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.