Pity the Vizsla

For the 11th year in a row, I watched the Westminster Dog Show.  This happens to coincide with the number of years we've had our dog, Hardy.  He is a Vizsla, a Hungarian hunting dog, who has never hunted a day in his life.  We became aware of the breed when our friends purchased one a year before us.  They are wonderful dogs, though a bit energetic (code for hyper).  He has been a wonderful pet.  Each year I watch, I look forward to seeing the Vizsla, usually on the second night.  The breed is part of the sporting group.  Every year, the Vizsla is dissed as they decide to talk about the celebrity in the stands or the handler.  In the eleven years I've watched, I've been disappointed that the Vizsla is given no consideration.  You could say the same about the Labrador Retriever, Weimaraner, Golden Retriever, Jack Russell and most popular dogs.  This is not to say that there aren't great dogs that win.  I have no clue how the dogs are judged-but I suspect the movie "Best in Show", a mockumentary from 2000 tells the real story.  If you haven't seen it-rent it today.

I believe the judges look for a certain grace and elegance in a dog.  Long locks, pushed back faces, a certain attitude all go a long way.  What about chasing squirrels, jumping on visitors, shedding on the couch-don't they count for anything?  Apparently not.  The Vizsla and others will never win because of the pre-conceptions judges have for the breed.  It may not be fair, but it's the reality. 

So it is within organizations.  What we see early is what we get.  Pity the slow starter who needs time to develop in the position.  Pity the person who lacks a certain grace and elegance-they don't appear to be leadership material.  Pity the person who made a mistake early in their career and are judged by it forever.  Leadership is complex and messy.  We have to look at people through different lenses and scrape away the flaws and understand the potential.  Deep seated core values, hard work and a willingness to learn are the ingredients needed to succeed.  Leaders must look for these characteristics.  Once found, all efforts should be made to aid in their development.

A Pekingese may have won Best in Show, but that won't stop me and other dog lovers thinking their dog is the best.

 

The Vizsla

Gone Too Soon

The death of Whitney Houston yesterday reminds me of the wonderful voice that, for many of us in the 80's and 90's, was the soundtrack to our lives.  I make the connection on this blog because of her rendition of the National Anthem on January 27, 1991 at Super Bowl XXV in Tampa.  For those old enough to remember, we were fighting the first Gulf War and patriotism was at its peak.  Her voice, the military and the flyover set a standard that may never be repeated.  For me, you can play her rendition at every sporting event for the next 20 years and I'll still get goosebumps.  If you haven't heard it, go to YouTube.  The last 10-15 years were troubled ones, but it doesn't take away from the talent that she shared willingly for so many years dating back to her teens.

Every organization has to deal with death.  I have my job today because of the untimely death of a good man.  All large organizations face this.  As leaders, let's remember the contributions of the individual and not the blemishes.  Let's remember the family man or working mom that tries to balance work and the rest of her life.  Let's remember the traits that should be a model for others.  As with those who had troubled lives and died too soon, Whitney Houston's troubles will be exposed once again for others to review.  I would like to acknowledge the issues, but focus on the beautiful voice that still brings tears to my eyes 20 years after singing the National Anthem at that Super Bowl.  RIP Whitney Houston.

A Fine Line

It hasn't been a good couple of weeks for two athletes.  Last Sunday, just after the Super Bowl ended, the Patriots went to a party that had been set up for them.  I don't know where it was held but clearly there was a lot of alcohol, food and dancing.  Star tight end, Rob Gronkowski, suffered through the game with a high ankle sprain and was not effective.  He worked hard to get it ready for the Super Bowl but he just wasn't the same guy.  Too bad they didn't prime him with alcohol and played loud music.  That was the elixir he apparently needed.  At the aforementioned party, Gronkowski danced the night away with little regard to his ankle which of course was caught on video.  I guess he got over the game pretty quickly.  He had surgery this week with multiple torn ligaments.  I wonder if any more were torn on the dance floor.

Sadly, Josh Hamilton had another relapse with alcohol.  It has been well documented that alcohol is his demon that has lead to drug abuse and other issues.  It's clear that he can't be at a bar or place where drinks are served.  It's too much of a temptation.  He is an incredibly talented young man that has been fighting this disease for many years.  Who know what kind of stats he could have built up without the suspensions, injury and recovery. 

What does this have to do with leadership-everything.  There is a fine line between personal and professional behavior.  While we as organization leaders usually can't probe into one's personal life-we have to take action when it negatively affects their professional life.  The Texas Rangers hire a handler to watch over Hamilton.  The Patriots have had to answer questions all week about the choices Gronkowski made after the game.  We all must give our employees the tools to deal with personal issues.  Sometimes they're the same ones used in the workplace such as goal setting, organizing and setting expectations.  In most cases, an employee in a good place personally performs better professionally.

Very often we behave differently in the work place and outside it.  Perhaps the discipline of the work place and the good habits it brings would help bring order to our personal lives.  Bringing order to our lives, helping to set priorities and creating balance will make us more productive and fulfilled.  Good luck Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Gronkowski.