Everyone says that July and August are the dog days. Sure, in most parts of the country it's hot and the heat is oppressive. As bad as the combination of heat and humidity can be in Philadelphia, I look at February as the dog days of the sports world. The hype for the Super Bowl is bad, but it's nothing compared to the Pro Bowl. That is unwatchable. Baseball won't be meaningful for at least two months. Hockey is OK, but I've not invested time in knowing the players. Pro basketball is hideous and golf means nothing until the Masters. College basketball won't heat up until March. What's a person to do?
Like it or not, much of our free time is spent watching or discussing our local sports teams. Now, there is no buzz, no excitement or no energy around any of the teams. A good scandal will last for a couple of weeks-but that gets tedious too.
As leaders we need to guard against this same issue. In all long term projects, there's a point where energy wanes and motivation is limited. It seems that teams and individuals are plodding the same worn plans day in and day out. My friends at Catholic Leadership Institute taught me that to maximize performance, you need to continually improve your skills but also be energized about your work. Leaders need to help teams stay fresh and understand that both energy and ability need attention.
Pitchers and catchers will report soon. That may be enough to get me through February. What will it take for you and your teams?
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
A Good GuyMan
A fraternity brother of my son's described Joe Paterno in this way. As we know, Coach Paterno died this morning at 85 after a short battle with lung cancer. My son explains that rather saying you're a good guy and a good man-they bring the two words together. A fitting tribute.
Most of us know the history of Joe Paterno. He was at Penn State for over 60 years, 46 of them as Head Coach. Legacies are hard to define and usually take several years for them to firm up. His will be no exception. If it weren't for the child abuse scandal, his legacy would be unblemished. If it weren't for the child abuse scandal, he might still be with us. We can't forget or forgive his actions or inactions when we look at his body of work. Today though, I look at the good and let time and the legal system decide on the other.
By all measures, JoePa lead a successful life. He grew his business; won championships; had a long career; graduated at high percentage of his athletes; and made Penn State a national institution. Most of all, he made a difference to thousands while on this earth. We all hope that we can leave making a positive difference in someones life. He also left today with his large family at his side. I'm sure he would say it was a wonderful life.
What is the leadership lesson here? In the end, do what's right and success will follow. Make a positive difference in someones life. Take the high road and set high standards through your words and actions. For the most part, I choose to believe that Joe Paterno did this. Today, I shed a tear for a great man with flaws like the rest of us. Rest in peace, JoePa.
Most of us know the history of Joe Paterno. He was at Penn State for over 60 years, 46 of them as Head Coach. Legacies are hard to define and usually take several years for them to firm up. His will be no exception. If it weren't for the child abuse scandal, his legacy would be unblemished. If it weren't for the child abuse scandal, he might still be with us. We can't forget or forgive his actions or inactions when we look at his body of work. Today though, I look at the good and let time and the legal system decide on the other.
By all measures, JoePa lead a successful life. He grew his business; won championships; had a long career; graduated at high percentage of his athletes; and made Penn State a national institution. Most of all, he made a difference to thousands while on this earth. We all hope that we can leave making a positive difference in someones life. He also left today with his large family at his side. I'm sure he would say it was a wonderful life.
What is the leadership lesson here? In the end, do what's right and success will follow. Make a positive difference in someones life. Take the high road and set high standards through your words and actions. For the most part, I choose to believe that Joe Paterno did this. Today, I shed a tear for a great man with flaws like the rest of us. Rest in peace, JoePa.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Too Good to be True?
A friend of mine posted a link to an article Rick Reilly wrote about Tim Tebow last night. Another friend linked a New York Times article on Mr. Tebow this morning. I can take a hint-time to write about him. Both of these articles, especially Reilly's (http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4714751/rick-reillys-take-on-tim-tebow) talks about all the good he does in between miracle finishes and poor quarterbacking mechanics. As a whole, we are a cynical bunch. We don't believe that someone can do so many positive things with their wealth and celebrity. We assume all public figures are in it for themselves. And why not? We've been down this road before with stars, athletes and institutions only to find out they have lied, cheated and broken our hearts.
There may be a day Tim Tebow falls into these categories-but it's not today. We know of him because he's a professional athlete, quarterback for the Denver Broncos. We also know he is a winner. Because of this, I choose to believe in the goodness of Tim Tebow. He and the Broncos probably won't win tonight against the Patriots (though I'll be rooting for him). He continues to prove that hard work, belief in a higher power and consideration of others will make our society a better place to live. Though he appears to be too good to be true-I'm willing to accept him as he is today.
In many organizations and in our private lives we often look for the flaws rather than embrace the good. If someone is too organized, they don't have enough to do. If they do more than is expected, they are brown nosers. If they are too nice, they must beat their dog at home. I suggest that rather than critiquing, we look at them as models. Perhaps they can teach us all to be better in some way. Be open to it. Why not celebrate the good rather than find excuses why we can do the same? Your life is made up of choices-why not make them positive ones?
There may be a day Tim Tebow falls into these categories-but it's not today. We know of him because he's a professional athlete, quarterback for the Denver Broncos. We also know he is a winner. Because of this, I choose to believe in the goodness of Tim Tebow. He and the Broncos probably won't win tonight against the Patriots (though I'll be rooting for him). He continues to prove that hard work, belief in a higher power and consideration of others will make our society a better place to live. Though he appears to be too good to be true-I'm willing to accept him as he is today.
In many organizations and in our private lives we often look for the flaws rather than embrace the good. If someone is too organized, they don't have enough to do. If they do more than is expected, they are brown nosers. If they are too nice, they must beat their dog at home. I suggest that rather than critiquing, we look at them as models. Perhaps they can teach us all to be better in some way. Be open to it. Why not celebrate the good rather than find excuses why we can do the same? Your life is made up of choices-why not make them positive ones?
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Replacing a Legend
Yesterday, Bill O'Brien was introduced as the new coach of the Penn State football team. Under better circumstances, there may have been others more closely attached to the university. But given the child sexual abuse scandal, the slate was wiped clean. Based on what I see, public opinion is mixed with the choice of Coach O'Brien. Time will tell. What most of us know is that it is very difficult to replace a legend. In most cases, though not all, the position is temporary. Quick, who replaced John Wooden, Woody Hayes, George Halas, Vince Lombardi (in Green Bay), and Darrell Royal? They certainly weren't legends. For your information, the coaches were: Gene Bartow, Earle Bruce, Jim Dooley, Phil Bengston, and Fred Akers respectively. Akers had some success but nothing like the legendary Royal. There have been some successes, like Bill Cowher replacing Chuck Noll. But it's not easy.
Why would anyone want to succeed a legend? The path is littered with comparisons, the previous coaches players, a different system and skeptical alumni and fans. So it is in business. In well run organizations, the heir apparent is groomed over several years to become the leader. In most cases, this is a recipe for success. It's important not to bash your predecessor, but build on what he or she has done. Remember, they were successful, they must have done something right. Learn from those in key roles and gradually change systems to help you meet your goals.
What you see early is what you get. In other words, the first impression is usually the lasting one. Choose your words carefully, define your goals clearly, and engage the entire organization. Will you be Bill Cowher or Jim Dooley? The choice is yours.
Why would anyone want to succeed a legend? The path is littered with comparisons, the previous coaches players, a different system and skeptical alumni and fans. So it is in business. In well run organizations, the heir apparent is groomed over several years to become the leader. In most cases, this is a recipe for success. It's important not to bash your predecessor, but build on what he or she has done. Remember, they were successful, they must have done something right. Learn from those in key roles and gradually change systems to help you meet your goals.
What you see early is what you get. In other words, the first impression is usually the lasting one. Choose your words carefully, define your goals clearly, and engage the entire organization. Will you be Bill Cowher or Jim Dooley? The choice is yours.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
