This week, the University of Chicago played their last football game of the season. It was a good season and ended on a winning note with a 24-7 win over the Tartans of Carnegie-Mellon. Both schools have a rich history of academic excellence. The University of Chicago has a storied football past as a charter member of the Big Ten and boasts the first Heisman Trophy winner in Jay Berwanger.
Yesterday's game was a match up of two Division III teams, neither a powerhouse, but neither a doormat. It was a good game on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Chicago. As an added bonus, the Maroons (University of Chicago) honored their six seniors who played their last game. For many Division III schools, there are fewer seniors due to the changing priorities, schedules and injuries. A freshman class of 20 may net out to few than 10 seniors. Most who play Division III are student athletes looking to play another 40 games, enjoy the fraternity of the team, and want an athletic outlet for their competitive drive. Maroon football does all that and more. While most think they could have won a couple more games, it was still a successful season. They were 5-4, celebrated their 40th anniversary of bringing football back (follow this link to a great story on espn.com), and many team members won league and Division III honors.
More than all the successes listed, Joan and I were delighted at the spirit and dedication of a number of players. They aren't starters, but they make the starters better; they play sparingly, but they play with heart; they cheer from the sidelines, but when they're in the game, their teammates cheer heartily for them. These are the teammates every organization needs. They are the proud, the dedicated, service oriented men and women that don't get the limelight, but don't mind sharing it for their team or organization. They know the harder they work, the better the team performs. They are students of the game, the organization and their profession. They are the "T" in team.
Joan and I are proud to be parents of a University of Chicago football player and student. We are also proud of his contributions to his team.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Second Chances
Being a Phillies fan, it might seem natural to write this week's blog on the World Series. There are many lessons in the games of the last week. The baseball season has ended and now baseball fans look forward to the Hot Stove League that will carry us to spring training. Instead of a World Series entry, I found a more compelling story in Sports Illustrated last week. Here it is.
Those who follow this blog (thanks to all of you) may recall an entry on the new Oregon Duck football coach Chip Kelly. His star running back punched a Boise State running back after their first game then taunted the fans (the game was held at Boise State). The Ducks lost and Coach Kelly had some decisions to make. I was impressed he suspended his running back, LeGarrette Blount, but kept him on the team and allowed him to practice. In addition, his scholarship was not taken away.
Fast forward to this past weekend where the Ducks crushed the USC Trojans. This is no small feat as the Trojans are usually in the hunt for the National Championship. They beat them handily, 47-20. It seems the Ducks have moved on without Mr. Blount, in fact they've gone undefeated since his suspension. The Sports Illustrated article (November 2nd) detailed their season leading up to last week's game. The article also caught us up on LeGarrette's activities since the suspension. First, he asked Coach Kelly if he could call Boise State coach Chris Peterson and linebacker Byron Hout (whom he punched) to apologize which he did. Second, Coach Kelly consulted Kermit Washington, Tony Dungy and Harry Edwards who have counseled Blount. Third, Blount sent a letter of apology to the Oregon student newspaper. Fourth, Blount is a regular visitor to at-risk youth centers. He is going to class, being a leader at practice, and just might be reinstated this season. I was impressed at the punishment in September and even more impressed at the results. I hope this is a long-term change in behavior and will be a case study for the future. Blount should have been suspended. But Coach Kelly knew that throwing him off the team would devastate the young man and not provide a life lesson.
How about your organization. What are you doing with the misfits, bad boys and girls, poor performers? As I've said before, people don't get out of bed in the morning with the desire to mess up your organization. Something institutional may be going on that requires appreciative inquiry, counseling and constant attention. Is it worth it? Ask LeGarrette Blount. I can only guess his answer. Well done Coach Kelly! Let's hope LeGarrette's behavior allows him to play one more time before his eligibility is up.
Those who follow this blog (thanks to all of you) may recall an entry on the new Oregon Duck football coach Chip Kelly. His star running back punched a Boise State running back after their first game then taunted the fans (the game was held at Boise State). The Ducks lost and Coach Kelly had some decisions to make. I was impressed he suspended his running back, LeGarrette Blount, but kept him on the team and allowed him to practice. In addition, his scholarship was not taken away.
Fast forward to this past weekend where the Ducks crushed the USC Trojans. This is no small feat as the Trojans are usually in the hunt for the National Championship. They beat them handily, 47-20. It seems the Ducks have moved on without Mr. Blount, in fact they've gone undefeated since his suspension. The Sports Illustrated article (November 2nd) detailed their season leading up to last week's game. The article also caught us up on LeGarrette's activities since the suspension. First, he asked Coach Kelly if he could call Boise State coach Chris Peterson and linebacker Byron Hout (whom he punched) to apologize which he did. Second, Coach Kelly consulted Kermit Washington, Tony Dungy and Harry Edwards who have counseled Blount. Third, Blount sent a letter of apology to the Oregon student newspaper. Fourth, Blount is a regular visitor to at-risk youth centers. He is going to class, being a leader at practice, and just might be reinstated this season. I was impressed at the punishment in September and even more impressed at the results. I hope this is a long-term change in behavior and will be a case study for the future. Blount should have been suspended. But Coach Kelly knew that throwing him off the team would devastate the young man and not provide a life lesson.
How about your organization. What are you doing with the misfits, bad boys and girls, poor performers? As I've said before, people don't get out of bed in the morning with the desire to mess up your organization. Something institutional may be going on that requires appreciative inquiry, counseling and constant attention. Is it worth it? Ask LeGarrette Blount. I can only guess his answer. Well done Coach Kelly! Let's hope LeGarrette's behavior allows him to play one more time before his eligibility is up.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Making Assumptions
We all do it-we make assumptions about situations in life and more often than not its not true or backfires. An assumption occurs when we take something for granted without proof. Over the past several weeks we have all watched the baseball playoffs. As you know, many assumptions have been made by announcers, critics and fans about all the playoff teams. Here are a few that I heard:
- Jonathon Broxton is unhittable. Perhaps he is at Dodger Stadium. The announcers on TBS said all the Dodgers had to do was get to Broxton and the Phillies would be toast. Broxton walks Matt Stairs, hits Carlos Ruiz and allows a walk-off hit to Jimmy Rollins in game four of the NLCS.
- CC Sabathia will get the Yankees off to a good start. He pitched ok, but gave up two home runs to Chase Utley (see below). The Phillies went on to win 6-1 and took the lead in the series (it has since been tied).
- Chase Utley is worn out and creates a hole in the Phillies line up. Mr. Utley hits two home runs in his first two at bats against Sabathia.
- Jonathan Papelbon doesn't lose at Fenway Park. He gave up two runs in the eighth inning of game three and blew the save and game in the ninth as the Angels swept the Red Sox.
In baseball, every situation is different. The playoffs are pressure packed and unless you look at the situation in its entirety, you may miss something that will change your thought process. In each case above, there were variables that the pundits missed causing them to make an assumption that was incorrect.
Isn't this true in life and in the workplace. We make assumptions all the time about a person, department, management. Often, it is a cover up for your own failings and creates the blame game. Look at each situation in a new light. Analyze all the variables and give people the opportunity to react in their own way before you burden them with your opinion. Assumptions do make an a_ _ out of you and me. Do yourself a favor-stop making them!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Knowing Your Role
This week's blog comes from my business partner, Tom Charno. He suggested the title after watching the fourth game of the National League Championship Series. As you probably know, the Phillies won their second National League Championship on Wednesday and are going back to the World Series. We saw the Phils play three games this week. While games three and five were blowouts (nonetheless enjoyable), game four was one for the ages. For an excellent historical perspective, read Jason Stark's article on ESPN.com. In that game, Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies shortstop, hit a triple in the gap toward right field to score Eric Bruntlett and Carlos Ruiz. Bruntlett was pinch-running for Matt Stairs who drew a walk pinch hitting for Pedro Feliz. Rollins was the hero, but the win spoke as much about the other three players, Stairs, Ruiz and Bruntlett.
Players who don't start and come off the bench are often called role players. In the case of Bruntlett and Stairs, they know their role is to pinch hit (Stairs) or pinch run or play the field (Bruntlett). They have no expectations of starting and must be ready at all times to come off the bench and perform. On Monday night, they did just that. Matt Stairs coaxed a walk off the Dodgers pitcher to get on base with one out. Carlos Ruiz, the starting catcher who morphs into "Senor Octubre" in the playoffs got hit by a pitch. Greg Dobbs, another pinch hitting role player, lined out to third for the second out. Two on, two out and Jimmy Rollins performs his magic, Bruntlett and Ruiz score. Phillies Win! A great game won by Rollins' hit but made possible by the role players. A true team effort.
How about your organization? Do you have role players? Do you have team members who know the reason they're in the organization and perform their duties without complaint and at a high level? For an organization to succeed, they need to have a vision and leaders who motivate their team to execute toward that vision. The daily execution is performed by role players who understand what they need to do day in and day out. Often this is called "blocking and tackling" because of the fundamental aspect of the job. Leaders were once role players who performed well and rose in the company. Some make careers out of being role players. No shame at all in that. In fact, some of the finest people I've worked with take pride in performing their role and being an important part of the company.
Does your organization have role players? Do they know their role? If not, make it a point to explain their value, what they need to do, and give them the tools to perform their best every day!
Players who don't start and come off the bench are often called role players. In the case of Bruntlett and Stairs, they know their role is to pinch hit (Stairs) or pinch run or play the field (Bruntlett). They have no expectations of starting and must be ready at all times to come off the bench and perform. On Monday night, they did just that. Matt Stairs coaxed a walk off the Dodgers pitcher to get on base with one out. Carlos Ruiz, the starting catcher who morphs into "Senor Octubre" in the playoffs got hit by a pitch. Greg Dobbs, another pinch hitting role player, lined out to third for the second out. Two on, two out and Jimmy Rollins performs his magic, Bruntlett and Ruiz score. Phillies Win! A great game won by Rollins' hit but made possible by the role players. A true team effort.
How about your organization? Do you have role players? Do you have team members who know the reason they're in the organization and perform their duties without complaint and at a high level? For an organization to succeed, they need to have a vision and leaders who motivate their team to execute toward that vision. The daily execution is performed by role players who understand what they need to do day in and day out. Often this is called "blocking and tackling" because of the fundamental aspect of the job. Leaders were once role players who performed well and rose in the company. Some make careers out of being role players. No shame at all in that. In fact, some of the finest people I've worked with take pride in performing their role and being an important part of the company.
Does your organization have role players? Do they know their role? If not, make it a point to explain their value, what they need to do, and give them the tools to perform their best every day!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Personal Issues-Professional Impact
Last week, Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, started the second game of the National League playoffs. He pitched five innings giving up four runs and ultimately took the loss. Not a sharp performance. We found out after the game that his wife Heidi was in labor and gave birth to a son the next morning.
Flash back one year. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, was benched in the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens after playing terribly. His play had been awful for several weeks. A couple of weeks later, his wife delivered twins. He had a great finish to the year and took the Eagles to the NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals.
As sports fans, we expect that players will play at a consistently high level week in and week out. In fact, many athletes pride themselves in being able to compartmentalize personal or off field issues from game day. Personally, I don't buy it. Maybe for a few games, but not over the course of a season. It's hard to imagine you wouldn't be impacted by the birth of a child, the first pregnancy you and your wife are going through. I know I was excited and nervous for the birth of both boys.
The nuances of leadership require that you understand, appreciate and sometimes celebrate a staff member's personal life. Admittedly, results are what counts-but you also have to lead for the long run. I don't know if Phillies manager Charlie Manuel had much choice in starting Hamels against the Colorado Rockies. I do know it would take a unique individual to get on the mound and pitch knowing his wife was close to delivering their first child. Should fans hold athletes to a different standard than we would ourselves or a co-worker? A friend of mine says we should because of the millions they are paid. I say not so fast! We have to assume that personal issues will impact professional results. As leaders, we need to do what we can to be empathetic while getting the person back on track professionally.
I wish I could say that Hamels bounced back and pitched a gem against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. He pitched ok, but he'll need to improve if the Phillies are going to repeat as World Champions. Congratulations to the Hamels' family on their newborn son.
Flash back one year. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, was benched in the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens after playing terribly. His play had been awful for several weeks. A couple of weeks later, his wife delivered twins. He had a great finish to the year and took the Eagles to the NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals.
As sports fans, we expect that players will play at a consistently high level week in and week out. In fact, many athletes pride themselves in being able to compartmentalize personal or off field issues from game day. Personally, I don't buy it. Maybe for a few games, but not over the course of a season. It's hard to imagine you wouldn't be impacted by the birth of a child, the first pregnancy you and your wife are going through. I know I was excited and nervous for the birth of both boys.
The nuances of leadership require that you understand, appreciate and sometimes celebrate a staff member's personal life. Admittedly, results are what counts-but you also have to lead for the long run. I don't know if Phillies manager Charlie Manuel had much choice in starting Hamels against the Colorado Rockies. I do know it would take a unique individual to get on the mound and pitch knowing his wife was close to delivering their first child. Should fans hold athletes to a different standard than we would ourselves or a co-worker? A friend of mine says we should because of the millions they are paid. I say not so fast! We have to assume that personal issues will impact professional results. As leaders, we need to do what we can to be empathetic while getting the person back on track professionally.
I wish I could say that Hamels bounced back and pitched a gem against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. He pitched ok, but he'll need to improve if the Phillies are going to repeat as World Champions. Congratulations to the Hamels' family on their newborn son.
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Agony of Defeat
On Tuesday, I watched one of the best baseball games I've ever seen. The Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins were tied in the American League Central Division after a full season of 162 games. A one game playoff ensued. The game was pushed to Tuesday night to accommodate the Vikings-Packers game on Monday night.
Back and forth the the game went. After nine innings, the game was still tied. It seemed that they would play well into the night when the Twins finally won in the bottom of the 12th inning. As you can imagine, the Metrodome (home of the Twins) erupted in unbridled joy as did the Twins themselves. The Tigers on the other hand were left to wonder what happened. They had a 7 game lead in early September. They had a two game lead going into the last weekend of the season. They lost 2 of 3 and the Twins swept the Royals to end up in a tie. I'm sure there were many in Detroit who thought the division crown was in the bag and were planning for the playoffs. This includes players, managers and fans. The Twins-Tigers game showed both "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat."
The past couple of years businesses have been witnessing and feeling the agony of defeat. Long-time customers are heading for greener pastures; businesses are closing expectantly leaving their suppliers holding the bag; the big sale doesn't happen even after promises have been made to the contrary. There should be no excuse for an organization not to see the signs of a customer leaving, closing or promising one thing and doing another. It means that the organization hasn't executed as a team. They haven't developed relationships throughout the organization. We haven't asked the tough questions. Good business practices requires execution on a daily basis. Fall down one day, pick yourself up and go at it again. Allow the organization to fall down and not get up quickly will create a death spiral. Just like baseball players, organizations can't turn themselves off and on at a moment's notice. Work hard, be consistent, demand much of each other. Execute properly to avoid the agony of defeat!
Back and forth the the game went. After nine innings, the game was still tied. It seemed that they would play well into the night when the Twins finally won in the bottom of the 12th inning. As you can imagine, the Metrodome (home of the Twins) erupted in unbridled joy as did the Twins themselves. The Tigers on the other hand were left to wonder what happened. They had a 7 game lead in early September. They had a two game lead going into the last weekend of the season. They lost 2 of 3 and the Twins swept the Royals to end up in a tie. I'm sure there were many in Detroit who thought the division crown was in the bag and were planning for the playoffs. This includes players, managers and fans. The Twins-Tigers game showed both "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat."
The past couple of years businesses have been witnessing and feeling the agony of defeat. Long-time customers are heading for greener pastures; businesses are closing expectantly leaving their suppliers holding the bag; the big sale doesn't happen even after promises have been made to the contrary. There should be no excuse for an organization not to see the signs of a customer leaving, closing or promising one thing and doing another. It means that the organization hasn't executed as a team. They haven't developed relationships throughout the organization. We haven't asked the tough questions. Good business practices requires execution on a daily basis. Fall down one day, pick yourself up and go at it again. Allow the organization to fall down and not get up quickly will create a death spiral. Just like baseball players, organizations can't turn themselves off and on at a moment's notice. Work hard, be consistent, demand much of each other. Execute properly to avoid the agony of defeat!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Celebrations and Memories
This week, baseball teams across the land celebrated their advancement to the post season. First the Yankees, then the Cardinals, Red Sox, Angels and Phillies. We wait only for the Dodgers to win one game and the Twins and Tigers battle in the American League Central Division. Some wonder why teams celebrate getting into the playoffs. After all, it's on the first step. They know how difficult it is to win the ultimate prize, the World Series. After a season lasting six months, all teams understand the difficulties of staying healthy, performing at the highest level, and avoiding numerous pitfalls. Some known and others not fathomable.
Earlier this week, an especially poignant celebration occurred in Anaheim, California. You may remember a pitcher named Nick Adenhart. He was 23 and had earned on spot as the number three starter in the Angels rotation. In his first start, he pitched six strong innings in a game on April 8th. It was to be his last. As he and some friends were coming home from dinner they were hit by an alleged drunk driver. Adenhart died soon after from his injuries. It was a terrible loss that is still being felt by the Angels and their community. Fast forward to Monday night when the Angels clinched the American League Western Division crown. As the Angels celebrated on the field they paused then went out to celebrate in front of the Adenhart memorial in the outfield.
It is vitally important to celebrate the achievement of goals. While spraying champagne and beer over each other in your organization may not be appropriate-taking the time to mark and enjoy the achievement of milestones is. One thing that organizations universally lack is making time to savor the "win." These can last minutes or they can be done in the way of a retreat or trip. I once worked for a general manager that would have a party when the plug had been pulled on a research and development project. It was important to recognize the effort, even if the priority had shifted or the technology couldn't be developed. This did wonders for morale and told those involved that their efforts were appreciated. Don't be afraid to "pop the cork" or have a piece of cake as you achieve your goals and move your organization forward.
Earlier this week, an especially poignant celebration occurred in Anaheim, California. You may remember a pitcher named Nick Adenhart. He was 23 and had earned on spot as the number three starter in the Angels rotation. In his first start, he pitched six strong innings in a game on April 8th. It was to be his last. As he and some friends were coming home from dinner they were hit by an alleged drunk driver. Adenhart died soon after from his injuries. It was a terrible loss that is still being felt by the Angels and their community. Fast forward to Monday night when the Angels clinched the American League Western Division crown. As the Angels celebrated on the field they paused then went out to celebrate in front of the Adenhart memorial in the outfield.
It is vitally important to celebrate the achievement of goals. While spraying champagne and beer over each other in your organization may not be appropriate-taking the time to mark and enjoy the achievement of milestones is. One thing that organizations universally lack is making time to savor the "win." These can last minutes or they can be done in the way of a retreat or trip. I once worked for a general manager that would have a party when the plug had been pulled on a research and development project. It was important to recognize the effort, even if the priority had shifted or the technology couldn't be developed. This did wonders for morale and told those involved that their efforts were appreciated. Don't be afraid to "pop the cork" or have a piece of cake as you achieve your goals and move your organization forward.
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