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Positive Life Forces: Two Case Studies on Leadership

The Joe Burrow Story

On September 15, the LSU Tigers were in a tight battle against SEC West rival, Auburn.  LSU found themselves trailing 19-21 late in the fourth quarter.  Quarterback, Joe Burrow, orchestrated a beautiful drive which resulted in a game winning field goal as time expired; the final score, 22-21 LSU.

Hundreds of miles away, in Dallas, TX, the Ohio State Buckeyes were on the field warming up for their big matchup with the Horn Frogs of TCU.  On the Jumbotron scoreboard in AT&T stadium was the LSU and Auburn tussle.  The OSU players, staff and fans were seen celebrating as LSU came from behind for the win.  To be clear, this reaction wasn’t for LSU; instead, it was for their former teammate and friend, Joe Burrow.

After not winning the starting quarterback position in the spring of 2018, Burrow decided to transfer to LSU.  Transferring schools is never easy, especially in the competitive world of college football.  Amazingly, Burrow left on a high note.  Here were some of the tweets from OSU players when they found out Joe would be LSU’s starter:

“I’m smiling ear to ear RN (right now)”    – Mike Weber

“Yea…I see you Lil Joe.”    –  Jaylen Harris

“My Guy!”    – RaShod Berry

“I see you, bro!”    – Dwayne Haskins

The Hunter Pence Story

Hunter Pence is one of the most enjoyable players to watch in Major League baseball.  There is nothing pretty about his game.  His crude swing matches his rugged look.  He looks more like a mountain man than a baseball player.  I heard an interview with Pence this summer.  The reporter shared comments four rookies on his team, the San Francisco Giants, made about him as teammate and leader.

“Best teammate they’ve ever had.”

“You’ve always made them feel welcome.”

“Always had their back.”

“You’re the definition of a leader and the definition of a fighter.”

The hard-nosed Pence was fighting back tears as he listened.

Positive Life Forces

I don’t know Burrow or Pence, but they are positive life forces.  A positive life force is a person who positively impacts every situation they encounter.  Just walking in a room they make things better for those around them.  These folks are consistent in their effort and with their attitude.  Even in high-stakes and ultra-competitive situations they are kind and humble.

Positive life forces don’t have “bad days”.   As leaders, we should seek out these special individuals.  They are the people you want to go to battle with during the challenging times.  They’ll look adversity in the face and saddle up anyway.  Where they lack in skill or smarts they make up with toughness; not toughness necessarily in the physical sense (they likely have that too), instead it’s the toughness of maintaining high character every day.

Reflection

There will come a day when our careers are over or the time we have with an organization will conclude.  It’s important for us to reflect on how we want to be remembered.  Will people see us as being a good teammate?  A good colleague and friend?  Competent?  Will we be viewed as someone who was positive sometimes, but when things didn’t go our way, we were pouty and selfish?

Sports give us great examples to live by.  Both Joe Burrow and Hunter Pence have a lot to be proud of.  Sure, they are phenomenal athletes; they are the elite of the elite.  However, what I admire most is the kindness and integrity they display in challenging times.  Think about the way their teammates and former teammates pull for them.  You can’t fake that.  The only way to incite that type of reaction is to be a solid person day in and day out.

Make it a great week,

Mike

P.S. Who in your organization is a positive life force?  Have you showed your appreciation for that person recently?

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It Takes a Team

This summer, the Chicago Cubs were down to their last out and facing a three run deficit.  The bases were loaded for David Bote, a player who spent over six years in the minor leagues.  Bote was facing a 2-2 count when he delivered a game-winning walk-off grand slam that sent Wrigley Field and its fans into a raucous celebration.  The moment, televised on Sunday Night Baseball, was one of the highlights of the 2018 season.

A cool note to the story was the reaction of Bote’s wife, Rachel.  Rachel was not originally watching the game.  She was at their apartment located right by Wrigley field with their two children.  She stepped outside on the balcony with David facing a 1-2 count.  Moments later, she heard the eruption from the crowd.  Here’s how David describes it:

“We can see Wrigley Field from our apartment. She watched the rest of the at-bat and she opened the door just to kinda hear what was going on. She watched the hit and then she heard Wrigley Field erupt and she took a picture of Wrigley Field, bright lights and just listening to the crowd singing, ‘Go Cubs Go’ and screaming and she could watch it on TV.

“So it was kinda cool. Because she’s had to grind it out with us as well — six years in the minors. So for her, she goes, her words were, ‘Sometimes baseball gives you a moment to just sit back and enjoy.’ So it was really cool to hear her say that.”

A Personal Story:

I was an assistant coach for nine years; my wife, Lowrie, was with me for the entire journey.  Our teams were having a lot of success, but I couldn’t land a head coaching job that we really wanted.  Our first child had been born and I began to question if I was being selfish staying in coaching.  As you know, long and awkward hours accompany the coaching profession.  And, at the small school level, the pay-especially for assistants- isn’t lucrative.

I began exploring alternative employment.  I had several meetings with various people and professions.  At one point, I was close to pursuing an opportunity in financial planning.  One night, I approached Lowrie and said, “I think there is a chance I could make a lot more money and I’ll have more stable hours.”  Her reaction to this will forever be in my mind. “I didn’t marry a financial planner.  I married you.”

My Team:

All my life- from sports, to relationships, to coaching- I’ve been a part of strong teams.  There have been times where I thought I could do things on my own; my goodness, was I wrong.

I cannot tell you how many people have enhanced my life journey.  Any success or happiness is a direct result of being raised by loving, encouraging and demanding parents.  A product of my environment, the blue-collar city of Washington, PA is forever engrained in my personality.  Along the path, I’ve attracted amazing friends, from all different walks of life.  These friends have supported me in many different ways: listening, challenging, and advising.   My in-laws, have always spoke positive words and allowed me to chase my dreams.  Brian Brewer, the head baseball coach at Marietta College, brought me into the coaching profession.  Not only that, he encouraged me to be myself, despite my methods being different than most coaches.  A fun part of the team is the former players and coaches I used to work with; to this day they offer guidance and support.  Finally, Lowrie and the kids.  A common question often asked on job interviews is, “what is your greatest strength?”  My answer is: Lowrie.  She gives me the freedom to put in an insane amount of time and energy into other people’s kids.

Alone, I’m a dime a dozen; however, with the team, we are able to accomplish incredible things.

A Call for Reflection:

Life can move fast, if we let it.  We can become self-absorbed and live in our own bubble. If we aren’t intentional about recognizing all the help we’ve received along the way, it becomes easy to lose touch.  “This is all me.”  “I’m a self-made man.”  I don’t need anyone.”  This mindset can quickly lead to an inflated ego and a loss of reality.

This week, I challenge you to do three things:

First, think about all the people who have guided you along your path.  Better yet, I encourage you to write a handwritten note or call someone who has made you better.

Second, start thinking intentionally about your personal team.  Who are the people that are supporting your journey?  Who should you “recruit” to join your team?

Third, what value are you bringing to other people’s team?  How can you support another’s journey?

I love Rachel Bote’s reflection, “Sometimes baseball gives you a moment to just sit back and enjoy.”  Being a part of team, in all different forms, allows for these special moments.  Be intentional about building and supporting your teams.

Make it a great week,

Mike

P.S. My friend, and Denison University baseball alumnus, James Clear’s book,” Atomic Habits,” is set to release on October 16th.   I’ve read an advance copy and I believe it will add a tremendous amount of value.  The book is currently 40% off on Amazon. Here’s the link: https://amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299

 

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Are You a Critic or a Performer?

“We have two options: We can be critics or we can be performers.  But, we can’t be both.” – Author and Public Speaker, Michael Port

I used to be a critic.  Of course, I wouldn’t have labeled myself judgmental.  I would have said I was being observant or learning from the mistakes of others.  Really, I was a critic and not a performer.

For years, I wanted to write and share ideas with the world.  I feared what the reaction would be.  “Instead of writing, you should spend more time on your baseball team?”  “Who does this guy think he is?”  “He’s really not that great of a writer.”  I blamed it on the fear of outside critics.  In actuality, I was afraid of the biggest critic, myself.

When I made the choice to become a performer several things happened:

  1. I started doing. I wrote.  I made mistakes.  I learned a lot.  I failed.  I succeeded.  Instead of ideas living only in my head, I shared thoughts with the world.
  2. I ceased critiquing others. Instead of being in a judgmental state, I watched other performers with appreciation.  Exposing yourself to the world is difficult; I admired those who had the courage to be vulnerable.
  3. I lessened the critiquing of myself. I’m still my biggest critic.  I have insecurities, however, I’m much more forgiving now.  There’s a typo (big deal), I stumble during a presentation (it’s happens), I mismanage a situation (I’m human.)
  4. I began attracting other performers in my life. Performers will always have critics (more on that in a moment).  However, life’s current has lead me to people who share similar goals and values.
  5. I’ve been presented with awesome life experiences. Performing has led me to some incredible experiences that would have never occurred without being “a performer.”

Inner Space vs. Outer Space:

Most people in athletics know the phrase, “controlling the controllable.”  A baseball player, for example, cannot control the results, but he can control his preparation, his thoughts, actions and behaviors.  Athletes get in big trouble when they begin focusing on things that are not in their control: the weather, the coach’s opinions, the fans, the reporters…..the list goes on and on.

As performers, it is critical we focus our attention on our inner space and not our outer space.  For me, I have to trust the process of writing and being authentic.  I’ve learned I am at my best when I write from the heart.  If I focus on what others may like, or not like (outer space), the article is not as powerful.  Once the words are on paper, I have to possess the courage to hit send.  That’s it- I can’t control anything else.

Short Story:

Recently, I had someone tell me another baseball coach was ribbing me for writing.  “He’s telling everyone how to live.  Who does he think he is?”

Hearing those comments really hurt.  I let outer space effect my inner space.  The person’s remarks were my biggest fear; I never want to come off as a “know it all.”  In fact, the reason I began writing was for clarity in my own life.  Hearing the criticism left me dejected.  The comments, coupled with some other struggles, led me to having a conversation with my wife, Lowrie.  In a moment of weakness, I questioned whether to take a break.  As a baseball coach, I have plenty of critics.  Why expose myself to more?  What about our kids?  Is it fair to have them judged more closely because of what I write and do for a living?

It’s amazing how life works.  This past week, two people who I really admire but have never met, reached out to me.  They were impressed I had the courage to share my thoughts.  In fact, they were struggling with some of the same issues and my articles helped bring them some clarity.  These two men were performers, not critics.  They are the type of people I want to be aligned with.  These positive interactions put things in perspective.  It also was a critical reminder that it is impossible to please everyone and critics are a part of life for the performer.

Final Thoughts:

Are you a critic or a performer?  If you are hesitating to pursue something in your heart my guess is you are too critical.  Being critical can prevent you from taking risk because of fear of being judged.

Join me this week in pursuing life as a performer.  While it’s not easy, many of life’s rewards are found on the other side of fear.  When we choose to focus on our inner space, and not our outer space, we are freed to make bolder decisions.

Choosing to live as a performer will increase our critics (for proof, get on a message board of any major college football program).  The world needs critics too.  However, I believe God’s plan for me is to “be in the arena” not sitting on the sidelines.  I encourage you to join me in the game!

 

Make it a great week,

Mike

Questions for this week:

What are inner space behaviors in your profession?  What are the outer-space behaviors?

Do you find yourself frequently critiquing others?

What is one action you can take this week to become a performer?

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DANCING WITH FEAR

One of my favorite clips from the 2016 World Series was Chicago Cubs star, Anthony Rizzo, asking David Ross for advice on how to handle the pressure of the moment. “I can’t control myself right now. I’m an emotional wreck.” Ross, the veteran catcher, responds with this comforting advice, “It’s only going to get worse. Just continue to breathe. That’s all you can do, buddy. Wait until the 9th with this three-run lead.” Rizzo is smiling during the conversation. He’s dancing with fear. Watch Rizzo dancing with fear (0:32)

“No Fear!”

When I was growing up there was a popular shirt that read, “NO FEAR.” The idea was the highest achievers were absent of fear; in essence, they were “FEARLESS.”

Fortunately, we now know much of what we believed was true about fear is actually rubbish. Trevor Ragan does an amazing job in his TedX talk (17:46) bridging the gap between what science says about fear and how we normally discuss it.

Ragan describes how a part of the brain named, Amygdala, is built for survival. The nickname for Amygdala is “The Lizard Brain.” Its job is to generate fear to keep us away from danger. Every person possesses the Lizard Brain; to be fearless is not humanly possible. The problem with the Lizard Brain is that it cannot distinguish between real danger and a challenge. It interprets everything as danger.

According to Ragan, there are four common things that the Lizard Brain interprets as danger that are really just a challenge: Uncertainty, Attention, Change and Struggle.
• Uncertainty: We all know someone who cannot stand their job. They are talented and have a lot to offer. Despite of their loathing, they won’t quit. They prefer the certainty of displeasure over the uncertainty of the unknown.
• Attention: I was in a meeting last week. I was very unclear on a topic that everyone else appeared to understand (or my Lizard Brain convinced me everyone else understood). Instead of asking the question, and having the attention on me, I chose to stay silent. The Lizard Brain won the battle. It kept me safe, however, I didn’t grow.
• Change: The Lizard Brain will fight hard to interpret change as danger. Moving an office, a job relocation, new responsibilities – all of these things can be seen as terrifying. In actuality, they are loaded with opportunity.
• Struggle: If there is a choice between easy or hard, the Lizard Brain will want us to choose easy. If it’s between doing something right now or procrastinating, it’ll choose procrastinating. The Lizard Brain doesn’t want us to delay gratification. Instead, it wants us to choose immediate satisfaction.

It’s important to realize that we are not alone in this battle, everyone has these same internal struggles. It is our choice to begin building up the mental muscles to battle the Lizard.

Coaching/Leading Application:

“It’s much easier to hit from the 3rd base coaching box than it is from the batter’s box.” As a leader, we must remember that it is easier to tell others what they should do compared to actually being the doer. We must remind ourselves that the folks we are leading often lack the life experiences to win the battle over fear. Cracking a joke or saying, “there’s nothing to be afraid of” isn’t enough. Give them permission to feel and acknowledge fear.

Our job is to get them to understand the difference between danger and a challenge. “Is that danger or is it really a growth experience?” “What’s the worst thing that can come from this?” “What will you learn from this if you give it a shot?” Our goal should be to encourage them to build up their life repetitions. The current victory over the Lizard is preparing them for a tougher, more critical battle in the future.

Be a Doer!

One of my mentors and friends, author Rod Olsen, frequently says, “We cannot give away what we don’t possess.” I want to encourage you this week to challenge your relationship with fear. It is so much easier to say, “I know someone who could really use this information.” Instead of this line of thinking, I encourage you to look inward first. When is the last time you won a battle over the Lizard? This week, can make the choice to pursue the hard “right” thing and not the easy “wrong?”

Final Thoughts:

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to ask a big-league manager a question. “Skip, how do you take the pressure off the players so they can perform their best?” He just looked at me with a smile and said, “Mike, pressure’s a big part of what we do. You can’t take that away. You just have to learn to dance with it!”

This week, join me on the dance floor moving with fear. We are not alone. Elite performers, like Anthony Rizzo, are also in the struggle. When we feel fear, we need to refine the feeling as something positive. The fear is actually telling us that we are on to something special. Push forward. Keep going.

Let’s battle the Lizard this week,

Mike

P.S. Ragan suggests asking this question, “When has fear robbed you of an opportunity to grow?”

 

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Finding Your Why

In 2014, Pittsburgh Panther running back, James Conner, was on top of the world.  At the conclusion of the season he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Offensive Player of the Year. James had his mind set on having an even better 2015 season that would position him to enter the NFL draft in the spring.

On the eighth play of the 2015 season Conner went down with a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL).  While rehabbing the season ending injury, Conner was experiencing fatigue and other odd symptoms.  After being encouraged by his family, coaches and friends Conner visited the doctor where he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  Cancer.

Because of his high visibility, Conner was given the option to have a private room during his treatments.  He chose not to, “Cancer don’t care if you are black or white.  It comes and it comes hard.  I’m no better than anyone else.”

Conner became an inspiration to hundreds and thousands of people going through treatment.  Videos began to surface of him performing workouts with his teammates after his chemotherapy treatments.  In 2016, he was awarded the “Disney Spirit Award” which is given to college football’s most inspirational individual or team.

James Conner was always driven.  His drive allowed him to achieve incredible results on the gridiron.  Following the ’14 season his focus was on developing into an elite NFL prospect.  After his battle with cancer, Conner discovered his true why – “I play football for somebody who can’t.” Watch James Conner describe his “Why” (1:58)

The Story of My Why:

At the American Baseball Coaches Association in 2007, I listened as sports executive and motivational speaker, Pat Williams, discussed the importance of reading and life-long learning.  He made a statement that if you read one book a week for 10 years you’ll have read over 5,000 books.  I was already an avid reader but his words took me to another level.  Reading was now a competitive advantage that I could use to make me a better coach.  Unexpectedly, this led me to my why.

I am on the journey of discovering my best self.  Equally as important, I want others to join me in this pursuit.  For years, I believed success was an either/or type of thing.  For example, you are either a successful coach OR a good husband and father.  I now realize success and happiness are not mutually exclusive. Why can’t we be healthy, fit and happy at the same time that we are thriving at work?  Why can’t we have a deep meaningful relationship with our spouse and still maintain strong connections with our friends?

For me, it starts at home.  I want nothing more than for my wife and kids to find something that gets them fired up for their future.  Next, it moves to the players and coaches in our baseball program.  From there, it extends to the people I connect with via the newsletter and coaching seminars.  Nothing fills me with joy more than seeing those I’m close with get on their path to greatness.  It is easy to see when someone has found their sweet spot.  It’s no longer work, they are on a mission to serve.

In my heart, I know that we are all put on this Earth to make a difference; to live a life of deep meaning.  If we are bold enough to chase our dreams, we will be met with adversity and resistance along the way.  When challenges arise, and they always do, we must be equipped with the tools to fight. Your why will push you, drag you, through those times.  Without a why it is easier to give in and eventually give up.

I wish I could say it was easy, but it’s not.  It’s critical to have a powerful why because the path is littered with obstacles.  As we inch closer to our goals and dreams it becomes tougher and tougher. We need a guiding force, a strong and powerful why that keeps us moving forward. Without the why, it is easy to retreat and surrender to the pressure and sacrifice that accompanies high achievement.

Conclusion:

Following his battle with cancer, James Conner was drafted in third round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He is currently the top running back on the depth chart (disclaimer: top running back, Le’Veon Bell, is holding out in a contract dispute).  He has gone against the odds and has become a professional football player.  I wouldn’t bet against that young man, his why is too strong. Every time I see him carry the football I think, “He’s running for all those people who can’t!”

Think of a time you were really down or facing strong adversity. Ask yourself, deep down, why did I push through? Why didn’t I succumb to the fear? How did I find the strength to charge forward when everything was telling me to stop? That might just be where you find your why…

Make it a great week,

Mike

Watch this great Ted Talk on why business leaders need to start with the “WHY” (5:00)

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Facing Reality: Not for the Weak

 

Facing Reality: Not for the Weak

I am convinced one of the biggest competitive advantages lies in an individual’s or organization’s ability to face reality.  The best athletes, leaders, teams and businesses can analyze a situation accurately.  To help best demonstrate the idea of facing reality here is a sports scenario:

Sports Application:
Three baseball players are off competing in the summer.  Let’s pretend the athletes finish with the same statistics:

Batting
Average		 On-Base
Percentage		 Slugging
Percentage
.210 .290 .380

For those of you not familiar, these are less than impressive numbers.  It’s not uncommon for athletes to struggle in their career; in fact, nearly every performer struggles at some point.  As a coach, I’m not as concerned with the poor performance, my interest is how they process the situation.  There are three potential responses.  The first two are the most common, while the third response is optimal.

Common Response: Being Overly Positive
Player 1 is wearing rose-colored glasses.  When asked how the summer went he says, “It was awesome.  I played great.  The numbers weren’t there but I had a TON of bad luck.  I felt good.  I really felt like I should have been an all-star.  The coaching staff didn’t use me right.  There’s no doubt I was the best player on the team.”

A very common response is seeing things better than they really are. This is a defense mechanism used to avoid the reality that major improvement is necessary. If they admit any failure, it’s due to external forces (bad fields, coaches, and other circumstances). It’s really tough to improve from this position. Usually this person has major self-image issues and they are masking it by being overly confident and positive. It’s tough to improve if the person is unwilling to admit there is a problem.

Common Response: Being Overly Negative
Player 2 walks in with his head down and shoulders slumped. “I stink. The other players were so much better. I don’t know if I’ll ever hit again. I’m the worse player on the planet.”

Player 2’s response to adversity is the polar opposite of Player 1; however, it is equally ineffective. This person often defends their negative mindset by saying they are a “perfectionist” or worse, a “realist.” Or, they will say they want it “so bad.” In actuality, this is extreme immaturity. This line of thinking suppresses growth and development.

The Optimal Response
Player 3 is not pleased with his performance. When discussing the summer, he admits his struggles but from a non-judgmental space. He understands he needs to make adjustments and improve. “Man, I just couldn’t get it going this summer” he says with a slight smile. “The competition was really good but I can play at this level. Now I know what it takes. I can’t wait to start working.”

Acknowledging the situation for what it really is and being confident that the future will be better is the optimal response to adversity. Taking ownership of the result while preparing for growth and improvement provides an athlete with the best chance of reaching their peak performance.

Leadership Application:
Having the courage to face reality is a huge competitive advantage. Most leaders and organizations are extremely resistant. Facing reality is uncomfortable; it’s not easy to receive feedback. That’s why the most effective leaders I know are honest. They embrace the fact that they are not perfect, nor is the culture of their organization.

Below is an email from an executive I am working with to members of his team. He leads a highly successful division in a mid-size company. What impresses me most is his courage to welcome feedback in order to best serve.

“I think you have a sense of how much I value what you do and how you are as people and co-workers. My goal is to continually get better and I always want your ideas on how we can improve as a team and how I can improve. Please answer these questions (by individual reply) with brutal honesty to help me grow:

1. Describe a time when I eroded your trust in me.
2. Rank (1-10) how much you believe I care about (a) you as a person and (b) your overall happiness (not just in the workplace).
3. Describe whether you’d prefer more or less feedback/direction.
4. Describe any roadblocks that are keeping you from performing at your highest level.
5. Describe how I can support you to remove or overcome these roadblocks.
6. Describe a time when you made a suggestion and believe I dismissed it without giving it the consideration it deserved.
7. Add anything else that you believe can help me be a better leader.

Facing reality with brutally honest feedback is the only way to continually improve. It’s not easy for the person providing the feedback or the recipient. I want you to be confident that nothing you submit will affect our relationship whatsoever. I look forward to your (brutal) responses.

Thanks for helping me improve!!”

 

Final Thoughts:
Facing reality is not easy. In fact, most people and organizations are unwilling to do the hard work necessary. What’s worse is when the leaders think they know the answers to all these questions. This is a big opportunity for those of us willing to get uncomfortable. Every person, leader and organization has problems and issues. We have to first ask the right questions to clearly understand the issues. This is the only way we can handle these issues head on, otherwise, we allow them to grow in the dark. If we truly want to improve and pursue peak performance, it’s imperative that we take the blinders off and accurately assess our reality.

This Week’s Challenge:
Choose one of these three questions this week and ask your employees or players:

  1. What is your description of the organizational/team culture?
  2. Which one of your teammates or co-workers is doing a fantastic job that should be recognized?
  3. What roadblocks are you facing and how can leadership support you to remove those roadblocks?

Join me this week in having the courage to face reality.

– Mike

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Run Your Own Race

In 1997 two McDonald’s All-Americans stepped on Dukes’ campus.  Shane Battier, was named the high school player of the year out of Detroit Country Day in Michigan.  The other player was reigning Mr. Basketball of New York, Elton Brand.  Both players eventually became National Players of the Year.  Their paths to achievement, however, were quite different.

Elton Brand was an immediate impact player.  Below are his statistics.

 

Elton Brand Team Record Points Rebounds Assists
1997-‘98 32-4 13.4 7.3 0.5
1998-‘99 37-2 17.7 9.8 1.1

 

Following the 1998-’99 seasons Elton Brand was the National Player of the Year.  He declared himself eligible for the NBA draft.  He was the number one pick overall by the Chicago Bulls.

Shane Battier had a different path.  The more accomplished high school player didn’t find immediate success. Here are his first two seasons.

 

Shane Battier Team Record Points Rebounds Assists
1997-‘98 32-4 7.6 6.4 1.1
1998-‘99 37-2 9.1 4.9 1.5

Battier stayed at Duke for his junior and senior years.  His production greatly increased.  His senior concluded with being named National Player of the Year.  In addition, the Blue Devils were crowned National Champs.  Following the season, Battier was selected 6th overall in the NBA draft by the Miami Heat.

 

“Run Your Own Race”

Every year, Mike Krzyzewski, has the tough challenge of trying to get elite talent to work together toward team goals.  Managing egos is a big part of his job.  Athletes with elite talent and pedigree are accustomed to being the star.  When they are surrounded by other stars they are often forced to take a lesser role.  Also making this challenging is they observe other players excelling while they are struggling.  To help combat the mental strain that often accompanies internal competition Coach K educates his athletes to “run their own race.”

“We tell each player that comes in each of you run your own race, and collectively we run a team race.  If Shane Battier was running Elton Brand’s race he would have been disappointed.  Kids come along different: some faster than stop.  Some slower then fast; some fast and never stop.  Don’t gauge yourself on how someone else is doing.  Gauge yourself on how you are doing.”- Coach Mike Krzyzewski

Inner Space vs. Outer Space

I strongly encourage you to run your own race. If you haven’t figured it out yet, there will be things you can control and things you cannot; there will be an inner space and outer space.  Your inner space consists of your effort, attitude, work-ethic, coach-ability; things within your control.  Outer space, on the other hand, are things out of your control: playing time; what others are saying; friends and family; etc. If you choose to focus on the outer space, you are running the wrong race.

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen a first-year athlete step on campus and have a ton of success.  Someone in their same class, for whatever reason, doesn’t have the same positive experience in that first year.  Oftentimes it’s simply situational: the team has a need in the post; therefore, the 6’8 player gets an opportunity and the 5’10 guard doesn’t.  Sometimes it’s physical and mental maturity.  Other times, the coaching staff makes a mistake.  Regardless of the reason, it doesn’t matter.  The examples I listed are outer space items.  They are not within the athlete’s control.  Focusing, or obsessing, upon things that cannot be controlled are the demise of an athlete’s career.

Over time, the cream rises to the top.  The freshman who has a ton of success in year one isn’t guaranteed the same success in subsequent years.  In fact, it’s common for the person who finds instant success to get passed by players who had lesser roles earlier in their careers.  The sooner the athlete realizes to focus on their inner space, things directly in their control, the more full-filling career they will experience.

Final Comparison:

Elton Brand finished his 17 year NBA Career in 2015-2016.  During that time, he earned $169,229,324.  He had an amazing career averaging 15.9ppg and 8.5 rebounds.  He never won an NCAA or NBA Championship.

Shane Battier, retired after 13 seasons following the 2013-2014 season.  His career earnings were $56,569,622.  He averaged 8.6ppg and 4.2 rebounds while capturing an NCAA championship in 2001 and an NBA Championship in 2012.

Should Battier look at his career as a failure? He ONLY made 56 million in his career.  Also, his stat line wasn’t nearly as impressive as Brand’s.  What about Brand? Yes, he made a ton of money and had great statistics but he never won a championship.  Aren’t great athletes remembered by rings?

“Comparison is the Thief of Joy”

Do you see how silly this sounds?  Both men had amazing careers.  Think about how often we get caught up in needless comparisons.  “They live in a nicer neighborhood.”  “Our kids are better behaved.”  “Did you see where they vacationed?”

Why are we so worried about what others are doing?  We spend an extraordinary amount of time comparing ourselves to others.  This mindset limits us in many ways; it robs us of happiness.

This week, let’s make a commitment to run our own race.  Focus on your inner space and not your outer space.

 

Mike

To watch Coach K describe “Running Your Own Race” watch this video from “What Drives Winning.”

“How to Stop Comparing and Start Competing”

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Dominate Your Current Role

The author and speaker, Tim Ferris, asks his podcast guests: “If you could write a word or a phrase on a billboard what would it be?”  One of my messages would be, “Dominate your Current Role.”  Many people have a negative attitude toward “small” and “unimportant” jobs.  This flawed mindset leads to missed opportunities.

Filling Water Bottles:

My first coaching job was an assistant baseball/assistant cross country coach.  I knew very little about cross country other than running that far and that often was not something I would ever want to do.  One of my jobs was filling the water bottles.   “Why do I have to do this?  This is stupid.”  I had many negative thoughts initially; however, I quickly shifted my perspective.  I took pride in my work realizing that hydration was critical.  I paid attention to the amount of ice I put into each bottle.  I made sure the Gatorade logo was “faced” properly in the water carrier (a lesson I learned stocking shelves at Coke).  While not glamorous, this was my role and I wanted to dominate it.

Over time, my role expanded.  I never became an expert on the science of training elite runners; however, I was able to impart strategies on team building and competition.  The head coach and I began discussing race strategy and I took a more active role in team meetings.  I earned the increased responsibilities because of my positive attitude toward the mundane task of filling water bottles.

Sports Application:

As a coach, I see it all the time.  An athlete is disappointed in their playing time or role.  This athlete has a powerful choice: either pout and complain or figure out a way to crush their current role.  Unfortunately, it’s common for people to think that a poor attitude will lead to more opportunities.  In successful teams and organizations this approach will get you buried and eventually removed from the program.

It takes guts and fortitude, but the athletes that make it out of the pile are the ones who are willing to keep pushing.  They are not playing in varsity games, but they treat pre-game activities like it’s their game.  During intra-squads they are flying around and doing everything they can to push the starters and win the competition.  While not content, they CHOOSE to face the situation as a challenge and they attack it with an “A” attitude.  They are relentless in their preparation because they have faith their number will be called, and when that time comes, they will be ready.

Business Application:

I work with 18-22 year olds.  It is interesting to hear their perspectives on internships and new jobs.  Not always, but frequently, they are disappointed in the early responsibilities and tasks. Getting coffee, proof reading the report, answering phones or emails are not what they envisioned. Most people miss a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate a positive attitude, competence, and a team first mindset by approaching these task halfheartedly.  I often ask, “how can they trust you with bigger roles when they can’t trust you with the smaller jobs?”

In business, just like sports, new employees have a choice: pout or figure out a way to stand out.  People notice when someone is working hard and trying to add value to an organization.  It doesn’t have to be a high profile assignment.  Sometimes it’s easier to make a positive impression during the “low burn” jobs.

A Note to Leaders:

It’s become quite popular to bash the younger generations.  The term “Millennial” has become derogatory.  There are many stereotypes that accompany the younger generation, one being that they don’t want to do the “grunt work.”  When are we going to stop blaming the generation and start demanding better leadership?  What if we took a different approach and became extremely intentional about acknowledging “lower-profile” jobs and tasks? What if we clearly articulated the importance of the job and explained the opportunity for growth within the organization?

Most of our time and attention goes to the “star” performers.  While the “A-players” need recognition, it is a better investment to spend time with those who are underappreciated.  The freshmen shortstop who is batting third is just fine; it’s the freshmen that is grinding and not seeing the results that needs us the most.  Celebrate and praise those individuals and groups who are doing thankless jobs with a plus attitude; the ones who raise the energy level just by stepping in a room.  Those are the future stars.

There are plenty of young athletes and workers who are special.  These gifted people will make a big impact on any organization.  We just have to look at the problem differently and ask better questions as to how we can best serve them.  It’s our obligation to help them dominate their current role!

Make it an Awesome Week,

Mike

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Standing on the Shoulders of Those Before Us

Recently, I was speaking at an event.  During the presentation, I discussed the importance of creating clarity. The example I used was our baseball program’s five and ten-year plan.  Following the discussion one man asked, “How do you get young people to buy into a vision ten years out when they won’t even be there?”

A Program vs. A Team:

This past season, our baseball program had one of the most successful years in school history.  The team set the record for most wins and made the program’s first appearance in the NCAA tournament.  What made me most proud was the reaction of our former players, parents and staff.  It was their hard work, sacrifice and dedication that allowed the 2018 club to have success.  It was proof that we created a strong program.

A team is together for a year.  The members of a team have a goal that they are trying to accomplish during a particular season.  Being a part of a team is great; however, the most special thing for any athlete or coach is to a be a part of a program.  When you are a member of a program, time doesn’t matter. Roles will likely change, but the individuals continue to care deeply about the program long after their playing days.  This is not the case for those just involved with a team. When a team member’s service time concludes, they move on.  In fact, former team members are frequently jealous of the groups that follow.  They silently hope for failure.  Members of a program understand the journey of the present team.  They empathize with the struggle, they offer support, and they celebrate accomplishments.  They are the present team’s biggest cheerleader.

A Team is bound by time.

A Program is timeless.

A Team can be selfish.

A Program is selfless.

Standing on the Shoulders of Those Before Us:

In our locker room is an aerial picture of our baseball field.  The field is empty, manicured perfectly, and the lights are on.  We added the names of the past players in our program to the picture with a headline stating, “Standing on the Shoulders of Those Before Us.”  It’s our way of honoring the past players and teams. In our minds, the names listed are legends.  They each have a story that greatly impacts our current situation.  Any accomplishments we achieve are directly related to the effort of our past groups.  Every year, before our players move into the locker room, I bring them in small groups and discuss the poster.  I’m sure some of the guys roll their eyes as I explain the importance of the previous teams and players.  That is o.k.  I want them to know they are a part of a program and not just a team.

Action Step:

Have you thought recently about those people who allowed you to flourish?  Did your parents work thankless jobs in order for you to have opportunities?  Was there a teacher or coach that believed in you at a critical time in your life?  Maybe there was a colleague that for some reason took the time to mentor you.  Is it possible that the current success you are having is in large part to someone else’s prior effort?

My hope is this week you will take a few moments each day and reflect upon those special people who have allowed you to “stand on their shoulders.”  Better yet, reach out and connect with someone who made a big impact on your life.  Why wait?  Pick up the phone, write an email or a handwritten letter (Read The Power of the Handwritten Note).  We should intentionally thank those special people that have guided us along our path.

A Word of Encouragement:

“Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they will never see.” James Kerr Legacy

For those of us who are working and striving and may not be seeing the present results have you thought that maybe we are paving the road for someone else?  Maybe our job is to do the hard work in order for someone else to flourish.  There is a ton of honor in this.  I may never become a world class coach, author, or speaker.  But my commitment may allow someone close to me to reach their goals.  My motivation is no longer about myself.  It is to make life’s journey better for those I love.

Final Thought:

To the man in the audience who asked, “How do you get kids to buy into a vision when they won’t even be there:” well, unless you have been a part of a program I’m not sure you’d understand.  Everyone plays a role in a program.  It’s special.  And, if you’ve only been a part of a team, you will never truly “get it.”

Please share with me the person or persons whose “shoulders you are standing on.”  Also, I’d love to hear about how your correspondence went with someone who has impacted you.  Don’t wait.  Take the time to show appreciation and gratitude.  You’ll make someone’s day; you’ll also make yours.

Mike

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The Mental Toughness Challenge

The term, Mental Toughness, is talked about frequently.  In the coaching world, we tend to make quick judgements on our athletes’ mental toughness.  When players don’t perform well in so called big moments, they are often labeled as mentally weak.  Before slapping a permanent tag on athletes (and people in general) it is important to first define the characteristics of the mentally tough.

 

Three Characteristics

  1. Courage: Sports and life tend to favor the bold.  The doers.  The ones who will take a challenge.  The ones who are not afraid of failure, or at least if they are afraid, they decide to dance anyway.  It takes courage to overcome obstacles and persist.  The pursuit of excellence is filled with challenges.  Being uncomfortable and experiencing pain is a possibility; however, the courageous know pain is an impetus for change and being uncomfortable is a stimulus for growth.  Courage is a prerequisite for elite performance.  Courage allows you to be in the amphitheater.
  2. Optimism:  Is an act of faith, a belief in something that can’t be proven.  Optimism is what keeps us going when conditions are tough and the outcome appears bleak.  Folks with a pessimistic outlook will generalize these road blocks in a negative way.  “Why me?” “I can never overcome this.” A person with optimism acknowledges the set-back back but charges on knowing she can positively impact the future.
  3. Confidence: The closer we inch toward the pinnacle of our profession the more challenging it becomes to maintain a positive self-image.  It’s important to remember that it is our job to construct our self-image and we control our confidence level.  High achievers rarely feel “at-their best.”  Instead, they draw on their mental skills to win with what they have.  Ken Ravizza, who recently passed away, said it best, “Are you that bad of an athlete that you have to feel great to perform well?”

 

Nearly everyone would agree that mental toughness is critical.  We’d also likely agree that the three traits mentioned above: courage, optimism and confidence are admirable.  The interesting thing is we do very little to enhance these virtues.  Most of us assume these are genetic gifts; that we are born with courage, optimism and confidence.  Sure, there are those who may have a certain genetic coding that helps them along the way.  I, however, believe that if we are intentional we can sharpen our mental performance much like we can improve our physical skills.

 

Internal Resume:

What if we became intentional about sharpening our mental skills? What if we sought out ways to train and measure?  When we attempt to improve physically we test and measure.  Why don’t we do the same thing with our mental skills.

 

This Week’s Challenge:

First, decide the virtues you would like to either gain or improve upon.  Next, find a way to quantify.  For example: to increase your courage do one thing completely out of your comfort zone.  By doing, and not sitting on the sideline, you will be strengthening your courage muscle.  For confidence listen intently to your self-talk and the stories you tell yourself. Are you speaking greatness, or are you using a demeaning voice that kills your self-image?  Be aware of situations in your life where you can choose a positive or negative approach.  Choose the high road and envision the successful outcome.  Finally, journal your findings.  Putting pen to paper will enhance this exercise greatly.

 

Final Thought:

Please don’t sit on the sideline and expect your “mental toughness” to improve.  Get in the game and find ways to enhance these critical skills.  Also, by being in the arena trying to improve we will make those we lead better as well.  It is hard to ask someone to follow if we are not trying to improve ourselves.  I look forward to hearing about your journey this week.

 

Mike

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