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Culture Building and Our Best Self

Iowa St. is not a football power house. In the three seasons prior to Head Coach Matt Campbell’s arrival, their record was 8-28. Campbell’s first year in 2016 the Cyclones were 3-9. Since then, the program has been trending upward: 8-5; 8-5; 7-6. Currently they are 8-2, ranked #9 in the country, and are sitting atop the B12 standings. 

I’m sure Coach Campbell is a phenomenal football mind; however, smart football people are a dime a dozen. His success, in my opinion, is because he is a culture builder. 

The word culture makes people cringe. It has become a buzz word. Culture is not ping pong tables, bean bag chairs, and casual dress.  Building culture requires deep internal work, self-reflection, and is centered on developing championship behaviors in the people of the organization.

The Best Version of Ourselves:

Through observation, I believe Iowa State’s culture is the pursuit of being the best version of themselves. In the press conference following their big win over Texas, Campbell mentioned “the best version of ourselves” multiple times. Here are three quotes:

“And the greatest thing that has allowed this team, and really our staff and probably me in general, is to put ego away and really evaluate and try to figure out how do you chart a course to become the best version of yourself you can be. “

“And then how do we do a great job of giving this program consistency and the opportunity to become the best version of ourselves we can be?

“Well, I think I’d be really disappointed if we didn’t get on the plane, flush it, and enjoy the fact we were able to win, and then by tomorrow, be ready to sit back and dissect it. And say, Man, what didn’t we do well? What do we need to get better at? How do we continue to improve. So if we want to continue to grow and have a chance to be the best version of ourselves we can be and reach our full potential, then we’ll have to come back and take that same mindset.” 

Can Iowa St. compete year in and year out with the blue bloods of college football? Probably not. But….can they work relentlessly toward being the best version of themselves? Definitely.  

What do Indiana Baseball and Iowa St. Football have in common?

It’s amazing how things come full circle. This spring, Indiana University’s head baseball coach, Jeff Mercer, met with our team via Zoom. We asked him a question about how he handles players who are disappointed with their playing time. His answer was magnificent. “You have to have a goal outside of the result. Everyone in our program’s job is to be the best version of themselves. Whether you played in the game or not, the responsibility is to be the best version of yourself.”

Coach Mercer is an outstanding person, and Indiana baseball is a tremendous program. Iowa St, under Coach Campbell, is on the rise. Maybe there is something to building a culture based on the pursuit of being the best version of ourselves?
(At the bottom of this article are two videos from Campbell and Mercer. Tell me you wouldn’t want to play for these men.)

Final Thought:

It’s easy to say an organization’s success is due to luck. It’s also easy to recite perceived advantages. However, when studying high performing teams, I’m blown away by their intentional approach to culture building. 

To some, a phrase like “the best version of ourselves” is soft. It doesn’t focus on winning or championships. I would push back and say simply having a goal of winning is soft. There’s no substance behind it. Watch a little kid, they want to win, and if they don’t they pout. The same unproductive behavior is frequently found in organizations focusing exclusively on results. 

Consider the idea of being the best version of ourselves. It is a challenging but rewarding pursuit. It’s 100% completely within our control. Everyone has a different starting point in life and circumstances are different. The starting point has nothing to do with the ability to be our best selves. It’s far from soft. It takes away all excuses. There are no outside comparisons. No envy.

It’s simply a mission to show up for those we love in the best way possible. 

What if everyone in your organization owned that goal? 

Reflection Question:

Could you or your organization benefit from shifting the focus to being the best version of yourself? 

Big Announcement Next Week:

I’ve been working on creating a culture and leadership course. Check it out!

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Fourth Quarter Mentality

In week 5 of the NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks found themselves trailing the Minnesota Vikings 13-0 at halftime. The Vikings controlled most of the game, having large advantages in total yards and time of possession.  Despite the early deficit and statistical discrepancy, quarterback Russell Wilson connected with DK Metcalf for the game winning touchdown with under two minutes to play.  Head Coach, Pete Carroll addressed the jubilant locker room following the hard fought 27-26 victory:

P.C. “ Can you win a game in the first quarter?”

Players: “No!”

P.C. “Can you win a game in the second quarter?”

Players: “No!”

P.C. “Can you win a game in the third quarter?”

Players: “No!”

P.C. “Can you win a game in the fourth quarter?”

Players: “Yes!!!!”

Here are four lessons I learned from the 69 year-old Carroll.

Four Lessons:

Lead Authentically: The “Can you win…” chant by Carroll is corny but it works.  Why? Because you can feel it; it’s Carroll being Carroll.  If the morose Bill Belichick were to attempt such a spectacle it would be cringe-worthy.  Both coaches are incredibly successful and they do it in completely different manners. The way a leader maximizes their effectiveness is by fully embracing who they are.  They are not afraid of other’s opinions, nor are they worried about looking silly.  I have a feeling Coach Carroll could care less whether we think he is goofy for leading the chant.  He’s confident in who he is as a person.

Lead with Joy: High performance sports are pressure packed.  Coaches know they are a bad season, or maybe even a few bad performances away, from being fired. As soon as the game ends many coaches feel relief, not happiness.  They lose sight of the present moment. The ‘Hawks didn’t play well against Minnesota.  Carroll could have ranted about all the improvement that was needed.  Instead, he decided to simply enjoy the win.  I’m sure he had concerns about the upcoming week, but those adjustments could wait.  It was time to celebrate.

Lead with Grit: The NFL season is grueling.  Competing against the best athletes and coaches on the planet, the margin for error is minute.  The Seahawks could have checked out mentally, took the loss, and started thinking about next week.  Carroll’s chant is a good reminder to hold the line; to stay in the fight.  There is always a chance if you are still at the table, but if you quit it is over. The willingness to keep competing and fighting even when the odds are stacked in the others favor, is the mark of a champion.  And, a victory earned through persistence feels just a touch sweeter.

Lead with Poise: I’m amazed in professional sports how often the outcome is determined late; innings 7-9 in baseball, the last five minutes in basketball, or the final drive in football.  Games ebb and flow; however, the last quarter of the game frequently determines the outcome. It’s the team that trusts their relationships and executes that emerges victorious.  High level leaders, like Carroll, are prepared for these moments of tension. They expect the outcome to hinge on a few key plays late in the contest and welcome those high-leverage situations.

The Fourth Quarter: We are in the fourth quarter of a grueling year; 2020 has been challenging.  I’m concerned that many people have already marked it in the loss column.  You can’t win the year in the first three quarters (January-September).  It is possible, however, to win in the fourth quarter  (October-December).

As leaders, we can learn a lot from Coach Pete. For the final stretch of 2020, what if we choose to lead authentically?  What if we approach our job and teammates with joy? What if we decide to charge forward and focus on execution?

Over the years, I’ve been in games were the situation looked bleak. On some occasions, our group stopped competing and took the whipping. I regret those games. But….there were those times were we decided to bite down- to keep fighting even though the odds seemed impossible to overcome. Those games are the memorable ones; regardless of the result.

Please join me in adopting a fourth quarter mentality.  Let’s not wish the final days away.  The game is still going on…we still have a chance.  We’ll never regret competing with a positive attitude and continuing to move forward. Let’s be thankful for this tough time knowing we will be stronger and more appreciative on the other side.

 

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Limiting Factors: What’s Holding You Back?

“There’s comfort in doubling down on proven process, regardless of their efficacy.  Few of us are criticized if we faithfully do what has worked many times before.  But feeling comfortable or dodging criticism should not be our measure of success.  There’s likely a place in paradise for people who tried hard, but what really matters is succeeding.  If that requires you to change, that’s your mission.” – General Stanley McChrystal- Team of Teams.

In 2003, General Stanley McChrystal was the commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force in Iraq.  While his group and the allied forces had greater numbers, more advanced technology and training, they found themselves struggling to keep up with the enemy who was playing by a different set of rules.  The Al-Qaeda in Iraq were giving allied forces problems: they moved quickly and were vicious by nature.

It was a different type of war than we’ve seen before.  The strength of our military was size, strength, technology and discipline.  In this war, our greatest strengths became our biggest limiting factors (limfacs).  We were slow to adapt and change to the settings.  Our “top down” command wasn’t working – the enemy moved too quickly.  McChrystal and his troops had to adapt or risk defeat.  McChrystal, in his book Team of Teams, does a great job of describing how they moved from a hierarchical structure to a more decentralized decision making organization.  They adapted and overcame the enemy.

What are Limiting Factors (Limfacs)?
Limfacs are the things that at one time made us successful but now they are actually hurting our development.  Limfacs are hard for most of us to see; we tend to put blinders on to things that have produced good results in the past.  It takes courage, self-awareness, and confidence to break our previous patterns.  While difficult, it’s critical that we recognize and act upon our limiting factors.

What’s your limfac?  In coaching, maybe your intense focusing on details has made your teams strong.  However, this focus has made your club rigid and lacking the skills to adapt to the moment.

As a business leader you are strong and a bold decision maker.  People within the organization look to you to make the tough calls.  However, you are starting to see others are afraid to think for themselves and their creativity is being stifled.

How about a teacher?  You’ve been educating for 20+ years with tons of success.  Recently, you’ve noticed the kids are not responding to your old ways of disseminating information.  What do you do?

My Limfac
Do you know what my limfac is?  It’s playing it safe and small.  Most people that are close to me would describe me as humble and thoughtful.  That sounds great, but if I am being honest I use my humility to protect myself.  I like to be liked.  This line of thinking has served me well over the years.  I never want to abandon my natural spirit; however, I do realize it limits me as a parent, coach, leader and entrepreneur.

My “One Word” for 2019 is growth.  I will have the courage to continue to grow outside of my comfort zone in all areas of my life.  I realize that this may make some people uncomfortable.  Playing it safe has done me well; however, it is time for me to grow.  I hope you support me in my mission.

Action Step:
Do you have the courage to do the hard work and examine your limfac?  It’s extremely hard, I know.  This week, spend some time in reflection.  What is stopping you from going to the next level.  Please do not blame external factors; the circumstances in your life are often excuses.  There’s something that is holding you back.  I challenge you look within, acknowledge the limfac, and resolve to make the necessary change.

Join me in the never ending journey of self-improvement!

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Reimagining How to Market Yourself

A person I greatly admire is Toronto Blue Jays President and CEO, Mark Shapiro. This spring, Mark spoke with our team about high performance.  Several of our players aspire to work in professional baseball and we asked what he looks for in new hires. You could sense he was humbled by the high quality of resumes he receives. He mentioned every candidate is smart, hardworking and passionate about baseball.  Those things are the baseline, he said. To stand out, there has to be more.

The conversation with Mark made me reflect.  When I ask student athletes: “what did you learn from your experience” the typical responses are: hard work, commitment, team work, and overcoming challenges. Those are baseline answers.  In a competitive job market, cookie cutter responses won’t be difference makers.

I’m clearly biased, but I think every organization would be wise to consider hiring a former student-athlete.  Their experience on the court, field, track or in the water has provided them with transferable skills that can impact an organization.  The problem for most student athletes, however, is they struggle to articulate their value.

Things for Student-Athletes to Consider

Employers need to learn how your past experiences will impact their culture moving forward.  In order for your experiences to resonate, reflection is required.  To get your mind going, I compiled a list of positive attributes I’ve observed.

Resilience– Sports are filled with moments of adversity.  For me, I went from being first-team all-league my sophomore year to being benched during my junior season.  I wasn’t producing.  I was angry.  I had a choice: make some positive changes or go the negative route.  Fortunately, I was able to overcome the setbacks. The professional world is filled with pot holes.  It won’t be smooth sailing.  The ability to bounce back will be a much needed life skill.

Show Up: A tremendous power humans possess is the ability to choose how we show up every day.  Competitive sports programs are frequently in high pressure environments.  Character (and culture) are revealed in times of adversity. In sports, we show up regardless if we got beat by 20 runs the night before, we lose the starting job, we have a big win the day prior, or we are tired and not feeling well.  A consistent teammate is valued in any sector. Leaders love people who dance through the storm.  Obstacles are part of the journey.  Those who embrace challenges with a big smile will always be in demand.

Collaboration: Exceptional effort by all team members is required to achieve challenging program goals. This requires relying on the skill and expertise of coaches, trainers, managers, custodians, and many more. Humility is developed along the way- no one person can do it on their own.  In business, working together to solve complex challenges is a must. Working tirelessly and not caring who gets the credit is valuable. Individuals who have the skills to work in a team, and suppress their ego, will thrive in the future.

Emotional Intelligence: Being a part of something bigger than yourself is a reminder that everything is not about you.  You are forced to get over yourself real quick.  Sports help with self-awareness and equally as important, help you become aware of others. You learn to have empathy for the teammate who makes a crucial error .  I believe E.I. is the most important skill in life.  The ability to connect with a diverse group and show compassion will enhance any industry.

Adaptability: A hallmark of competitive sports is the unpredictable nature. The circumstances are constantly changing. The ability to quickly process information, make a decision, and execute are crucial to success. Life is full of uncertainty. Embracing chaos is more important now than ever. Adaptation and perseverance are now a necessity.

Competition: Well-adjusted athletes develop a healthy relationship with competition. Competitive programs are breeding grounds for fierce internal and external competition. Internally, the talent differential amongst teammates is incredibly small. Externally, the best programs seek out other top programs for a challenge. The margin for error is minute. It takes years of incremental improvement to make a splash.  Professional life isn’t much different; competition is everywhere. Failure and rejection are present.  Being comfortable in uncomfortable situations is a major advantage.

Thoughts for Parents:

Writing this piece made me realize how many parents are focusing on the wrong things. Parents frequently agonize over playing time, the fairness of their child’s treatment, and wins and losses. The life-skills listed above have nothing to do with these things. The lessons are actually packed in the journey.  The student-athletes ability to reflect on the experience is what determines the value, not actually what happens.  We need to consider this when we want to intervene- intervention will likely disrupt a rich learning experience.

Final Thought:

Simply being a student-athlete isn’t enough.  The NCAA alone has nearly 500,000 student-athletes. Common phrases like commitment and teamwork won’t cut it.  Connect with your unique experience and challenge yourself to articulate the journey. It’s worth the investment.

While today’s newsletter focused on student-athletes, I think we can all learn from Mark’s insight. Being smart, hardworking, and passionate aren’t enough to separate ourselves.  We must be willing to go deep. Doing the work allows us to align with people and organizations who will enhance our life. I’m more convinced than ever that “fit” matters.  We can either hope we align or be intentional about building our future.

Reflection Question:

How can you better articulate your unique life-experiences?

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Fear of Missing Out and Fear of Other People’s Opinions

On the road to leading a meaningful life you can encounter two types of fear: The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and the Fear of Other People’s Opinions (FOPO).

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO):
To pursue the uncommon, sacrifice accompanies the journey.  The high school student who gets outstanding grades has to study while others “hang out.”  The committed athlete has to get up early and train while her friends stay out late and sleep in.  The medical student continues education for years without pay while her peers are earning a living.  The ambitious new employee has to work during the holidays while family and friends gather to celebrate.  When deciding to get on the path of pursuing greatness “missing out” can become crippling.

Fear of Other People’s Opinion (FOPO):
The barrier that stops most people from living the life they want is the fear of other people’s opinions.  A child doesn’t want to play baseball anymore but is afraid of what his parents will think if he tells them.  A teenager wants to raise her hand in class but she is afraid to “look stupid” in front of her classmates.  The college student has a passion for teaching but the family expectation is to go to law school.  You want to get on the dance floor and break it down at a wedding but you worry about what others will think.  FOPO robs us of happiness, joy and growth.

The Cost:
If we develop the courage to chase our dreams, we will have to miss out on events and we will be judged by others.  However, what’s more concerning, is the price we pay for playing it safe and small, and allowing FOMO and FOPO to stop us from living our best lives.  The committed athlete, can choose to attend the big party; however, the cost will be never knowing the thrill of competing on the highest stage.  The rising sales person can choose to take a day off to attend a friend’s birthday weekend in Vegas, but he may never get the bonus and promotion that accompanies the hard work.  The path to greatness is littered with obstacles.  We can’t allow FOMO and FOPO to win.

A Quick Story:
Our daughter, Elizabeth, had her 7th birthday party at the ice-skating rink.  There were over 20 kids present plus some of their parents.  I haven’t skated since I was 11 or 12 years old.  My wife thought it would be best if we had an adult on the ice with the kids.  In full transparency, FOPO started kicking in.  I didn’t want to be the “big goof” on skates that was embarrassing to my kids and myself.  It had to be done, so I hopped on the ice.

After hanging on to the boards for the first 5 minutes, I started getting the hang of it.  I fell three times (once really hard….I’m still feeling the effects).  However, it ended up being an absolute blast. I felt childlike – chasing the kids around, slamming into the boards like Tom Wilson, and holding the hands of kids who struggled.  I smiled and laughed for the entire party.

The ice-skating episode got me thinking, “How many amazing things have I missed out on because of the fear of other people’s opinions?”

Four Things I’ve Learned:

  1. Those that truly love me and want what’s best for me understand there are times I have to miss events to chase my dreams.  Yes, that means the “big stuff” like birthdays and weddings.
  2. The present moment is all we have.  So, instead of focusing on what I am missing, I focus on “being where my feet are.”  I attempt to make the present experience a powerful one.
  3. My leadership and self-satisfaction have increased tremendously since I stopped worrying about others’ opinions. I’ve adopted the motto, “I respectfully don’t care what you think.”
  4. EVERYONE wrestles with FOMO and FOPO.  The best keep moving forward despite their fears.

Final Thoughts:
How many times have you missed out on a big opportunity because you had a fear of missing out?  Have you ever let other people’s opinions limit you?

The challenge this week is to be highly in tune with FOMO and FOPO.  Develop the awareness to realize when you are limiting yourself due to these crippling fears.  Remember, playing it safe and allowing fear to win will feel comfortable in the short term; however, the long-term damage will be severe.  Let’s stop letting FOMO and FOPO rob us of becoming our best selves.

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Stay Classy: Life Lessons Learned From a Non Drafted Player

Every now and then, sports provide special moments.  Friday night was one of those times. I was glued to the TV- the Lakers and Heat were engaged in an epic battle of wills.  And, the Tampa Bay Rays and NY Yankees were competing in a series deciding game.

In the 8th inning of a 1-1 tie Mike Brosseau, a non drafted player, stepped to the plate against one of the best closers in the last decade, Aroldis Chapman.  Brosseau quickly found himself down 0-2.  He battled his way back.  Around pitch 7 of the AB, I sat up in bed and told my wife, “we are watching something special.”  On the 10th pitch Brosseau put a beautiful swing on a fastball down in the zone and it went out to left centerfield.  The unheralded player’s home run proved to be the difference in the series clinching game.

If that’s not enough theatre, let’s rewind to September 1 when Chapman threw a 101mph fastball over Brosseau’s head.  The benches cleared that day.  There was a noticeable tension between the two teams. The day after being knocked down by Chapman, Brosseau hit two home runs helping the Rays strengthen their lead in the AL East.

Immediately after the game, a microphone was in Brosseau’s face.  The team was celebrating and  emotions where high when he was asked about revenge.  “How does it feel to hit a home run after nearly being beamed in September.”  Brosseau stated how that was all in the past; there was no revenge.  He was just enjoying the moment with his teammates.  Actually, he went out of his way to praise the Yankees, their pitching staff and Chapman.

I don’t know Mike Brosseau but I have become a huge fan of his. His reactions, and especially his teammates reactions about him, make me think he is a special person.  Here’s a few things I reflected upon following his big moment.

 

  1. Take the high road- Many people thought he should be thrilled to “stick it to” a player who took a shot at him. Really what good would that do?  The damage was done.  His positive comments about the foe were refreshing and endearing.

Could you look for an opportunity to take the high road this week?

 

  1. Find a way to add value: I failed to mention that Brosseau did not start Game 5; he came off the bench. When asked earlier in the season about being a role player he mentioned the importance of being versatile and being ready to lean into his strengths when given an opportunity.  He also stated how great it is to be able to add value to a special group like the Rays.

Is there a way to add more value to your family, friends and teams this week?

 

  1. You belong: Brosseau was a lightly recruited high school player who wasn’t drafted out of high school. He did not have the pedigree (or signing bonus) of many professional players. But he’s earned the right to be on the same team with some of the most talented players in the world. He’s a big leaguer, just like everyone else in the show.

Do you wrestle with imposter syndrome? Whatever conversation or room you find yourself in this week, realize you belong!

I feel lucky to have watched Game 5 on Friday.  The game was played wonderfully- both teams gave fans a treat.  I’m really glad to have witnessed Brosseau’s home run and more importantly be introduced to his compassion and humility.

 

Make it a great week!

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George, The Coach is Going to Play His Best Players

A friend told me a story that I’d like to share.

George was a freshmen collegiate baseball player.  He believed he was having a strong fall season.  In his teams first doubleheader George did not play in game one, and the 1st baseman who he was behind went 0-4 with three strikeouts.  In game two, he did not start either, but he did come off the bench and went 2-2.  His team had another game the following week.  In his mind, he had a great week of practice and was ready to be the starter.

When the lineup was posted for the final game of the fall, George was once again not in the lineup.  To make matters worse, he didn’t even get an at-bat.  Mad, frustrated, and embarrassed, George made a phone call to his father that evening.  “Dad, I’m twice as good as him (referring to his teammate).”  George went on and on stating all of the reasons he was better.  His father’s comment has stuck with him for over 25 years – his dad calmly said, “Come on, George.” With a slight chuckle he finished, “The Coach is going to play his best players.  I’ll talk to you next week when you’re done feeling sorry for yourself.” 

Avoid the Habitual Gripers:

Before my freshmen year at Marietta College, I received a letter from the legendary, Don Schaly.  The letter was brilliant.  In great depth, Coach described the challenges that lie ahead.  He stated that there would be times of failure and hardship.  In those moments, he challenged to “avoid the habitual gripers” that would be lurking in those difficult times.  These people would make you feel good in the short term, but would not be successful in the program.  It was as accurate as it was harsh.

Kids Nowadays:

We hear it all the time, how kids have changed.  They are entitled, only care about themselves and they pout if they don’t get what they want.  I disagree.  During my playing career I can remember some great people and competitors who were extremely displeased with a coach’s decision.  I, myself, wasn’t immune to showing displeasure. There are times that I regret my attitude and reaction to failure and negative events.  The group of “gripers” were attractive and welcoming at those moments.  Luckily, like George, I had parents that wouldn’t allow me loathe in self-pity.

It’s very natural for competitors to be hurt and even display moments of bad behavior when things don’t go their way.  It’s part of the growth process.  The key is having a support system, typically led by parents or guardians, who don’t allow the spiral to continue.  The support system displays love but does not enable.  It’s not the kids who have changed; instead, it is their support system.

Thoughts for Parents:

Over the last two weeks I’ve had three people reach out to me asking for advice.  Their stories were similar with the premise being their sons were not getting the playing time or role for their respective basketball teams.  Being a parent myself, I can empathize with their pain.  We all want our kids to be happy, especially when they have worked really hard.

I acknowledged that their child is going through a difficult time; however, it is an experience that is extremely common.  Almost every athlete, even the elite of the elite, goes through this process at some point.  It happens at different levels: for some in middle school, for others not until the professional ranks.  The timing doesn’t matter; it is equally as difficult.

In my opinion, this is a critical moment for the young person’s development.  Remember, your child will have a group of “gripers” they can turn to.  As parents, we must avoid being included in this group.  Sure, it will provide short-term comfort, but it won’t help them in the long run.  More than likely this will be very tough on you.  Your child may even be mad that you are not supporting them.  In actuality, you are showing the greatest level of love and caring by allowing the process to play out.  In the long run, trust that you are doing an incredible service to your child.

Thoughts for Coaches:

George’s story was powerful for me as a coach.  Let’s face it, there is more pressure than ever from parents.  As a steward of the lessons that can be learned in sports, it’s the coach’s responsibility to play the most deserving players.  And, yes, this doesn’t always mean the hardest working or the “best kid.”  The hardest working and greatest attitudes may not get the immediate benefit (like playing time) but they will reap long-term rewards.  Coaches must lean into the uncomfortable decisions even if that means more headaches and potentially losing their job.

Final Thought:

George credits his dad’s courage to have the difficult conversation with his future success as an athlete and person.  It empowered him to take ownership.  When things did not go his way he worked harder and smarter to increase his role.  This mindset allowed him to persevere and overcome obstacles.  It also made him grow up – his dad wasn’t going to fight his battles.

On the surface, today’s article is about athletes’ inability to accept ownership and the importance of their support system to “call them out” on occasion.  But there’s more.  Every time I speak, I often hear, “I wish my son and daughter were here.  They need this.”  This is understandable; the message does revolve around sports.

The challenge this week, however, is to attempt to hear George’s dad in your own life.  Maybe we need to reexamine or redefine our definition of “support.” Sometimes we need to hear, “Come on Mike, the boss is going to promote her best employee.”  Or, “Come on, you’re not getting the health results because of your diet and exercise.”

Have you blamed others for poor results recently?  Have other people’s attitudes been the problem not yours?  I’ve found it’s common and easier to blame others instead of taking ownership. However, taking ownership moves us from a victim role (reactive) to an empowered role (proactive) – now we have the ability to improve what we can control.

This week, I will challenge myself to take full ownership of my lot in life.  I will avoid the “habitual gripers” knowing they won’t be successful and happy in the long run.  No excuses.  No complaining. In addition, I will have the courage to challenge those I love when they are in the self-loathing state.

I hope you join me in the journey.  Let’s make it a great week,

Mike

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Wrestling with Judgment

This fall, Clemson football coach, Dabo Swinney, was facing an extremely tough decision.  His senior starting quarterback, Kelly Bryant, was playing well and owned a career 16-2 record as a starter.  Bryant was the back-up quarterback his freshmen and sophomore seasons to the magnificent DeShaun Watson.  Complicating matters was the arrival of true freshmen Trevor Lawrence.  The number one high school quarterback in the nation, Lawrence has the look of an elite NFL player: 6’6 with incredible arm talent and the swagger to match.  To start the season, Bryant was the starter but the freshmen Lawrence was getting significant game repetitions.

After the fourth game of the season, a 49-21 drumming of Georgia Tech, Coach Swinney announced they were making a switch at the quarterback position: Lawrence was named the starter.  A visibly shaken Swinney spoke with incredible vulnerability at the Monday press conference.

“It’s a bad day to be the head coach. Because I love Kelly.  It was emotional.  Emotional for him.  Tough day.  Because he’s played well and there’s not a guy that’s been, as long as I’ve been here, more committed to this program as Kelly Bryant.  There’s not a better leader.  The guy’s the epitome of what you want.  He’s what you want your son to be like.  I love him like a son.  So, it was a very difficult conversation and he’s very disappointed.”

Can you imagine being Coach Swinney?  Please don’t think in terms of a fan; instead, consider this from the human side.  Bryant has been in your organization for years, he accepted a glamour less position (backup quarterback), delivered strong results when given an opportunity (16-2), he’s a hard worker, great leader, and you love him like a son.  However, your judgement says the green first-year player is better for the job.  What do you do?

Rumbling with Judgement:

“I’m glad God ain’t a coach.  As a coach, you have to be critical.  Rank people. It’s hard man.  I’m thankful God ain’t that way.”  Dabo Swinney

I’m writing this article for any coach, manager, leader who rumbles with the idea of being judgmental.  Every leader I’ve met has struggled at points in their career with who to promote, who to play, what grade to give, how to distribute bonuses—the list goes on and on.

To make matters worse, the more elite the organization the tougher the decisions.  Think about the razor’s edge line that separates the competitor at a football program like Clemson.  It is no different than high-end talent in corporate America; almost every person within the organization is smart and hardworking.

If we accept the responsibility of leadership, difficult decisions accompany the position.  It’s a major part of sitting in the “Big Seat.”  Former Chairman and CEO of Intel, Andrew S. Grove, states in his timeless book, High Output Management, “We managers are required by the organization that employees us to make a judgment regarding a fellow worker and then deliver that judgement to him face-to-face.”

While there is no easy way to make difficult decisions there are some ways to help deal with the process.  First, I thought I would list a few ways leaders CANNOT make a decision.

What the Decision CANNOT BE ABOUT:

  1. Liking or Not Liking: the decision can never be personal. In coaching, while you may have different relationships with kids, you care about all your players.  The degree to which your personality connects or doesn’t connect can never dictate your decision.
  2. Potential with no results: There will always be players and employees with all the smarts and skills but they are not producing. At some point it has to be about results and not potential.
  3. Hard Work: hard work is a loose term. First, in most high functioning organizations hard work is common.   Second, someone can think they are working hard and they are either really not or they can be working on the wrong thing.  Regardless, hard work alone is not reason enough to promote or play someone.
  4. Age or Seniority: Seniority alone isn’t enough. Sure, the experience should help, but it doesn’t guarantee you a bigger role.  As legendary Cal Rugby coach, Jack Miller says, “all that matters is who can ball. Right here in this moment.”
  5. Comfort or what’s safe: “A decision like that could cost me my job.” Playing it safe and small should never be the reason for making a decision. If I’m going down, I’m going down with what I believe is right, not comfortable.

Three ways to Assist with Decision Making

  1. Clarity is King: Front loading the goals, objectives, measurable information and expectations are critical. Great leaders avoid being vague; instead, they are relentless with communicating both the goals of the organization and the expectations for the individual.  This can and should be accomplished in multiple ways but well planned one-on-one meetings is a powerful way to articulate the position of the organization.
  2. Discuss Results: If a strong job was performed articulating the goals, then discussing the results sans emotions is much easier. For example, discussing measureable date: speed, strength, on-base- percentage, and strike out rate are factual figures.  Sure, numbers can be debated but, for the most part, arguing numbers sounds a lot like excuse making.  Clear, accurate data helps make sound decisions.
  3. Using your professional judgment. This is where it gets tough for many.  One year we had a freshman who hit .180 in the fall.  He didn’t deliver the results.  However, every coach felt he was one of our best players.  I made the decision to start him based on mine and our staff’s professional judgment.  Numbers will tell a part of the story, but the human element will always be there.  A leader isn’t paid to simply analyze the numbers.  They are paid to make the decision that is best for the organization.

To Parents:

Sure, there are people in coaching positions that shouldn’t be.  However, the vast majority of coaches are good people who care deeply about the kids in their programs.  Their position requires them to be “judgmental.”  It’s tough.  They have to do what they believe is best.  Very rarely is it personal.  Coaches have different ways to assist them in making sound decisions.  For me, I am obsessed with making sure our players know there are no favorites.  I keep my head down around parents the majority of times- it can look “standoffish.” I know my weaknesses.  I just can’t allow parents feelings to affect my judgement.  Your child’s coach may have her own method that doesn’t make sense to you.  It’s ok.  Just understand they are human and trying to do what’s best.  That’s it.

Final Thought:

Over the years, I have agonized over the idea of being judgmental.  There have been several times I have come home and asked my wife, “Am I still a good person?”  I don’t like the part of the job that requires me to rank and critically evaluate.  Like Coach Swinney said, those are the times when it stinks being a leader.

I want to say thank you to all the leaders wrestling with judgement.  When times get tough, and they certainly will, remember that it’s not you it’s the position you hold.  If you were to step down tomorrow, you would not alleviate the struggle it would just be passed on to someone else.  Stay in the mud.  Stick with it.  Wrestle with the decision and do what you believe is right.  The world needs caring and thoughtful leaders.  Critics rarely know what it’s like to be in the arena.  Not all feedback is created equal.  You are not alone.   I’ll keep doing my very best if you’ll do the same.

Make it a great week.

Mike

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Win the Day

It was the fall of 2012. I was observing a training session of a major college baseball program.  They started the day with a pre-practice meeting.  The coach began by recapping the previous day’s practice.  He went through the positives and negatives in detail. Please keep in mind there was no outside opponent, he was simply reflecting on the teams’ goals and objectives.  Finally, he concluded by saying, “Did we win the day?”  All of the players responded back with a clear “Yes, Sir.”  The coach concluded by saying, “Hell yes, we won the day!”

In sports, the elite programs know the only real competition is against yourself.  Average organizations and programs turn their focus outward.   They worry about things that are outside of their control.  In college, these programs focus on another school’s new recruits, improved facilities, or increase in staff.  They invest the majority of time complaining about things they lack and how others have it so much better.  Elite organizations, on the other hand, choose to focus on things they can control.  Their investment is on effort, energy, learning, and improvement.  Winning organizations approach everyday with intent; their counter parts (the losers) wander aimlessly blaming things they lack control over.

Winning the Day Personally

 I have to get back to winning days. My days have lacked the focus and intent it takes to be highly successful.  Our baseball program is built on the idea that every day is a championship. However, I have not carried this over to my personal life.  This past week, I began focusing on trying to “win days.”  Here is the list of 10 things I try to do to win the day:

Ten Ways to “Win the Day”

Wake up before 6 a.m.  Brian Cressey, a leader in the sports performance industry, says it best, “Most of the successful people I know are really bad at sleeping in.”  Simply put, waking up early provides a jump-start to the day.  We often hear people say they wish there was more time in the day.  My guess is many of these people are not waking up early and starting the day off right.

  1. Make Positive Eating Choices. For me, eating clean is extremely difficult.  Like many former athletes, as a youth and even into the majority of my 20’s I could eat whatever I wanted and still feel fine.  Well, that has changed.  Eating poorly leaves me feeling tired and, quite frankly, very poor about myself.  Fighting the urge to splurge is a big win.
  2. Challenge yourself physically. A great workout is good for the soul.  The key here is to “challenge yourself” and not worry about anyone else.  Currently, a 3-mile jog is kicking my butt.  If I focus on where I was last summer or fall, it can drag me down.  I know what I’m capable of and I know I can get back in shape.  The important thing is to embrace the now, not worry about what I used to be, or concern myself with others.  Winning the day requires me to push myself physically.
  3. Invest time in growth. If I fail to carve out time to either read, write, or think deeply, I have lost the day.  A critical component to feeling good is knowing that you are growing and improving.   Be different, do not provide the excuse that you don’t have time or “wish you could.” Instead, find a way to make it happen.
  4. Schedule the day. Most people float aimlessly throughout the day.  They go from one “urgent” task to the next.  Successful people seize the day by dictating where they will invest their time.  Until this past week, I had gotten away from disciplining myself to schedule. I found myself not having time to read, exercise, and do the things that were important.  This week I returned to scheduling and BOOM…I started winning days again.
  5. Present Yourself Properly. “If you look good, you feel good, you play good.”  It is amazing what a good shower, ironed clothes, a fresh haircut, etc. can do for you mentally.  Once again, focus inward.  We cannot be concerned with the way others look and dress.  I am speaking about putting your best self forward.
  6. Experience failure. I recently was telling someone that I want to write a book and try to get it published. The person told me how hard it is to become published, the amount of rejection that will occur, and that it likely will not happen.  Maybe I’m weird, but I got excited about this diagnosis.  There is nothing like putting it all on the line, win or lose.  Most people are so afraid to fail they never take a risk.  They never feel alive.  As Theodore Roosevelt says, “if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
  7. Help someone else. When was the last time you’ve done something for someone else and felt bad about it?  I’m referring to doing something in which you expected nothing in return, not even a thank you.  Holding the door for someone and making eye contact, engaging the waiter or waitress, writing a heartfelt thank you note, or offering important advice are all simple (however, not easy) ways to spread love.  A simple way to help win the day is to invest in others.
  8. Mediate or perform a “Prime.”  A great way to get your mind right for the day is to spend some time in mediation.  What I suggest is spending a few minutes giving thanks, a few minutes giving energy away to those who need it (even enemies), and a few minutes visualizing your day.  Another great thing to meditate upon is any thought or issue that is giving you difficulty.  The best way for me to start the day and ensure a win is to go on a brief run or walk followed by a morning prime.
  9.  Clean or organize an area of your life. This is my biggest struggle.  I always feel disconnected in some phase of my life.  My office may be a mess, bills need to be paid, or my inbox needs organizing.  I’ve failed to mention cutting the grass or tasks around the house.  Investing the time to clean or organize one particular area is a great way to help win the day.

Here’s How It Works

 The above list works for me, it may not work for you.  I’ve chosen things that I can completely control and have a history of improving my mental state and production.  At the end of the day, I tally up how effective I was at each of the 10 things.  I do not have a set number (such as I must perform 7 out of 10) that determines if I won the day.  Much like the coach asking, the players, “Did we win the day?” I do the same thing. It is important to answer honestly.  You can’t lie to yourself.

Conclusion:

I needed a shot in the arm. I needed to get back to winning days.  Oftentimes, as leaders, we expect those we lead to be diligently improving. But there are times where we don’t practice what we preach.  This week I am going be very intentional and deliberate about my growth.  To quote the great Muhammad Ali, “The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.”

 

Let’s win the week.

Mike

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