Have you ever watched something and think something special was happening. Last night was it for me. I'm a huge baseball fan and we are in the midst of the best time of the year. For the first time in years, the season is ending during the week in an attempt to finish playing in October. Here's the scene going into last night's games: Tampa Bay and Boston were tied for the Wild Card in the American League and Atlanta and St. Louis were tied in the National League. If they were still tied, they would play a one game playoff today. Around midnight eastern time, the Phillies and the Braves were in extra innings; Boston and Baltimore resumed play after a rain delay; and Tampa Bay and the Yankees were in an extra inning battle. More on the Tampa Bay game later.
As a Phillies fan, I was watching the game. The Phillies tied the game in the 9th. Atlanta knew they had to win in order to force a playoff since St. Louis beat the Astros. Back and forth it went until the top of the 13th when the Phillies scored on a bloop single. Atlanta's season ended in the bottom of the inning with a double play. I quickly moved to the Red Sox game where Boston had a 3-2 lead going into the bottom of the ninth. Their closer gave up two runs in the bottom of the ninth to the Orioles. The Red Sox ran to the television to watch the Rays win in the bottom of the 12th on a walk off home run by Evan Longoria. The Rays were losing 7-0 going into the 8th inning. They scored six runs in the 8th and scored in the ninth on a two out home run by Dan Johnson. The best game of the night. Tampa Bay and St. Louis go to the playoffs.
What's the connection to leadership? In my mind, the teams with the best leaders won their games. The Phillies have great leadership on the field and an underrated manager in Charlie Manuel. By winning, he became the win leader in Phillies managerial history. The Red Sox appeared to be lacking leadership as they saw their 9 game lead evaporate. The same for the Braves-they had an 8.5 game lead in September. The Braves had a rookie manager and an aging Chipper Jones-not enough. Certainly not compared to Tony LaRussa and Albert Pujols. Leadership matters-especially when the going gets tough. It promises to be a great post season. May the best leader win.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
One Play Can Make a Difference
Each week, hundreds of games are played at the professional level. It is uncanny how many times a game, or even a season can turn on one play. Last Saturday, Penn State had stopped the Alabama Crimson Tide on third down. Alabama had a fake punt and made the first down by an inch. The game was never the same. Alabama won handily.
Take the Pittsburgh Pirates this year. They were the "darling" of the majors and were actually in first place for a few days in July. On July 25th, they came into Atlanta for a four game series. The third game was great. It went 19 innings and ended on a very controversial "safe" call at home plate by the Braves. Though they split the series, the Bucs weren't the same and have gone 13-31 since that game. They will once again finish the season with a losing record.
Though we may not have a "play" as leaders-we have moments where we can make a difference. It may be losing your composure, saying the wrong thing, showing compassion, making a decision. I have found in my career that making decisions on limited or one-sided information quickly often comes back to haunt me. This is not about intuition (another blog down the line) but about making a difference based on your leadership. Organizations are defined by their leaders-make your plays count.
Take the Pittsburgh Pirates this year. They were the "darling" of the majors and were actually in first place for a few days in July. On July 25th, they came into Atlanta for a four game series. The third game was great. It went 19 innings and ended on a very controversial "safe" call at home plate by the Braves. Though they split the series, the Bucs weren't the same and have gone 13-31 since that game. They will once again finish the season with a losing record.
Though we may not have a "play" as leaders-we have moments where we can make a difference. It may be losing your composure, saying the wrong thing, showing compassion, making a decision. I have found in my career that making decisions on limited or one-sided information quickly often comes back to haunt me. This is not about intuition (another blog down the line) but about making a difference based on your leadership. Organizations are defined by their leaders-make your plays count.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Healing and Sports
It has been an emotional weekend paying tribute to those who died on September 11th. It seems that the nation has taken a respite from the bickering and remembered ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The images are powerful, the words strong, and the emotions real.
I don't believe anything happens by chance. Therefore, it's not a surprise that the professional football season opened on the 10th anniversary. For me, the return of sports that fall was the first sign of normalcy after a week of shock. The athletes, especially in New York, had to deal with their own emotions and concern for their safety and help the nation begin the healing process. Yankee and Mets players visited the armories, packed care packages, and made themselves available. It was a time where we all rooted for any New York team. The Yankees came close to winning the World Series. Their fields were pastures of patriotism and gave all of us a venue to cheer the first responders showcased at many games. Most important, it provided the perfect backdrop for the flag which we all flew with pride.
This weekend, seeing President Bush reminds me of his taking the field in New York at game 3 of the World Series and throwing a strike from the pitching rubber. His confidence was shared by all who watched on that day. There are so many stories from the sports world that fall. Those memories have come back this weekend.
It's not often that you can make a difference to a nation. Sports did. It's a reminder to all of us that we can make a difference in our own worlds. Leaders make their reputations during crisis. We don't have time to think-but we do what we've been trained to do. That's why training is key and "perfect practice makes perfect." Vice President Biden said in his remarks at Shanksville on Saturday that all of us have courage that one day will be summoned. Are you ready for your day?
I don't believe anything happens by chance. Therefore, it's not a surprise that the professional football season opened on the 10th anniversary. For me, the return of sports that fall was the first sign of normalcy after a week of shock. The athletes, especially in New York, had to deal with their own emotions and concern for their safety and help the nation begin the healing process. Yankee and Mets players visited the armories, packed care packages, and made themselves available. It was a time where we all rooted for any New York team. The Yankees came close to winning the World Series. Their fields were pastures of patriotism and gave all of us a venue to cheer the first responders showcased at many games. Most important, it provided the perfect backdrop for the flag which we all flew with pride.
This weekend, seeing President Bush reminds me of his taking the field in New York at game 3 of the World Series and throwing a strike from the pitching rubber. His confidence was shared by all who watched on that day. There are so many stories from the sports world that fall. Those memories have come back this weekend.
It's not often that you can make a difference to a nation. Sports did. It's a reminder to all of us that we can make a difference in our own worlds. Leaders make their reputations during crisis. We don't have time to think-but we do what we've been trained to do. That's why training is key and "perfect practice makes perfect." Vice President Biden said in his remarks at Shanksville on Saturday that all of us have courage that one day will be summoned. Are you ready for your day?
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Making a Statement
There comes a time in a season where a team needs to lay down the gauntlet and show the other teams whose in charge. This week, the Phillies did just that. Atlanta game into town on Monday looking to cut the Phillies lead in the National League East. No such luck for the Braves. In fact, the Phillies sent them sprawling after three straight wins and extending their lead to 10.5 games. The Phillies are the best team in baseball and they showed the Braves why they're the best.
While these were very enjoyable games to watch as a Phillies fan-it was expected. If Atlanta had come in and swept the Phillies, there would be grinding and gnashing of teeth and the Phillies Nation would be shaking. The Phillies, with confidence and not arrogance, took it to the Braves and won in a blowout, an easy win, and a ninth-inning walk off.
There are times that leaders have to make a statement. This is not through yelling and screaming, but through follow-up, accountability and consistency. Leadership is not arrogance, it is confidence. Leadership is not reactive, but proactive. Leadership does not rage, but it is enthusiastic. Every day we have an opportunity to make a statement. Will is be positive or negative? It's your choice.
While these were very enjoyable games to watch as a Phillies fan-it was expected. If Atlanta had come in and swept the Phillies, there would be grinding and gnashing of teeth and the Phillies Nation would be shaking. The Phillies, with confidence and not arrogance, took it to the Braves and won in a blowout, an easy win, and a ninth-inning walk off.
There are times that leaders have to make a statement. This is not through yelling and screaming, but through follow-up, accountability and consistency. Leadership is not arrogance, it is confidence. Leadership is not reactive, but proactive. Leadership does not rage, but it is enthusiastic. Every day we have an opportunity to make a statement. Will is be positive or negative? It's your choice.
Monday, September 5, 2011
PMA
Positive Mental Attitude-PMA. To succeed in life, one needs to have a positive mental attitude. Equipped with this vital attribute, all things are possible. Take Mark Herzlich. He is something of a local hero. He played football and graduated from Conestoga High School outside of Philadelphia. He goes on to play linebacker at Boston College. In 2008, his junior year, he was a first team All-American and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Defensive Player of the Year. As he heads into his senior year in May, 2009, he is diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Through aggessive chemotherapy, he is pronounced cancer free in September, 2009 and sits out the rest of the season. He comes back last year and plays very well, though not completely back to his 2008 form.
Fast forward to draft day and no one takes him in the NFL draft. He is drafted in the 10th round by the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL. He opts to wait until the NFL lockout ends to see if he can hook up with a team as a free agent. He continues to work out, get stronger and stay focused on the prize of making a team. After the lockout, Herzlich is picked up by the New York Giants, has a great pre-season and makes the team. Many predict he will have a very good NFL career.
What drives a guy like this to get off the mat and play in the NFL? Many of us would be happy to be cancer free, much less subject ourselves to the grueling conditioning of football. He's got PMA. I don't know him but I'm sure he goes through life looking at the glass half full. He probably knows he's blessed and wants to take advantage of every day.
As leaders, we need to promote a PMA in all we work with on a daily basis. Try to figure out how to make something work rather than give all the reasons it won't. As a leader, look for challenges, don't shy away from them. Take on tasks that no one else wants. Lead through example and you will model what a PMA can do for you and others. Having a positive mental attitude is a gift that needs to be nurtured every day.
Let's learn from Mark Herzlich and celebrate his success as well as our own. Live each day positively and you will live a full life indeed.
Fast forward to draft day and no one takes him in the NFL draft. He is drafted in the 10th round by the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL. He opts to wait until the NFL lockout ends to see if he can hook up with a team as a free agent. He continues to work out, get stronger and stay focused on the prize of making a team. After the lockout, Herzlich is picked up by the New York Giants, has a great pre-season and makes the team. Many predict he will have a very good NFL career.
What drives a guy like this to get off the mat and play in the NFL? Many of us would be happy to be cancer free, much less subject ourselves to the grueling conditioning of football. He's got PMA. I don't know him but I'm sure he goes through life looking at the glass half full. He probably knows he's blessed and wants to take advantage of every day.
As leaders, we need to promote a PMA in all we work with on a daily basis. Try to figure out how to make something work rather than give all the reasons it won't. As a leader, look for challenges, don't shy away from them. Take on tasks that no one else wants. Lead through example and you will model what a PMA can do for you and others. Having a positive mental attitude is a gift that needs to be nurtured every day.
Let's learn from Mark Herzlich and celebrate his success as well as our own. Live each day positively and you will live a full life indeed.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Honesty is the Best Policy
Perhaps you've heard of the twin boys in Minnesota who were at charity hockey game in Minnesota. During one of the breaks between periods, there was a contest to see if someone could shoot a puck through a small hole from about 90 feet away. If it could be done, the winner would received $50,000! Nick Smith's name was called but he was too interested in going outside to play with his friends so he told his twin brother Nate to take the shot. Nate hadn't entered the contest because he recently had a cast removed from his arm. Nate agreed to take the shot and made it, winning $50,000 on the spot. The next day, the boys' father told the organization who ran the contest that it wasn't Nick who took the shot. He just wanted to be clear. After some discernment, the company took away the $50,000 but gave the hockey league a $20,000 donation so others less fortunate could play.
I saw the boys and their father on the news today. Were they bitter? Did they cry foul? No, they told the truth and were happy that other kids would have the opportunity to receive some benefit. The boys' father wasn't trying to hide anything and wanted to show the boys that honesty is the best policy, even if it is sometimes hard.
So it is within our organizations. Not a day goes by when there are conversations about what to do, how to do it and what to say. I'm included. The answer is-be honest. Do the right thing, though it may be hard at the time. As we know, it will be much harder to "come clean" later. In many cases, the cover up is worse than the crime. The same is true with being honest up front. Lies and half truths are difficult, if not impossible to unravel the further you get away from the moment. Over time, we tend to justify and believe the lie. It's a slippery slope.
The Smith family has received their 15 minutes of fame but hopefully a lifetime of learning. We should do the same.
I saw the boys and their father on the news today. Were they bitter? Did they cry foul? No, they told the truth and were happy that other kids would have the opportunity to receive some benefit. The boys' father wasn't trying to hide anything and wanted to show the boys that honesty is the best policy, even if it is sometimes hard.
So it is within our organizations. Not a day goes by when there are conversations about what to do, how to do it and what to say. I'm included. The answer is-be honest. Do the right thing, though it may be hard at the time. As we know, it will be much harder to "come clean" later. In many cases, the cover up is worse than the crime. The same is true with being honest up front. Lies and half truths are difficult, if not impossible to unravel the further you get away from the moment. Over time, we tend to justify and believe the lie. It's a slippery slope.
The Smith family has received their 15 minutes of fame but hopefully a lifetime of learning. We should do the same.
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