I just came home from watching the latest Mark Wahlberg move, The Fighter. It's not the best movie I've ever seen, but it was awfully good. It's a story based on two half-brothers, Dicky Eklund and "Irish" Micky Ward. It's a complicated story but shows the importance of inspiration and power of the human spirit. It brought me back to a theme I have believed the last few years. Instead of focusing on why we can't, focus on why not? There are thousands of Micky Ward's in the world in all walks of life. Sure they've had their dark moments, but something inspired them to get off the mat and persevere. In Ward's case, it was his brother, girl friend, family and the town of Lowell, MA. What is it for you?
I still believe it comes down to defining who you want to be. We all have it in us to be more than we are. Life is tough, that's why a compelling vision is required to help us through difficult days and routine. I have been blessed to be surrounded by successful people. As I get older, it becomes a requirement. I look at Joan (my wife) and see all that she accomplished as a business woman and mother. I look at my current boss and former boss, Denise Day and Matt Manion, and see people of vision and belief in their core values. I look at those in my community who I work with and see good and a desire to make their communities better places for all. Given all my blessings-is there any reason I can't be the best husband, father, leader and writer?
As we near the end of January, decide what you want to be and how you wish to get there. Attach yourself to a vision emotionally that will drive you to greatness-however you define it. Let's make a pact that in 2011, we won't leave anything on the table. Let's attack life with all we have. I suspect we'll be energized like never before. Why not be great?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Right-Sized Policies
As I was watching the Steelers game yesterday, I was impressed with their last drive, scoring the winning touchdown with 1:33 left in the game. The two minute drill can be very impressive. We saw the Auburn Tigers do it on Monday. For those who don't watch football, the two minute drill is a set of offensive plays that will get the team in a position to score while taking up little time. Needless to say it's practiced often and requires a cool quarterback and precision routes by the receivers. All of the Hall of Fame quarterbacks excelled in this situation. Currently, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are masters at this drill. Any surprise their teams made the playoffs?
Most entrepreneurs will tell you they don't have use for policies and procedures. It limits their creativity. They can be right, but no business will grow without them. The trick is finding the right policies for your business that will give it structure and processes that can be internalized to grow the business.
I was at the office and an emergency developed. In a daycare area, a young girl fell back in a chair and bumped her head. She blacked out for a short period of time. Was there panic? No, everyone involved followed a practiced procedure that ultimately lead to paramedics arriving. Happily, she was fine. Consider an organization without policies and procedures in the same emergency. There would have been chaos and a lot more people involved than there should be. The same is true in any organization and discipline.
To thrive, don't shy away from creating policies, procedures and processes. On the other hand, don't go crazy and create them without a solid business reason. As the entrepreneur knows, you need to allow for creativity but define the parameters to maximize performance. As always, keep everything in balance and focus on the important goals for your organization.
Most entrepreneurs will tell you they don't have use for policies and procedures. It limits their creativity. They can be right, but no business will grow without them. The trick is finding the right policies for your business that will give it structure and processes that can be internalized to grow the business.
I was at the office and an emergency developed. In a daycare area, a young girl fell back in a chair and bumped her head. She blacked out for a short period of time. Was there panic? No, everyone involved followed a practiced procedure that ultimately lead to paramedics arriving. Happily, she was fine. Consider an organization without policies and procedures in the same emergency. There would have been chaos and a lot more people involved than there should be. The same is true in any organization and discipline.
To thrive, don't shy away from creating policies, procedures and processes. On the other hand, don't go crazy and create them without a solid business reason. As the entrepreneur knows, you need to allow for creativity but define the parameters to maximize performance. As always, keep everything in balance and focus on the important goals for your organization.
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Decisive
Happy New Year to all. I'm sure all of you are off to a better start than Mike Haywood. For those who don't know, he was named head coach at the University of Pittsburgh on December 16th following a great turnaround at Miami University (OH). On New Year's Eve, Haywood was arrested for domestic battery in the presence of a child in South Bend, IN. On New Year's Day, the University of Pittsburgh fired Haywood saying "head coaches are among the University's most visible representatives and are expected to maintain high standards of personal conduct and to avoid situations that might reflect negatively on the University."
To be sure, being arrested for anything, much less domestic violence, is not an example any organization would want their leadership to display. In making their decision quickly, Pitt has shown decisiveness even though the program is in shambles. There was even some question as to who was going to coach the team in their upcoming bowl game. It will take several weeks to get a replacement which will delay recruiting. This could impact the team for many years. Given all the issues, they have made the right decision.
Organizations define themselves through their actions. Pitt has told the world that they expect a higher standard of their leaders. How does your organization define themselves? Once again, allow your core values to set the tone and dictate the appropriate actions. Would your organization have been as decisive as Pitt? You may want to ask yourselves that question before it's forced on you.
To be sure, being arrested for anything, much less domestic violence, is not an example any organization would want their leadership to display. In making their decision quickly, Pitt has shown decisiveness even though the program is in shambles. There was even some question as to who was going to coach the team in their upcoming bowl game. It will take several weeks to get a replacement which will delay recruiting. This could impact the team for many years. Given all the issues, they have made the right decision.
Organizations define themselves through their actions. Pitt has told the world that they expect a higher standard of their leaders. How does your organization define themselves? Once again, allow your core values to set the tone and dictate the appropriate actions. Would your organization have been as decisive as Pitt? You may want to ask yourselves that question before it's forced on you.
Monday, December 27, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
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:
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.
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