There are so many failures in leadership at Penn State over the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal. Assuming the Freeh report is even remotely accurate, a leadership vacuum has existed for some time. It is safe to assume that Sandusky's behavior was covered up at all levels. Joe Paterno had too much power, but someone had to accede theirs for him to have complete control. Ultimately, the buck has to stop with the person in charge, in this case, the President of the University. It clearly didn't with Graham Spanier.
Early this morning, the statue of Joe Paterno was removed and taken away. Current President Rod Erickson ordered it down, covering the area with a tarp to conceal it from those looking on. The removal of the statue was treated with respect and dignity, knowing there would be mixed feelings on the action. Erickson didn't place blame but said the statue was removed because it had "become a source of division and an obstacle to healing." I believe he is correct. For the first time in months, a difficult decision was made by a leader at Penn State. It's too bad it took 14 years for it to happen.
There is more to come in the way of sanctions and punishment for the Penn State faithful. It isn't fair to the kids who are there today, but they must accept it as all programs have for violating the rules. In this case, the stakes aren't cars for the athletes, but the souls of the victims. What price is too much? No one will be happy with the punishment, but it will stand and Penn State will move on-hopefully to honor the victims and prevent new ones from happening.
Leadership is a precarious mantle. Many of us prepare ourselves all our lives to run organizations. Are we prepared however for the difficult decisions? Are we prepared to stand up in the face of adversity? Are we prepared to be ostracized and shunned? I would say, we are not. I would say that many of us are not willing to fore go all we've strived for to maintain our core values. That's why we have to honor, cherish and value those leaders who do. Take a stand, make a mark-that's true leadership.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Filler
A tradition at our house is to watch the All-Star game each summer. I will look forward to watching tomorrow night with my son. Over the past 10 years, we've also watched the Home Run Derby the night before, which is tonight. Initially, it was fun to watch but in recent years, it has become a long night, with round after round going long into the night. Tonight, to my dismay, the evening started with a song from the Zack Brown band. It's not that I don't like music, but it does nothing for the event except prolong the evening.
Like most sporting events, the Home Run Derby adds too many unconnected activities to try to appeal to a wider audience. Perhaps it works, but it makes for a long evening. I think this entire event is due for a process change, but no one asked me.
In many organizations, we try to combine meetings and activities that are not always congruent. We keep adding agenda items that are unrelated which dilutes the purpose of the meeting. Thus, desired results are not achieved and another meeting is required to achieve the original purpose. Alternatively, the meeting goes far too long to achieve the original results creating fatigue and a lack of enthusiasm for future gatherings. Meetings are important, but resist the urge to fill it with unnecessary items. Short and sweet-it can't be beat.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Making Your Own Luck
We've had a tough spring in Philadelphia. Though the Flyers and 76er's made good playoff runs, the Fightin' Phils have stumbled and bumbled along. There are many reasons which begin to sound like excuses after awhile. Among the wreckage, our 2nd best pitcher, Cliff Lee, has yet to win a game. This is incredible on so many levels. He is arguably one of the top 10 pitchers in the Major League. He has been dominant for the last few years. This year, Lee is 0-3 in 11 starts with a 3.48 earned run average. For his first few starts, he was the victim of poor hitting and fielding. But in his last two starts, he has given up 3 run leads late in the game. A pitcher of his caliber should hold a lead of three runs. Over his last six starts, his earned run average is a pedestrian 4.87.
It seems to me that Cliff Lee is reading his own press clippings. In other words, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. He appears to be a man doomed to not getting support. Baseball is a mental game and you need to be mentally sharp to be your best. Cliff Lee has not brought his "A" game recently.
Another leadership lesson for all of us. There is a saying I heard many years ago, "the harder you work, the luckier you get." I don't know the author, but they were very wise. The moment we become resigned to a fate based on others performance, we lose control of our goals and who we are as a person. Good leaders look for these red flags and help those in such a situation. I hope Charlie Manuel, manager of the Phillies, is that type of leader and gets Cliff Lee back on track. Are you watching your team ? As individuals, we need to find a way to make our own luck. The stakes are too high not to make the effort.
It seems to me that Cliff Lee is reading his own press clippings. In other words, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. He appears to be a man doomed to not getting support. Baseball is a mental game and you need to be mentally sharp to be your best. Cliff Lee has not brought his "A" game recently.
Another leadership lesson for all of us. There is a saying I heard many years ago, "the harder you work, the luckier you get." I don't know the author, but they were very wise. The moment we become resigned to a fate based on others performance, we lose control of our goals and who we are as a person. Good leaders look for these red flags and help those in such a situation. I hope Charlie Manuel, manager of the Phillies, is that type of leader and gets Cliff Lee back on track. Are you watching your team ? As individuals, we need to find a way to make our own luck. The stakes are too high not to make the effort.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Happy Father's Day
I had another post in mind for today but figured it could wait. Today is the annual celebration of Fathers, in whose fraternity I proudly serve. Athletes of both genders have traditionally had supportive fathers throughout their careers. Fathers serve as coach, mentor, disciplinarian, and ultimately admirer. This week I was watching the Phillies play the Twins and Jim Thome's father was in the stands watching proudly as his son hit two home runs. Last month, Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, retired after striking out his last batter. As he left the mound and received a standing ovation from the Cubs faithful, his son ran out to give him a hug. Father's have played a prominent role in many of today's athletes. Some good, and some bad, but they are lessons nonetheless.
I am fortunate to have my father alive and doing very well. He is 82 but very active. He served as a good role model for me. Like most good fathers, he instilled into me the virtues of being a good citizen, how to support your family, how to mentor your own children and how to treat a spouse. I know I'm a better man by being his son. My boys are in their early 20's. We are entering a new phase of support. I hope that I've been able to pass on my father's lessons in a positive way. I hope they have the tools to succeed as men and citizens and they will treat their spouses with respect and dignity. Hopefully that day is a few years off.
My friend, Dan LaPerriere, has recently written a book entitled, "A Common Purpose, Using Your Homegrown Values to Improve Your Life and Business." In his book, he calls upon the lessons his parents taught him growing up in a household of 12. He recounts often the role his father played in the development of his family. I know that Dan has learned well and does a great job relating these lessons in his book (http://www.a-common-purpose.com/).
To all those who are fathers, Happy Father's Day. To those who have fathers, reflect on the lessons learned and thank them for all they've done.
I am fortunate to have my father alive and doing very well. He is 82 but very active. He served as a good role model for me. Like most good fathers, he instilled into me the virtues of being a good citizen, how to support your family, how to mentor your own children and how to treat a spouse. I know I'm a better man by being his son. My boys are in their early 20's. We are entering a new phase of support. I hope that I've been able to pass on my father's lessons in a positive way. I hope they have the tools to succeed as men and citizens and they will treat their spouses with respect and dignity. Hopefully that day is a few years off.
My friend, Dan LaPerriere, has recently written a book entitled, "A Common Purpose, Using Your Homegrown Values to Improve Your Life and Business." In his book, he calls upon the lessons his parents taught him growing up in a household of 12. He recounts often the role his father played in the development of his family. I know that Dan has learned well and does a great job relating these lessons in his book (http://www.a-common-purpose.com/).
To all those who are fathers, Happy Father's Day. To those who have fathers, reflect on the lessons learned and thank them for all they've done.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
12 Letter Man
It's unusual these days to find a student athlete lettering in 3 sports. It takes a lot of discipline and focus to participate in three sports a year, hold down a part-time job and go to class. This is tough for a kid in high school. But it still happens. The young man I speak of lettered in football, wrestling and baseball all four years of high school. Quite an achievement!
He has moved on to college now. For the last two years, he has served as bat boy and cheerleader in charge of the West Chester University baseball team. His team won the Division II championship last night over Delta State. He had work commitments which forced him to miss the semi-final game. He and his family traveled down to Cary, NC yesterday and got there at game time. Just in time to put on his uniform and participate. I'm sure no one was prouder than Timmy Hoge, the gentleman I write about today.
As you can tell, Timmy is no ordinary person. He is 22 now and I've had the pleasure to know him the past 10 years. You can always find him around a sporting event. His parents, Fred and Kathy, make sure there is balance in his life. They always have. You see, Timmy has Down Syndrome, but it hasn't kept him from doing what he loves and making a difference to all he meets. At Unionville High School, he was the manager of each sport mentioned above-always lettering. He was there as much as work and his schooling would allow; always with a smile, a pat on the back, and a positive comment. He has helped teams win and brings out the best in people.
Some would say that Timmy was dealt a tough hand at birth. You can't tell me that. In his own way, he has motivated a community. He has made a bigger difference than many leaders through his example. He is a winner. This is what leadership is-making a difference for the good of society. Timmy Hoge is a leader and I'm proud to say, he's my friend.
He has moved on to college now. For the last two years, he has served as bat boy and cheerleader in charge of the West Chester University baseball team. His team won the Division II championship last night over Delta State. He had work commitments which forced him to miss the semi-final game. He and his family traveled down to Cary, NC yesterday and got there at game time. Just in time to put on his uniform and participate. I'm sure no one was prouder than Timmy Hoge, the gentleman I write about today.
As you can tell, Timmy is no ordinary person. He is 22 now and I've had the pleasure to know him the past 10 years. You can always find him around a sporting event. His parents, Fred and Kathy, make sure there is balance in his life. They always have. You see, Timmy has Down Syndrome, but it hasn't kept him from doing what he loves and making a difference to all he meets. At Unionville High School, he was the manager of each sport mentioned above-always lettering. He was there as much as work and his schooling would allow; always with a smile, a pat on the back, and a positive comment. He has helped teams win and brings out the best in people.
Some would say that Timmy was dealt a tough hand at birth. You can't tell me that. In his own way, he has motivated a community. He has made a bigger difference than many leaders through his example. He is a winner. This is what leadership is-making a difference for the good of society. Timmy Hoge is a leader and I'm proud to say, he's my friend.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
A Day of Bliss
Not all leadership lessons come from professionals or even adults. Last week, I was able to witness firsthand the leadership development of 820 girls and 160 boys as they ran a 5k in Kennett Square (PA). They didn't decide to get up that morning and run. They have been coached for 10 weeks by dedicated volunteers who have bought into the Girls on the Run and STRIDE (boys) programs sponsored by the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley (my employer).
The program had over 50 girls teams and 10 boys teams running. They were joined by running buddies and their coaches creating a backlog at the starting line lasting nearly 5 minutes. Not one of the 2,200 runners associated with the program was jostling, checking their watches, and disturbed by waiting to start. I saw smiles on each and every face as parents and children joined to achieve a goal. Girls on the Run prepares girls in grades 3-8 to be joyful, healthy and confident using an experience based curriculum. Though the program culminates in a 5k, the lessons learned are lifelong. The mission is similar for STRIDE. The program also ends with the 5k and is for boys in grades 3-5. It teaches them to exhibit excellence in character in all aspects of their lives.
As we've seen countless of times, success in sports can be a metaphor for success in life. Most of these kids have never run a distance race. Many have not lead healthy lifestyles. Some come from homes where there are no role models. All of the participants don't understand their potential. Over the 10 weeks, they learn to make good decisions, feel good about who they are and understand there are obstacles to achieving goals. This may be their first experience at not quitting when the going gets a little tough.
It is easy to give up. It is easy to discard your values to join the "in" crowd. It hard to be picked on but easy to let it go. The boys and girls in these programs understand that no one should be bullied; friends come in all shapes, races and sizes; and how to achieve a goal. The first step to leading others is to lead yourself. To do so, you must love yourself and develop self-esteem. Last Saturday, I saw nearly 1,000 kids with self-esteem and pride in the achievement of a goal. Here's hoping that more kids get involved and that the lessons learned on a beautiful spring day last a lifetime.
The program had over 50 girls teams and 10 boys teams running. They were joined by running buddies and their coaches creating a backlog at the starting line lasting nearly 5 minutes. Not one of the 2,200 runners associated with the program was jostling, checking their watches, and disturbed by waiting to start. I saw smiles on each and every face as parents and children joined to achieve a goal. Girls on the Run prepares girls in grades 3-8 to be joyful, healthy and confident using an experience based curriculum. Though the program culminates in a 5k, the lessons learned are lifelong. The mission is similar for STRIDE. The program also ends with the 5k and is for boys in grades 3-5. It teaches them to exhibit excellence in character in all aspects of their lives.
As we've seen countless of times, success in sports can be a metaphor for success in life. Most of these kids have never run a distance race. Many have not lead healthy lifestyles. Some come from homes where there are no role models. All of the participants don't understand their potential. Over the 10 weeks, they learn to make good decisions, feel good about who they are and understand there are obstacles to achieving goals. This may be their first experience at not quitting when the going gets a little tough.
It is easy to give up. It is easy to discard your values to join the "in" crowd. It hard to be picked on but easy to let it go. The boys and girls in these programs understand that no one should be bullied; friends come in all shapes, races and sizes; and how to achieve a goal. The first step to leading others is to lead yourself. To do so, you must love yourself and develop self-esteem. Last Saturday, I saw nearly 1,000 kids with self-esteem and pride in the achievement of a goal. Here's hoping that more kids get involved and that the lessons learned on a beautiful spring day last a lifetime.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Balance
I was shocked to hear of Junior Seau's death this afternoon. My memories of him are as a spirited competitor that played with controlled rage. He made your team better by his play, leadership and conditioning. He's been away from the game for three years but was playing middle linebacker in his late 30's. Police are calling it a suicide. He is the eighth member of the 1994 San Diego Charger team to pass away. He was 43.
Football is an all-in game. I suspect there is an adrenaline rush playing football that you don't get in all sports. This is why leaving the sport can be difficult and why retiring can be hard. The game takes a mental and physical toll leaving players ill equipped to handle life. This appears to be the case with Seau. His star burned bright but was fleeting. Such a tragedy.
Though the white collar world isn't physical, there can be a mental toll taken daily. Often, we don't know until someones health deteriorates, social issues are surfaced or risky behaviors are witnessed. It is often hard to turn off the work day and relax, contribute to society, and enjoy family and friends. As leaders, we must talk and walk the tightrope of balance. We must show that we can turn it off and expect our teams to do the same. We all need to develop other interests, take vacations and be able to smell the roses. This is difficult on many levels and not experienced by many.
Take a look in the mirror. As a leader, are you balanced in your life or are you all-in like the football players mentioned above? Live long and prosper and lead your team in appreciating life.
Football is an all-in game. I suspect there is an adrenaline rush playing football that you don't get in all sports. This is why leaving the sport can be difficult and why retiring can be hard. The game takes a mental and physical toll leaving players ill equipped to handle life. This appears to be the case with Seau. His star burned bright but was fleeting. Such a tragedy.
Though the white collar world isn't physical, there can be a mental toll taken daily. Often, we don't know until someones health deteriorates, social issues are surfaced or risky behaviors are witnessed. It is often hard to turn off the work day and relax, contribute to society, and enjoy family and friends. As leaders, we must talk and walk the tightrope of balance. We must show that we can turn it off and expect our teams to do the same. We all need to develop other interests, take vacations and be able to smell the roses. This is difficult on many levels and not experienced by many.
Take a look in the mirror. As a leader, are you balanced in your life or are you all-in like the football players mentioned above? Live long and prosper and lead your team in appreciating life.
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