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.