After watching the Cubs beat the Pirates Wednesday evening,
I’m convinced the curse doesn’t exist! Then, I noticed an IBJ reference the next morning to a
great article about the Cubs’ manager, Joe Maddon, in Crain’s
Chicago Journal and I realized where they got
their magic. Joe is a wonderful inspiration for great leadership and, of course,
in our business, we’re not only leading our own “team,” we’re also leading our
clients through an often difficult and problematic process. So, take it from
Joe and see how his leadership wisdom can help you improve your business and
enjoy your life and family even more! Here’s the article:
Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Maddon isn't the
epitome of a hard-charging, harsh-talking baseball field general. During games,
he typically watches from the corner of the dugout in an observant yet relaxed
manner. After a win or loss, he responds to the media's questions in a calm
voice, providing tutorial-like explanations of runs, hits and errors.
But don't let that cool and collected
demeanor fool you; Maddon, with his signature thick spectacles, white hair and
beard, is a tough and determined leader who's committed to winning.
Maddon is something else you may not
immediately realize: a role model for managers competing in the business world.
Indeed, corporate titans, mid-level executives, project managers and
entrepreneurs can learn and profit from the Cubs skipper's philosophy.
Check out his managerial starting lineup:
Instill a smart, upbeat attitude. Maddon brings an uncanny ability to remain positive, even amid the
toughest defeats or slumps. Should a relief pitcher blow a save or a hitter
strike out with men on base, Maddon chooses to highlight what his young players
gain by competing in such high-pressure circumstances. That was a playoff game
situation, he'll say, and experiencing it now will benefit the team later.
Stay loose and productive. “Don't ever let the pressure exceed the
pleasure,” Maddon
said when he took over the Cubs' helm last November.
That means baseball is a serious business,
but it's also a game, so enjoy! As skipper of the Tampa Bay Rays, Maddon
famously brought in dogs, penguins and snakes to lighten the clubhouse mood. As
the Cubs postseason awaits, he's orchestrated more purposeful madness—players
taking a night flight in their PJs and the turning of Wrigley Field into a
literal zoo of exotic animals.
Be old- and new-school. In an era when baseball teams either slavishly embrace
"Moneyball"-style computer analytics or cling to traditional
techniques, Maddon opts for a little of both. While data-driven, he also goes
with his gut and lets the right players (at the right time) swing away, play
multiple positions, steal a base or pitch longer.
Avoid being the center of attention. While Maddon does the occasional TV ad and charity function, he
consciously is not the star of the team or “the story.” Chicago loves its big
sports personalities, but Maddon opts for a lower profile. Many bosses would
gain from tapping into his good-natured respect for colleagues and
collaborators. Too often, human dignity is a workplace casualty of the
"Get it done faster!" or "No excuses" management mindset.
(Hello, Amazon?)
Maddon demonstrates that playing it loose
reaps its own rewards. There's a time for seriousness and all-out effort but,
honestly, few company situations are so life-and-death that managers can't
afford to lighten up. It's called perspective and a little of it can go a long
way in getting the best out of a team. So chill the Maddon way. Good business
managers often have deep experience. A great manager has a strong background
and something else: an instinct to go against the grain when the right
opportunity arises. More than any other baseball manager, Maddon mixes up his
batting order and shuffles position players around the field. So far, it's
paying off. Experience, coupled with flexibility and creativity, is a dynamic
combo.
Yes, baseball is not your typical job or
working grind. Most employees don't earn millions annually and there's
compactness to a sports season that defies the long-distance running of a
company. But a manager who gets the job done while being respectful,
supportive, modest and creative is an All-Star.
We all know the Cubs have a long way to go
(so let's not jinx it by saying anything more). But, when it comes to being an
effective team leader, Maddon already is ahead of the game and worth following.
Crain’s Chicago Journal
So, are you ready to step up to
the plate and drive in some runs for your business? Take it from Joe!
David M. Hassler
VP, Professional Development
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