Welcome to Doctober! I just finished watching Roy Halladay pitch a no-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies in his first playoff game of his career. What a masterpiece! He threw 104 pitches, 79 for strikes.
What struck me about his performance was his skill, focus and unbridled joy at winning the game. He has been one of the top pitchers in the majors for many years. He works as hard as anyone relative to conditioning and has even added a pitch to his repertoire this year. As you watched him throw strike after strike, it was clear he was in the zone and focused at getting Reds out. Finally, when Carlos Ruiz threw out Brandon Phillips for the last out-the smile and joy radiated. His teammates mobbed him and they all enjoyed the moment.
There may have been questions about how he would perform in the post-season. Until today, he never pitched past the first weekend in October. I think he answered those questions. He will be a force throughout the playoffs and hopefully the World Series. He had plenty of stamina thanks to his work ethic.
As leaders, we can use Roy Halladay's performance as a teaching and coaching moment. Skill, focus and joy at your job will make you a valuable resource for your organization. Hone your craft and perform it at the highest level each day. Stay focused on the task at hand-don't let outside distractions take your eye off the ball. As important, love what you do and know that you're making a difference every day. Congratulations to Roy Halladay-may this be the first of many post-season wins!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Redemption
Last month, I wrote an entry entitled "Details." In it, I mentioned that golfer Jim Furyk overslept and missed the Pro-Am of the Barclays tournament. By missing the Pro-Am, he forfeited his chance to play in the regular tournament. He was in the running for the FedEx Cup and a prize of $10 million. All looked lost!
Yesterday was a new day and a chance at redemption. In the Tour Championship, Furyk made an incredible shot from the bunker on the 18th hole and tapped in to win. He not only won the tournament and the $1.35 million prize but also won the season long FedEx cup and $10 million. Quite a day for Mr. Furyk.
The moral of the story is two-fold. First, he took responsibility for his actions and blamed no one but himself for missing the Pro-Am. Second, he didn't crawl into the fetal position and cry himself to sleep every night. He continued to play well, practiced hard, and made shots when he needed to yesterday. He is a champion and has worked like a champion.
How many times have you been second guessed, ridiculed for a decision, and organizationally left for dead? More importantly, how many times have you second guessed others. Most organizations have cultures that try to analyze the actions and reactions of others-to the detriment of morale. Those who try and sometimes fail need to be recognized for the effort and given the support to succeed in the longer run. Look for and celebrate dedication. It's not hard to find those wanting to succeed and willing to work in a positive manner to get there. Congratulations to Jim Furyk and the thousands of workers who won't be slowed by setbacks and take responsibility for their actions.
Yesterday was a new day and a chance at redemption. In the Tour Championship, Furyk made an incredible shot from the bunker on the 18th hole and tapped in to win. He not only won the tournament and the $1.35 million prize but also won the season long FedEx cup and $10 million. Quite a day for Mr. Furyk.
The moral of the story is two-fold. First, he took responsibility for his actions and blamed no one but himself for missing the Pro-Am. Second, he didn't crawl into the fetal position and cry himself to sleep every night. He continued to play well, practiced hard, and made shots when he needed to yesterday. He is a champion and has worked like a champion.
How many times have you been second guessed, ridiculed for a decision, and organizationally left for dead? More importantly, how many times have you second guessed others. Most organizations have cultures that try to analyze the actions and reactions of others-to the detriment of morale. Those who try and sometimes fail need to be recognized for the effort and given the support to succeed in the longer run. Look for and celebrate dedication. It's not hard to find those wanting to succeed and willing to work in a positive manner to get there. Congratulations to Jim Furyk and the thousands of workers who won't be slowed by setbacks and take responsibility for their actions.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sins of the Past
As we all know, football has begun at both the college and pro levels. There have been exciting games, great plays and plenty of entertainment for the sports junkie. Last Thursday, the New Orleans Saints kicked off the season with a win over the Vikings. In that game, running back Reggie Bush ran for 14 yards on just two carries. I first became aware of Bush while he was at the University of Southern California (USC). He had an outstanding career, earning the Heisman Trophy in 2005. Based on what I remember, he was deserving of the award, though many could make the case for runner-up Vince Young. He pro career has been pedestrian-at times brilliant, but mostly average. He's a nice fit in the Saints line-up, but is not the superstar his college career may have predicted.
Yesterday, the sins of his past culminated in his returning the Heisman Trophy. Based on an NCAA investigation where USC vacated (lost) its last two wins of the 2004 season and all of the 2005 season, Reggie Bush and his family is accused of receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars of gifts from agents. USC has also been banned from bowl games this year and next and will lose 30 scholarships over three years. USC has taken down his jersey, and generally disassociated itself with Reggie Bush. Rather than waiting for the Heisman Trophy Trust to ask for the trophy back, he returned it. He moves on, collecting his NFL paycheck and the university picks up the pieces and goes into obscurity for a couple of years.
There is no doubt that Reggie Bush is a talented football player. There is also no doubt that he had a disregard for rules and the effect breaking them will have. I'm sure he is embarrassed and even disgraced at having to give up the Heisman Trophy. But he knew he was breaking the rules. Sometimes it takes awhile for life to catch up with us.
Most of us know that real leadership is based on the foundation of self-leadership. This means you are confident, have high self-esteem, and have a vision and goals for yourself. It also means that you have defined core values that you live by. Core values are defined as those which you won't compromise. To be fair, I'm not sure I met this definition of self-leadership in my 20's, but I also knew right from wrong. I have found that defining your core values is the first step in self-leadership. It becomes your rudder-always moving you in the right direction. Life is a learning process. Learn to live by your core values and avoid the public humiliation we saw yesterday inflicted on Reggie Bush.
Yesterday, the sins of his past culminated in his returning the Heisman Trophy. Based on an NCAA investigation where USC vacated (lost) its last two wins of the 2004 season and all of the 2005 season, Reggie Bush and his family is accused of receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars of gifts from agents. USC has also been banned from bowl games this year and next and will lose 30 scholarships over three years. USC has taken down his jersey, and generally disassociated itself with Reggie Bush. Rather than waiting for the Heisman Trophy Trust to ask for the trophy back, he returned it. He moves on, collecting his NFL paycheck and the university picks up the pieces and goes into obscurity for a couple of years.
There is no doubt that Reggie Bush is a talented football player. There is also no doubt that he had a disregard for rules and the effect breaking them will have. I'm sure he is embarrassed and even disgraced at having to give up the Heisman Trophy. But he knew he was breaking the rules. Sometimes it takes awhile for life to catch up with us.
Most of us know that real leadership is based on the foundation of self-leadership. This means you are confident, have high self-esteem, and have a vision and goals for yourself. It also means that you have defined core values that you live by. Core values are defined as those which you won't compromise. To be fair, I'm not sure I met this definition of self-leadership in my 20's, but I also knew right from wrong. I have found that defining your core values is the first step in self-leadership. It becomes your rudder-always moving you in the right direction. Life is a learning process. Learn to live by your core values and avoid the public humiliation we saw yesterday inflicted on Reggie Bush.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
So Many Topics-So Little Time
This is the best week in sports-period. I said the same thing last year and will do so for the rest of my life. Pennant races in baseball, college football, pro football, US Open tennis. A smorgasbord of sports. The hard part is tying it into life. We all have to work, find time for our families, and continue to pursue healthy hobbies. What's a sports fan to do? Did I mention the weather in the Mid-Atlantic is beautiful!
Adding to all these priorities on a personl levelnce is that I can't decide on a worthy topic for this blog. Last week I thought about Nyger Morgan and his style (or lack thereof) play. How about Boise State and their come from behind win? Pride or passion in all sports-there are many examples of each. All of this confusion comes from a constant struggle with priorities, time/life balance, and not wanting to miss any of it.
What is balance? How do you stay focused on the important things? In sports, the great athletes have supreme focus and have the ability to stay that way. How about the rest of us? I'll use myself as an example. I think I'm disciplined but find myself straying from my priorities on an hourly, daily and weekly basis. At the end of the week, I'm in good shape work wise, but have I put the right focus on family and home? Have I gotten the exercise I need to maintain good health? Have I watched every inning of every Phillies game? The answers are probably no, yes, and yes. The fall will only get worse as the baseball playoffs begin, football is on every night and the days continue to get shorter. My wife is a sports fan, but not a fanatic. There will be many nights where I don't get to bed until after midnight and try to get up at 5:15 to work out. Something will have to give (more personal days from work?)
Organizations continually try to ensure their team is focused, results-oriented, and hopefully aware of their personal and professional balance. The reality is that organizations need to keep employees focused on goals and tasks when they are on the job and hope that the postitions they've created are structured to allow for the right balance. The good organizations have a feel and listen to their employees about what can get done in a "normal" work day. Not all organizations are good however. As a leader, stop, look and listen to your teams and make sure the results you need allow for a healthy life balance for your employees. In the long run, this will provide the best results.
Adding to all these priorities on a personl levelnce is that I can't decide on a worthy topic for this blog. Last week I thought about Nyger Morgan and his style (or lack thereof) play. How about Boise State and their come from behind win? Pride or passion in all sports-there are many examples of each. All of this confusion comes from a constant struggle with priorities, time/life balance, and not wanting to miss any of it.
What is balance? How do you stay focused on the important things? In sports, the great athletes have supreme focus and have the ability to stay that way. How about the rest of us? I'll use myself as an example. I think I'm disciplined but find myself straying from my priorities on an hourly, daily and weekly basis. At the end of the week, I'm in good shape work wise, but have I put the right focus on family and home? Have I gotten the exercise I need to maintain good health? Have I watched every inning of every Phillies game? The answers are probably no, yes, and yes. The fall will only get worse as the baseball playoffs begin, football is on every night and the days continue to get shorter. My wife is a sports fan, but not a fanatic. There will be many nights where I don't get to bed until after midnight and try to get up at 5:15 to work out. Something will have to give (more personal days from work?)
Organizations continually try to ensure their team is focused, results-oriented, and hopefully aware of their personal and professional balance. The reality is that organizations need to keep employees focused on goals and tasks when they are on the job and hope that the postitions they've created are structured to allow for the right balance. The good organizations have a feel and listen to their employees about what can get done in a "normal" work day. Not all organizations are good however. As a leader, stop, look and listen to your teams and make sure the results you need allow for a healthy life balance for your employees. In the long run, this will provide the best results.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Details
I hate it when details get in the way of results. Last week we heard about golfer Jim Furyk who was disqualified when he overslept and was five minutes late to the Pro-Am tournament preceding the Barclays tournament. By missing the Pro-Am, he is also disqualified from the four day event. This may cost Furyk some real money (read millions) as it qualifies for the FedEx Cup. The winner gets a $10 million bonus. Furyk was third before missing the tee time. It's hard to imagine how this can happen. My wife sets three alarms to ensure she makes an early flight.
Sticking with golf, how about Dustin Johnson a couple of weeks ago? You may remember him as the golfer who was penalized two strokes on the final hole of the PGA tournament. He was heading for a three man playoff when it was discovered he ground his club in a sand trap. Admittedly, it was hard to tell it was part of the trap but a notice explaining this very situation was posted in the locker room before the final round. No playoff, no chance for a major.
Going outside of sports, it was revealed that the State of New Jersey missed out on $400 million of education funding by the Federal government this week. It turns out that the person filling out one page gave the incorrect information. Governor Christie was spitting tacks, but everyone else filled it out correctly.
Attention to detail is not every one's strong suit. Sometimes, it's situational. In many circumstances, I can be very detailed and ensure the job is complete. In other situations, not so much. I find that when I know someone is checking my work, I tend not to do as complete a job. Sounds a bit backwards but there may be a lesson. When we are ultimately accountable for projects, revenue, proposals-we tend to make sure its right or we stand up and take the blame like Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson. When there is an army of checkers, my theory is that folks slack a bit knowing someone else may catch anything important. Not a very efficient way to run an organization.
Mistakes will happen. Organizations that solve for mistakes by adding additional checks and balances run the risk of bloating the staff and lessening accountability. Creating responsibility, even at the lowest levels of the organization creates efficiency and high expectations. It also promotes creativity, empowerment and opportunity. Be careful in your response to mistakes by creating checkers. Instead, create an organization that is attentive to the details and takes responsibility for their work.
Sticking with golf, how about Dustin Johnson a couple of weeks ago? You may remember him as the golfer who was penalized two strokes on the final hole of the PGA tournament. He was heading for a three man playoff when it was discovered he ground his club in a sand trap. Admittedly, it was hard to tell it was part of the trap but a notice explaining this very situation was posted in the locker room before the final round. No playoff, no chance for a major.
Going outside of sports, it was revealed that the State of New Jersey missed out on $400 million of education funding by the Federal government this week. It turns out that the person filling out one page gave the incorrect information. Governor Christie was spitting tacks, but everyone else filled it out correctly.
Attention to detail is not every one's strong suit. Sometimes, it's situational. In many circumstances, I can be very detailed and ensure the job is complete. In other situations, not so much. I find that when I know someone is checking my work, I tend not to do as complete a job. Sounds a bit backwards but there may be a lesson. When we are ultimately accountable for projects, revenue, proposals-we tend to make sure its right or we stand up and take the blame like Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson. When there is an army of checkers, my theory is that folks slack a bit knowing someone else may catch anything important. Not a very efficient way to run an organization.
Mistakes will happen. Organizations that solve for mistakes by adding additional checks and balances run the risk of bloating the staff and lessening accountability. Creating responsibility, even at the lowest levels of the organization creates efficiency and high expectations. It also promotes creativity, empowerment and opportunity. Be careful in your response to mistakes by creating checkers. Instead, create an organization that is attentive to the details and takes responsibility for their work.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Looking for Buoys
For the past few weeks, a good friend of mine from high school was on my mind. His name is Randy Adams. He was best man in our wedding and lives with his wife Sally and three boys in North Carolina. We grew up together from elementary school to college at Miami University. We were both in the same fraternity, Sigma Nu and even ran for House Commander (President) against each other. We don't talk often, but like most good friends, don't have trouble getting into an easy flow in a few minutes.
I took the opportunity to call Randy yesterday and we caught up for about 20 minutes. During the call, he told me about the death of his nephew in February in an auto accident in Indiana. It's a terrible story, but one that I read about at the time but didn't put the pieces together. It turns out that Randy's nephew, Mark (Reedy) was traveling as a passenger with Brendan Burke, the son of the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager. Brendan was also the student manager of Miami University's hockey team. Sports Illustrated had a touching article on him and his dad soon after the accident. The name of the other young man killed was lost on me until yesterday.
As I read Mark's obituary and articles in the local press from his hometown, I was immediately brought back to my high school days. He went to the same middle school and high school that Randy and I did. He was the top diver in Oakland County and state runner-up. He has a wonderful family and was loved by them and many. Such a tragedy. Mark was 18 when he died.
How often does it happen that we don't get the whole story? We see the headline, something draws us to an article, but we really don't dig deep for the details. So often in business and in life, there are buoys to guide us if only we look. Why is it when we decide to buy a brown sports car, we notice how many brown sports cars are on the road? The more we're open to look deeper-the more our lives will be enriched and we'll achieve the results that we're looking for.
I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Mark Reedy, but I know his parents. He did a lot of living and achieving in his life. Perhaps that's his legacy for those he left behind. Make the most out of life and look for the buoys that God puts in our way.
I took the opportunity to call Randy yesterday and we caught up for about 20 minutes. During the call, he told me about the death of his nephew in February in an auto accident in Indiana. It's a terrible story, but one that I read about at the time but didn't put the pieces together. It turns out that Randy's nephew, Mark (Reedy) was traveling as a passenger with Brendan Burke, the son of the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager. Brendan was also the student manager of Miami University's hockey team. Sports Illustrated had a touching article on him and his dad soon after the accident. The name of the other young man killed was lost on me until yesterday.
As I read Mark's obituary and articles in the local press from his hometown, I was immediately brought back to my high school days. He went to the same middle school and high school that Randy and I did. He was the top diver in Oakland County and state runner-up. He has a wonderful family and was loved by them and many. Such a tragedy. Mark was 18 when he died.
How often does it happen that we don't get the whole story? We see the headline, something draws us to an article, but we really don't dig deep for the details. So often in business and in life, there are buoys to guide us if only we look. Why is it when we decide to buy a brown sports car, we notice how many brown sports cars are on the road? The more we're open to look deeper-the more our lives will be enriched and we'll achieve the results that we're looking for.
I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Mark Reedy, but I know his parents. He did a lot of living and achieving in his life. Perhaps that's his legacy for those he left behind. Make the most out of life and look for the buoys that God puts in our way.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
A Change of Scenery
This weekend marks the trading deadline for baseball. There is a two-fold purpose for the deadline. First, it allows teams going nowhere to trade their high priced talent to teams in the pennant race. The hope is that they get quality prospects in return. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. Sometimes it works in the short term, but not so much in the long-term. Take a trade the Tigers made in 1987. They acquired a pitcher named Doyle Alexander to help them overtake the Toronto Blue Jays. Perfect! Except the guy they gave up to get him was John Smoltz, a certain Hall of Famer, to the Braves.
Many players changed teams this week. It is hoped that some will do better with a different team. They may have been buried with their current team. A change of scenery does some players good. Take Brad Lidge in 2008. After struggling with the Astros, he was traded to the Phillies and saved every game he appeared. Perhaps he needs another change given his recent performance. Players get in ruts, they don't get along with his manager, they are too far away from their family. Any number of reasons a change will work.
Are employees any different? In larger organizations, it may be better to move (or allow to move) employees to other departments, take a transfer, or even leave the company. In smaller, organizations, those opportunities may not avail themselves. In all cases, its important for the manager and employee to have a good discussion on fit, career goals and how their current position can help them meet their career goals. Too often, we're afraid to have that conversation. This allows bad feelings to fester and create an emotional departure to the detriment of everyone.
We should all be open to a change of scenery if it benefits all concerned. It often works in baseball-why not for your organization?
Many players changed teams this week. It is hoped that some will do better with a different team. They may have been buried with their current team. A change of scenery does some players good. Take Brad Lidge in 2008. After struggling with the Astros, he was traded to the Phillies and saved every game he appeared. Perhaps he needs another change given his recent performance. Players get in ruts, they don't get along with his manager, they are too far away from their family. Any number of reasons a change will work.
Are employees any different? In larger organizations, it may be better to move (or allow to move) employees to other departments, take a transfer, or even leave the company. In smaller, organizations, those opportunities may not avail themselves. In all cases, its important for the manager and employee to have a good discussion on fit, career goals and how their current position can help them meet their career goals. Too often, we're afraid to have that conversation. This allows bad feelings to fester and create an emotional departure to the detriment of everyone.
We should all be open to a change of scenery if it benefits all concerned. It often works in baseball-why not for your organization?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
