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.

The Dog Days

Everyone says that July and August are the dog days.  Sure, in most parts of the country it's hot and the heat is oppressive.  As bad as the combination of heat and humidity can be in Philadelphia, I look at February as the dog days of the sports world.  The hype for the Super Bowl is bad, but it's nothing compared to the Pro Bowl.  That is unwatchable.  Baseball won't be meaningful for at least two months.  Hockey is OK, but I've not invested time in knowing the players.  Pro basketball is hideous and golf means nothing until the Masters.  College basketball won't heat up until March.  What's a person to do?

Like it or not, much of our free time is spent watching or discussing our local sports teams.  Now, there is no buzz, no excitement or no energy around any of the teams.  A good scandal will last for a couple of weeks-but that gets tedious too.

As leaders we need to guard against this same issue.  In all long term projects, there's a point where energy wanes and motivation is limited.  It seems that teams and individuals are plodding the same worn plans day in and day out.  My friends at Catholic Leadership Institute taught me that to maximize performance, you need to continually improve your skills but also be energized about your work.  Leaders need to help teams stay fresh and understand that both energy and ability need attention.

Pitchers and catchers will report soon.  That may be enough to get me through February.  What will it take for you and your teams?

A Good GuyMan

A fraternity brother of my son's described Joe Paterno in this way.  As we know, Coach Paterno died this morning at 85 after a short battle with lung cancer.  My son explains that rather saying you're a good guy and a good man-they bring the two words together.  A fitting tribute.

Most of us know the history of Joe Paterno.  He was at Penn State for over 60 years, 46 of them as Head Coach.  Legacies are hard to define and usually take several years for them to firm up.  His will be no exception.  If it weren't for the child abuse scandal, his legacy would be unblemished.  If it weren't for the child abuse scandal, he might still be with us.  We can't forget or forgive his actions or inactions when we look at his body of work.  Today though, I look at the good and let time and the legal system decide on the other.

By all measures, JoePa lead a successful life.  He grew his business; won championships; had a long career; graduated at high percentage of his athletes; and made Penn State a national institution.  Most of all, he made a difference to thousands while on this earth.  We all hope that we can leave making a positive difference in someones life.  He also left today with his large family at his side.  I'm sure he would say it was a wonderful life.

What is the leadership lesson here?  In the end, do what's right and success will follow.  Make a positive difference in someones life.  Take the high road and set high standards through your words and actions. For the most part, I choose to believe that Joe Paterno did this.  Today, I shed a tear for a great man with flaws like the rest of us.  Rest in peace, JoePa.

Too Good to be True?

A friend of mine posted a link to an article Rick Reilly wrote about Tim Tebow last night.  Another friend linked a New York Times article on Mr. Tebow this morning.  I can take a hint-time to write about him.  Both of these articles, especially Reilly's (http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4714751/rick-reillys-take-on-tim-tebow) talks about all the good he does in between miracle finishes and poor quarterbacking mechanics.  As a whole, we are a cynical bunch.  We don't believe that someone can do so many positive things with their wealth and celebrity.  We assume all public figures are in it for themselves.  And why not?  We've been down this road before with stars, athletes and institutions only to find out they have lied, cheated and broken our hearts.

There may be a day Tim Tebow falls into these categories-but it's not today.  We know of him because he's a professional athlete, quarterback for the Denver Broncos.  We also know he is a winner.  Because of this, I choose to believe in the goodness of Tim Tebow.  He and the Broncos probably won't win tonight against the Patriots (though I'll be rooting for him).  He continues to prove that hard work, belief in a higher power and consideration of others will make our society a better place to live.  Though he appears to be too good to be true-I'm willing to accept him as he is today.

In many organizations and in our private lives we often look for the flaws rather than embrace the good.  If someone is too organized, they don't have enough to do.  If they do more than is expected, they are brown nosers.  If they are too nice, they must beat their dog at home.  I suggest that rather than critiquing, we look at them as models.  Perhaps they can teach us all to be better in some way.  Be open to it.  Why not celebrate the good rather than find excuses why we can do the same?  Your life is made up of choices-why not make them positive ones?

Replacing a Legend

Yesterday, Bill O'Brien was introduced as the new coach of the Penn State football team.  Under better circumstances, there may have been others more closely attached to the university.  But given the child sexual abuse scandal, the slate was wiped clean.  Based on what I see, public opinion is mixed with the choice of Coach O'Brien.  Time will tell.  What most of us know is that it is very difficult to replace a legend.  In most cases, though not all, the position is temporary.  Quick, who replaced John Wooden, Woody Hayes, George Halas, Vince Lombardi (in Green Bay), and Darrell Royal?  They certainly weren't legends.  For your information, the coaches were:  Gene Bartow, Earle Bruce, Jim Dooley, Phil Bengston, and Fred Akers respectively.  Akers had some success but nothing like the legendary Royal.  There have been some successes, like Bill Cowher replacing Chuck Noll.  But it's not easy.

Why would anyone want to succeed a legend?  The path is littered with comparisons, the previous coaches players, a different system and skeptical alumni and fans.  So it is in business.  In well run organizations, the heir apparent is groomed over several years to become the leader.  In most cases, this is a recipe for success.  It's important not to bash your predecessor, but build on what he or she has done.  Remember, they were successful, they must have done something right.  Learn from those in key roles and gradually change systems to help you meet your goals.

What you see early is what you get.  In other words, the first impression is usually the lasting one.  Choose your words carefully, define your goals clearly, and engage the entire organization.  Will you be Bill Cowher or Jim Dooley?  The choice is yours.