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!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
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!
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!
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