mentality and going for broke. Most organizations settle into a certain pace where ultimately, mediocrity is the standard.

When making a decision this week, figure out how to light a fire under your organization and play like you have nothing left to lose.