Last weekend, a story hit the wires that made news in baseball circles but did not get much play beyond us baseball freaks. A young man of 23 years named Grant Desme decided to leave baseball and begin the process of becoming a Priest. Last year, he played A ball at both Kane County and Stockton. Both are Oakland A's minor league teams. He batted .288 with 31 home runs, 89 runs batted in (rbis) and 40 steals. He was the only player at any level in the minors to have 30 home runs and at least 30 steals. In his fall league, he hit .315 with 11 home runs and 27 rbis in 27 games. This young man has talent and was expected to rise to AA or AAA ball in the spring. He was quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle as saying "I'm doing well in baseball. But I had to get down to the bottom of things, to what was good in my life, what I wanted to do with my life. Baseball is a good thing, but that felt selfish of me when I felt that God was calling me more. It took a while to trust that and open up to it and aim full steam toward Him...I love the game, but going to aspire to higher things."
How many of us hear the call to do something different but ignore it? Many of us have but not acted on it and find ourselves going through the motions. There are many factors one has to consider when determining your life's work. Money is certainly one of them. You have to admire this young man's maturity and decision. He is pursuing his call and willing to give up the potential of millions of dollars and a different kind of glory. How many of us would put our faith in God and forgo all that he has? It would be very difficult.
He has entered a Catholic Seminary in Orange, CA and will begin to discern whether the Priesthood is for him. Selfishly, I hope it is, but only God knows that answer. The fact that he is willing to put his trust in God is a good first step. For the rest of us, be open to your purpose and determine the right path for you. We don't get many chances to pursue happiness in our lives, so be open to it when you can.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Lead by Example
In the summer of 2007, I decided to write a book based on people in my life that have influenced me in a positive way. I went through the process of interviewing twelve individuals or couples but have never taken the next step. I've felt bad that I took their time and didn't follow up.
Today, my goals don't include writing a book. Perhaps one day I'll catch up to my wife Joan, who's written three. To honor those who took the time to sit with me two years ago, I will feature one person/couple a month in this blog. Though it's not a sports example, the profiles provide leadership examples. Specifically, each represents some formation of one of my core values-not just as a younger man, but throughout my life. Each of these folks has lived a wonderful life with many life lessons. Today, we start with the first couple I interviewed, Dutchie and Larry Brandon who have helped form and strengthen my core value of courage and have led by example throughout their lives.
Larry is a Deacon at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in West Chester, PA and was ordained in the first class of diaconates in the Baltimore Archdiocese in 1973. They moved to West Chester in 1974. Larry is retired but had a very successful career in the insurance industry starting with USF & G in 1957 culminating as Chairman of the American Institute in Malvern, PA. He retired in 2001 but has been active and serves on several boards. Dutchie, his wife of nearly 53 years raised 7 children and has supported Larry in so many ways. The beauty of all my interviews rests in understanding a person's foundation. Dutchie and Larry have lived thier lives according to their moral compass. In their lifetime, they have marched with the Berrigan brothers, started charities in their community, and have been leaders in the Catholic church.
I'm drawn to the Brandons because of their quiet compassion and moral strength. They walk with confidence and without airs. Larry is so soft spoken that you have to strain to hear his wonderful homilies. They have a rock solid belief system that resonates from within. I am most impressed with their love for each other and their family (including 21 grandchildren). Their faith and love have carried them on a wonderful journey.
Larry and Dutchie have set an example for their family and friends. There's a calmness that invokes confidence, a grace that produces wonderment, and a passion for life that transcends generations. They continue to set a wonderful example daily.
Today, my goals don't include writing a book. Perhaps one day I'll catch up to my wife Joan, who's written three. To honor those who took the time to sit with me two years ago, I will feature one person/couple a month in this blog. Though it's not a sports example, the profiles provide leadership examples. Specifically, each represents some formation of one of my core values-not just as a younger man, but throughout my life. Each of these folks has lived a wonderful life with many life lessons. Today, we start with the first couple I interviewed, Dutchie and Larry Brandon who have helped form and strengthen my core value of courage and have led by example throughout their lives.
Larry is a Deacon at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in West Chester, PA and was ordained in the first class of diaconates in the Baltimore Archdiocese in 1973. They moved to West Chester in 1974. Larry is retired but had a very successful career in the insurance industry starting with USF & G in 1957 culminating as Chairman of the American Institute in Malvern, PA. He retired in 2001 but has been active and serves on several boards. Dutchie, his wife of nearly 53 years raised 7 children and has supported Larry in so many ways. The beauty of all my interviews rests in understanding a person's foundation. Dutchie and Larry have lived thier lives according to their moral compass. In their lifetime, they have marched with the Berrigan brothers, started charities in their community, and have been leaders in the Catholic church.
I'm drawn to the Brandons because of their quiet compassion and moral strength. They walk with confidence and without airs. Larry is so soft spoken that you have to strain to hear his wonderful homilies. They have a rock solid belief system that resonates from within. I am most impressed with their love for each other and their family (including 21 grandchildren). Their faith and love have carried them on a wonderful journey.
Larry and Dutchie have set an example for their family and friends. There's a calmness that invokes confidence, a grace that produces wonderment, and a passion for life that transcends generations. They continue to set a wonderful example daily.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
A Slippery Slope
This may seem a bit dated given all that has gone on in sports the last week. I want to take you back to the announcement of the new inductee to the Baseball Hall of Fame. As you may recall, the very good Andre Dawson made it in the regular voting.
I am a passionate baseball fan so bear with me while I make the argument that Andre Dawson is not deserving of the Hall. I believe that the Hall of Fame is for the exceptional, not the very good. I have watched baseball for 45 years and have seen some very good players. I have also seen or watched on TV a handful of exceptional players. Let me recount them in alphabetical order: Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Johnny Bench, Wade Boggs, George Brett, Lou Brock, Rod Carew, Roberto Clemente, Steve Carlton, Bob Gibson, Tony Gwynn, Catfish Hunter, Al Kaline, Sandy Koufax, Reggie Jackson, Mickey Mantle, Juan Marichal, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Paul Molitor, Joe Morgan, Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Tony Perez, Cal Ripken, Jr., Frank Robinson, Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, Tom Seaver, Ozzie Smith, Willie Stargell, Carl Yastrzemski, and Robin Yount. This list is based on the best players I have seen in my lifetime. In 45 years, I believe there are 33 outstanding baseball players. A very elite list. Since 1970, 178 men have been elected to the Hall of Fame. Is it possible there's some dilution going on?
So what's the big deal. Here it is-as you add men who are good, they become the model and base for the future Hall of Fame voting. In the past, there were certain targets that if met, brought you into the Hall. Offensively, if you had more that 3,000 hit or over 500 home runs you were a lock. Pitchers who won 300 games also got in. These are automatic entries because it is so difficult to do. Unfortunately, a player like Andre Dawson doesn't match up. He had a .279 batting average, 438 home runs and 1,591 runs batted in. Now, the next guy who has similar numbers will have to be considered. Again, Dawson was a very, very good player but not exceptional. The Hall will continue to dilute and the exceptional will be crowded out by the very good.
How about your organization? Ever had to hire someone in a hurry to fill a position? You allow someone in your organization that "can do the job" but is not perfect for the job. You should only be hiring exceptional people. Once you dilute the hiring, all others interviewed are compared to the very good (or worse). What will eventually happen to your organization? It will move toward mediocrity rather than excellence. This will require more time supervising, mentoring, cajoling, documenting and ultimately firing. Not very productive from my standpoint.
Keep your standards high. Perform at your best and expect the same of others. It's a slippery slope once you go down the path of settling for less than the best.
I am a passionate baseball fan so bear with me while I make the argument that Andre Dawson is not deserving of the Hall. I believe that the Hall of Fame is for the exceptional, not the very good. I have watched baseball for 45 years and have seen some very good players. I have also seen or watched on TV a handful of exceptional players. Let me recount them in alphabetical order: Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Johnny Bench, Wade Boggs, George Brett, Lou Brock, Rod Carew, Roberto Clemente, Steve Carlton, Bob Gibson, Tony Gwynn, Catfish Hunter, Al Kaline, Sandy Koufax, Reggie Jackson, Mickey Mantle, Juan Marichal, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Paul Molitor, Joe Morgan, Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Tony Perez, Cal Ripken, Jr., Frank Robinson, Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, Tom Seaver, Ozzie Smith, Willie Stargell, Carl Yastrzemski, and Robin Yount. This list is based on the best players I have seen in my lifetime. In 45 years, I believe there are 33 outstanding baseball players. A very elite list. Since 1970, 178 men have been elected to the Hall of Fame. Is it possible there's some dilution going on?
So what's the big deal. Here it is-as you add men who are good, they become the model and base for the future Hall of Fame voting. In the past, there were certain targets that if met, brought you into the Hall. Offensively, if you had more that 3,000 hit or over 500 home runs you were a lock. Pitchers who won 300 games also got in. These are automatic entries because it is so difficult to do. Unfortunately, a player like Andre Dawson doesn't match up. He had a .279 batting average, 438 home runs and 1,591 runs batted in. Now, the next guy who has similar numbers will have to be considered. Again, Dawson was a very, very good player but not exceptional. The Hall will continue to dilute and the exceptional will be crowded out by the very good.
How about your organization? Ever had to hire someone in a hurry to fill a position? You allow someone in your organization that "can do the job" but is not perfect for the job. You should only be hiring exceptional people. Once you dilute the hiring, all others interviewed are compared to the very good (or worse). What will eventually happen to your organization? It will move toward mediocrity rather than excellence. This will require more time supervising, mentoring, cajoling, documenting and ultimately firing. Not very productive from my standpoint.
Keep your standards high. Perform at your best and expect the same of others. It's a slippery slope once you go down the path of settling for less than the best.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
What Took So Long?
The first day of the new year brought us news that Gilbert Arenas and his Washington Wizards teammate, Jarvis Crittenton pulled guns on each other after a recent practice. By my calculation, the event happened in December. Today, NBA Commissioner, David Stern, suspended Arenas indefinitely. Commissioner Stern is being hailed as a "zero tolerance" man coming down hard on Arenas. Not to be impolite, but WHAT TOOK SO LONG? It seems to me if an employee brings a gun to their workplace, they are gone. At minimum, a whole week has gone by without any action. In fact, Arenas was in Philadelphia last night and mocked the situation by being photographed before the game pointing his index fingers as guns in amusement. He played in the game.
I am not a big pro basketball fan (see paragraph above) but I do have some common sense. Why didn't the Wizards suspend him and Crittenton pending an investigation? A firearm in the locker room should not be tolerated for any reason. It's incredible that nothing happened until today. Perhaps the Wizards should change their name back to the Bullets.
It is my belief that the Wizards will never be a winning organization. Accepting thug-like behavior transcends the team and crumbles a positive foundation. In business, there are rules, procedures, policies and guidelines in place that set the tone and culture for all employees. It's not the written word that defines the culture but the actions that support it. How does your organization live up to its mission and core values? Many of you have them on the wall in the reception area or in the hallways. Are they for show or are all levels walking the talk?
It's hard to do the right thing because we've become jaded by headlines like these. Go back to basics, blow the dust off your values statement and set the right foundation for your organization. You'll be surprised at the results.
I am not a big pro basketball fan (see paragraph above) but I do have some common sense. Why didn't the Wizards suspend him and Crittenton pending an investigation? A firearm in the locker room should not be tolerated for any reason. It's incredible that nothing happened until today. Perhaps the Wizards should change their name back to the Bullets.
It is my belief that the Wizards will never be a winning organization. Accepting thug-like behavior transcends the team and crumbles a positive foundation. In business, there are rules, procedures, policies and guidelines in place that set the tone and culture for all employees. It's not the written word that defines the culture but the actions that support it. How does your organization live up to its mission and core values? Many of you have them on the wall in the reception area or in the hallways. Are they for show or are all levels walking the talk?
It's hard to do the right thing because we've become jaded by headlines like these. Go back to basics, blow the dust off your values statement and set the right foundation for your organization. You'll be surprised at the results.
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