Unexpected Leadership

My wife had just viewed a video and could not wait to share it with me.  It was a video about a female college softball player who had never hit a home run in a game . . .that was until one special day against her team’s conference rival.  In a game her team needed to stay in the hunt for a championship, she came up to bat with 2 players on base. With one mighty swing she hit the ball farther than she ever had and she looked up in time to see the ball go over the fence. In her excitement, she missed touching first base and quickly turned back to touch it. Her sudden pivot back toward first proved to be too much for her knee and with a torn ACL, she collapsed on the ground, writhing in pain.

As the runners came around and touched home plate celebrating, she still was on the ground.  It became clear that although she had hit a home run, she would not receive credit unless she circled the bases.  Her team could not help her in any way, because the rules state that she would be called out and her run would not count.

Then the unthinkable happened; one of the opposing players went up to the umpire and asked if she could help her?  The umpire said yes.  And with the help of another team mate the two opposing players picked her up and carried her around the bases stopping at only long enough to allow her to touch each base with her good foot.

After surrounding the bases the two players put her gently down on home plate, and the girl with the one good leg was mobbed by her teammates for hitting a 3-run homer that proved to be the game-winner.

When asked why they offered to carry her? One of the players said she had done it because her opponent deserved it, and it was the right thing to do.

Not only did the players display character, but tremendous leadership. By doing what was right in the face of the temptation to sit back and watch was going to happen, they, without thought for themselves, did what many others could not, or would not, do with the game on the line. I believe both girls are champions!

Our political leaders could learn a lot from these young girls. Doing what is right—because it is right—even if it means working with the other side, is what real leaders do.

You can watch the whole story for yourself right here.

Building a 9+ Team

”Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.”

- Henry Ford

The 2010 NFL draft was held this week and there was a lot of tremendous football talent available. When selecting players, teams drafted players based on the organization’s need and what they wanted to accomplish.

As a leader it is essential that you build a team you can rely on to help your organization achieve its business goals. Establishing a profile of the kinds of team members you will need in order to execute your business strategy is critical to the team meeting its goals. For example, if you are running a fast-paced organization it will be important that you find members that have experience and a proven track record for operating in that type of environment. Do not compromise!

While working for a small construction company, I was able to develop a team of high-performing people that allowed us to double our business for 4 straight years. How? By assembling a 9+ Team with the following characteristics:

Adaptability
Adaptability is essential to growth and development as a leader. When I started my job at the construction company, I started as a project manager and worked my way up through the organization. Adaptability allowed me to respond to the demands at each level.

WIT (“Whatever It Takes” to get the job done)
Although a balanced life is the goal, sometimes it takes an investment of early mornings and late nights to achieve the objectives of the organization. It is not about working from 9-5.

Communication
Follow up communication in writing is important. This way all parties involved in the conversation have a clear idea what is expected. I once had a manager who took notes at each of our meetings. Before the end of the day I would receive an e-mail with a list of the things she had committed to and what I had committed to, including deadlines.

Preparation
Always be prepared and you will never be scared. Success is not an accident, it comes through diligent preparation.

Accountability
There are a lot of people who make excuses and look to place blame. All of us make mistakes. The true leader is the one who will accept the responsibility for their actions.

Passion
“Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.” Confucius
People who love what they do possess an inner drive to be the best!

Problem solving
The ability to come up with creative solutions to challenges of the business is essential.

Championship attitude
Champions are dependable, (They show up). Champions are committed to the team. Champions never give up in the face of the obstacles. Champions are disciplined.

What are the characteristics of your 9+ Team?