A Leader's First Test

A couple of weeks ago I was on the couch recovering from foot surgery and taking in any and all sporting events on television. As I was watching SportsCenter that Friday, the lead story was University of Oregon star running back, LeGarrette Blount, punching Boise State defensive end Byron Hout in the face. It was quite a blow and knocked Hout down. Blount was restrained but then tried to go after Boise State fans who saw the blow and taunted from the stands. Once Blount was in the locker room and calmed down, he apologized and was contrite, but the damage was done. It turns out this was the first game for Oregon coach Chip Kelly. Quite a situation for a new leader. Kelly, after consulting with the University, suspended Blount for the season effectively ending his college career. He did not end his scholarship and is allowing him to practice with the team. The message here is that unsportsmanlike conduct is not accepted, but we're going to try to make a good citizen out of him. I think it has set a good tone.

Throughout our career we are given new assignments and are tested. For some, like Chip Kelly, it is early in his tenure, for others it may take awhile. How will you react when you are tested? What message will you send? Will this be a pivotal point that your team can look to or will you be inconsistent in your decision making. Time will tell for Chip Kelly, but for any one of us, that test and re-test can come daily.

As a new leader, you want to get the facts and make a decision based on your core values, the organization's core values (hopefully they are in alignment) and what's good for the organization overall. It's a chance for you to define yourself, set boundaries, and show your style of leadership. You must look at these tests as a blueprint going forward, not unlike a court case setting the precedent for future rulings. Though these tests are hard, they have impact. In my opinion, Chip Kelly acted swiftly, did what was right for the organization, but took into account football's responsibility for LeGarrette Blount. Let's see how it plays out.