Saturday, January 8, 2011

Twisting in the Wind

I probably shouldn't be surprised that owners often let their coaches and players twist in the wind while looking for a newer and perhaps better model. This works well for cars and other inanimate objects, but not when it comes to human beings.

The latest case occurred this week. Once the Stanford Cardinal football season ended, the feeding frenzy to secure the services of coach Jim Harbaugh began in earnest. He has been the "hot" candidate most of the year with rumors swirling that he was headed to the NFL or back to his alma matter, Michigan.

On Thursday, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and his minions traveled to the Bay area to meet with Harbaugh to find out his interest as their head coach. What about the current coach, Tony Sparano? He hasn't been fired, he is the coach of the Miami Dolphins. What does it say about Ross and the front office of the Dolphins? Did they think no one would find out? Why would a (seemingly) class act like Jim Harbaugh want to work for an organization that reaches out for a new head coach when one is still employed? Why would Tony Sparano want to stay with such an organization?

Apparently Mr. Ross has seen the error of his ways and apologized at a press conference earlier today. To show that there are no hard feelings, he extended Sparano's contract for another two years and says he is "committed to him." Watch your back Coach Sparano!

Reputations are made every day. As a leader, Stephen Ross has a lousy one. Does your organization have leaders like Stephen Ross? If so, clean up the resume and start looking. As discussed here many times, organizations need to adhere to their values. They must walk the talk. It all starts with the leadership.

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