Thank You Peyton Manning

Now before anyone gets all up in arms let me explain myself. I should also mention that I have not been avidly following the Indianapolis Colts and I am not a Manning devotee. But living in Indiana of course we hear a lot about the team. So why am I thanking Manning.

First I wanted to thank him for showing our youth that you should not “play at all costs”. I know he was playing in pain at least at the end of last season. But even then I don’t remember hearing a lot of hoopla regarding how the pain affected his play. And yes we have been kept up to date with all the other medical updates. He has not rushed to play. Which I know is really hard with the lack of success the team has had this year. There are things that need to be taken seriously regarding your physical health. My son played with young men (high school age) who needed to seek medical attention but didn’t want to sit out even one game. I wonder how they are doing now.

Secondly I wanted to thank Manning for the excellent example of begin a team player. He is active on the sideline doing anything he can to assist the team. He is still actively engaged in watching the plays, analyzing the defense, and giving advice to the quarterback. When I have heard him interviewed after games I haven’t heard him whine about not playing. Or what he would have done if he was in the game. That is the way a team member should support the team no matter if they are unable to play for the season, not having a great game, or are ill. I am sure he has had a lot of down moments but from my seat I have only seen an individual who is working to get healthy and helping his team.

In many offices I see individuals who say they are team players yet they come in sick or they do not perform at the best. They usually have some excuse like “I’ve worked really hard all week so I am going to coast today.” Or they come in sick because they don’t believe that their teammates can cover for them.  Our companies need employees who come in to work and provide their best every day. Learning to work as a team and support each other is a key skill that everyone needs to learn. Manning couldn’t provide the team his skills as a quarterback on the field, but he could provide his knowledge of the game, skill at understanding the other team’s defense, and being present (not sitting on the bench goofing around). I think we should all aspire to be that good of a teammate.

Are Leaders Allowed to Charge Their Minds on Issues?

With all the hoopla around the presidential candidates I have really enjoyed the talk radio stations. Especially when the listeners call in because some of the comments are really out there. Yesterday however one comment really caught my attention. The caller commented about one candidate changing  their minds on several issues from the last election.

So my question to you is "Are leaders/manager/executives allowed to change their minds?" Why or why not. If the answer is yes how should they handle the change?

It’s Time For Action

Well it has taken almost 3 years before the President actually said something that I agree on. Pres. Obama asked the Congressional Black Caucus to “stop whining.” I don’t necessarily agree with the rest of the speech. But I find the complaints about paying way too much in taxes very interesting. We want to get the government out of our live yet we look for the government to:

• Pay for our retirement because everyone expects social security to cover our retirement.
• Pay for people who are not employed for almost 2 years!
• Pay subsidies to certain industries so that they can be competitive in the global market.
• Pay for development of advancement in technology or new technology.
• Pay for research for diseases.
• Pay for natural disasters.
• And I am sure there are much more.

I believe it is time for individual action. It time to stop saying:

• I don’t have time to…
• I don’t like to….
• I really don’t want to….
• It’s not my job….
• They don’t pay me to ……
• I shouldn’t have to….

We need to start taking PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY for improving yourself and your organization. If you are not working then you need to go out and get a job. I find it interesting that out of work individuals that I know could get a job but it isn’t the right job. So they would rather sit at home on unemployment instead of going out and working. That is not what the country needs.

In most companies I hear that there is a lack of trust in the organization. But I think that it goes deeper than that. No one wants to take responsibility for anything. Nor do they want to be held accountable. And as I pondered on the topic I began to think that maybe it is even deeper to that. Is it really a cause of lack of loyalty to anyone or anything?

Loyalty is faithfulness or a devotion to a person, country, group, or cause. We have become a society that is not loyal to anything. We are not loyal to our spouse, our company and any more I don’t think most Americans are loyal to our country. 

I believe that if we were loyal then maybe the accountability would be easier to build. But without accountability I do not believe that we can develop trust. We have to be ready to fire people who are not accountable even if they are a good performer. Now you are probably wondering how that could happen. I have seen many times where individuals do not involve others in their work as they are directed to, or they are consistently late, but yet they get the job done. I don’t believe that behavior is good for the company. I would have trouble trusting that individual. I would question his loyalty to my organization. So I would have to let him go. 

I believe as businesses should set accountability structures and hold their people to it. 

We are getting what we asked for…

I have to shake my head at everything that I am hearing on the news these days. But not for the reasons you may think.

Examples of getting what we asked for:

• We believed that everyone should be able to buy a house. The banking industry came up with a product to meet that demand. People who really couldn’t afford to buy and maintain a house didn’t read the contract and the future payments. RESULT: defaults on mortgages and the banking industry stuck with a lot of houses instead of money.

• We asked for cheaper products. The business community has answered us. To produce the product at those prices they have had to computerize, create robot, or go overseas to meet the price desired. RESULT: fewer employees.

• We pushed for an increase in minimum wages. It was passed. Now it the cost for employees has caused companies to computerize, create robot, or go overseas to continue to beat the competition. RESULT: fewer employees.

• In 2008 when companies were struggling and either closed or had to lay off employees we asked for help. The government extended the unemployment benefits. RESULT: higher unemployment taxes that companies have to pay (potentially at the federal and state level), thus increasing the cost of every working employee.

Secondary result: this probably isn’t true for everyone but these are some of the effects I heard from CEOs and business owners:

1)      Employees tell them that they can make more from unemployment and don’t have to work hard.

2)      Employees will work for a couple months and then quit so they can get back on unemployment.

3)      Would rather be on unemployment than take a cut in pay.

4)      They want to start out at the same rate that they were receiving at their old job. (Not at the starting salary/wage.)

So individuals are not working really hard to get jobs.

• According to reports the amount of debt most families are carrying is at an all-time high (they keep raising their debt ceilings). And we are being told that if we go out and spend more it would create more jobs. RESULTS: not 100% sure but would bet that it will increase the debt load of the same families.

• Companies are asked to create jobs. RESULTS: again not 100% but will this lead to increase cost of products or increased debt to the organization.

• We asked for lower taxes. The government has been working different programs to reduce the tax impact. RESULTS: the government has to reduce staff and that causes reduction in services or the ability to perform the services.

• We scream that the government has to do something when: there’s a flood, fire, hurricane, tornado, or any other disaster. WHERE IS THE MONEY SUPPOSE TO COME FROM?

In the last election I heard people interviewed that were sure that Pres. Obama would buy them a house, get them insurance and a job. Now where is that money coming from?

The situation we are in reminds me of a quote by Mao Tse Tung:

“It is well known that when you do anything, unless you understand its actual circumstances, its nature and its relationship to other things, you will not know the laws governing it, or how to do it, or be able to do it well.”

In this quote I believe that he is referring to the natural laws that govern life. The natural cause and effect involved in every interaction. Individuals make decisions or take actions based on their view of the situation. They think they know all the facts or all of the consequences of their actions but they don’t. They believe that they are making “logical” decision and don’t realize that every decision has an emotion connected to it.

When I work with groups/teams I am amazed at their hesitancy to really look at the downside of the proposed decision. It someone will be negatively impacted their answer usually is something like “the good of the many out way the need of the few”, or “it will impact on a few people”. In a local debate the comment was “it will only negatively affect 1 business.” 

So I believe that until we are really able to quit making quick decisions (or believing that there is one answer and your know it) and look at the better decision we will continue to spiral. I feel this is especially important within organizations. Employees, management, leadership, and owners need to work together to find the best solution for the organization. What is the overall best decision. I am sure that the impact will not be the same on everyone but what isn’t the goal for the organization to succeed so that everyone will benefit?

When will we get our pride back and take responsibility not on for our self’s but also for everyone around us. Why is it better to be on unemployment better than working 2 jobs? Why do we hate the government but yet want it to take care of everything?

We have met the enemy and yes it is us.

“Quick Decisions lead to Faulty Solutions”

Organizational Decoys

Why is it so easy for personal issues take center stage? I believe it's because most people believe that these issues are quick to fix. Plus it gives us a chance to solve something. We don't feel so helpless.

Take the newest "sex scandal." Why is it taking so much of our press time? Why is it the main topic in the news, conference rooms, and legislative resources? Sex scandals are "sexy". We are intrigued with the people who are in the light. And in a way we like to see the flaws. Then they are seen as mere mortals.

Political scandals have been around since the country was born. And yes there were "sex" scandals back in 1796. (Wikipedia) Yes they put into question the morals and ethics of the individuals involved. Yes, most individuals would find it appalling.

However, scandals (of all types) occur not only in the government but also in other organizations. It seems so easy to focus on that. People are fascinated with it. And while we are focusing on this issue the really important issues get put on the back burner.

Rep. Anthony Weiner may have made major mistakes. But let's look at another notable: President William Jefferson Clinton. Why didn't Pres. Clinton leave office? Why wasn't he impeached? How many CEO's, executives, actors, athletes, or other high profile individuals have been caught in improper behaviour? How many "regular people" have committed acts of discretion?

I am by no means saying that what Rep. Weiner or any of the others did was right. That includes my ex-husband. What I am saying is that what we should be focusing on. Yes Rep. Weiner has some explaining to do to his wife and the other women involved. But why is it taking up all the time and press. Shouldn't we be focusing on the important issues of our nation.

We need to realize that people are people and we all make mistakes. Even those religious leaders, remember Jim Bakker? (Christian evangelists scandals of all types go back to the 1920's and that doesn't include the scandals of the various faith organizations) Bakker has returned to preaching. Does his mistakes mean that he cannot continue his ministry? Don't know.

I for one would like to see Rep. Weiner and the rest of his colleagues get back to work and solve the issues that are plaguing our country. Those are issues that will take a lot of energy and creative thought to solve. I don't believe that Rep. Weiner should resign, I believe he should continue the work he was elected to do. Then at the next election, if he chooses to run for re-election, the voters of his district will decide whether he is the best person to represent them in Congress.

What about your organization? Do you have "personal" issues that are plaguing your success? Have you solved these issues? Let us know how you were able to resolve the issues and what you learned through the process.

Effective Teams: It All Starts With Me

Yes I know we have all heard this before right? But when I talk about starting with “me” I am referring to the fact that I really need to understand “me”. I know you are thinking I do know “me” but not to sound philosophical, can we really know all there is to know about ourselves? The reason I believe that we need to start with “me” is because that is the only member of the team we can truly understand and control.

I am not by any means a young person (I can remember the plate spinners and life before cell phones) but I believe I have learned more about myself in the last 10 years than I did up to then. I have learned about what motivates me, what I want to achieve, and what makes me happy. 

When I work with people I have to check on “me” so I know what I need to do for an effective conversation. This check includes answering the following list of questions so I am clear on what will impact me during the conversation.

• My views on the topic being discussed.
• My views of the other people involved.
• How I believe the group will and won’t consider my input.
• How does this fit in with the overall priorities in my current life. (yes current because our priorities can and do change frequently)
• How do I believe the other people in the group view me?
• What am I doing after the meeting?
• What has happened to me in the last 24 hours?
• What do I want to gain from this conversation?
• What do I have to lose?
• Who in the group has an agenda they are pushing.

I am sure that this is a partial list as I find new things that I need to understand. All of these items add bias to my conclusions.

I really thought about this after watched the movie “I Robot”. For those that haven’t seen the movie, he story takes place in the year 2035 in Chicago, in a world where robots are widespread and used as servants and for various public services. The robots were to follow the “three laws”. The “three laws” are:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

But the controlling computer began interpreting the laws as its intelligence evolved. It decided that in order to protect humanity as a whole, some humans must be sacrificed and some freedoms must be surrenders to keep humanity safe. The decision was purely logical and didn’t have any feelings or concerns. It was the best decision.

How many times to we hear that we made the best decision. With the robots they looked at the issue without any preconceived idea of what the best decision is. I am not sure that we can say the same thing when we make decisions. We way we are being unbiased. Yet I do not believe that we can be unbiased. We make decisions based on all of our history and experience. So how can we go into any interactions as an unbiased participant?

So what do you do to keep open to others ideas and information?

How Long Does It Take To Build A Team?

No one can say for sure. But what I do know is that it is not a task that you can check off and say it is done. That's why it's usually referred to as team "building". Let me give you an example for the sports world and the next entry will begin to look at how it applies to the work world.

I am a huge Indiana University basketball fan. The men's basketball program began to spiral from when Bob Knight (no matter what you view of Coach Knight is the problems started then) left IU and the completely collapsed during the2007-08 basketball season. Now regardless of what happened and why, Coach Tom Crean walked in as head coach for IU on April 1, 2008 with the following situation:

1.  The school was facing the possibility of severe NCAA sanctions based on the previous year's actives. The sanctions could include loss of amount of scholarships (Which for those that don't know D1 schools, those that you might see in the NCAA tourney, are allowed to give out 13 scholarships. These scholarships are what helps the school attract talented players to their programs. There are hundreds to maybe thousands of other schools that have very good sports programs but are not allowed to give this amount of scholarships for basketball.) to possibly not being able to play in any post season tourneys for a set period of time.
2. Crean came in with worse than a dysfunctional team  he virtually had no team (freshman phenom Eric Gordon opted to leave early for the NBA, DJ White graduated and was drafted, two players (including Jordan Crawford) transferred and three others were kicked off the team). As a result, Crean was left with a roster with only two returning players, only one of whom was on scholarship (the two players combined for 30 points in the previous season).
3. Coach started the 2008-09 season with one senior, five true freshmen, six walk-ons, Having one walk- is an oddity in many college basketball programs. So to have six in a highly regarded program like IU is unheard of.
4. The Coach and his team had very little knowledge of the players. He didn't know what their strengths were and what would be the best way to use them in the team.
5. Normally during recruiting Coaches are looking for players to help either fill a needed role or to provide skills that the team is lacking. Coach Crean didn't have a core team so any recruiting he was able to do was mainly to get talented players.
6. IU basketball fans are fierce. They not only follow their teams everywhere but they expect them to win. So not winning was not an option for the fans. So no pressure there right.

So needless to say the first season was really hard to watch for a fan but very interesting for me. I watched with great interest, admiration, and pride in how hard the team worked. No they didn't win the championship, actually they had the worse record in the school's history (6-25, 1-17conference). What I admired most was the guts and commitment the team showed for their team, their coach, and their school. The team came every night to play.

The next year was better but still not the caliber that the IU faithful expect (10-21, 4-14 conference). This year started with high expectations and hopes. The team started off fairly strong and they have had some strong showings yet they are 12-15, 3-11 conference at the writing of this entry.(including 2 wins against nationally ranked teams) But when you have fans that are expecting 20+ wins and a trip to the tourney it is a tough road. That is not going to happen this year.

Yet there are people who believe that maybe Crean needs to go. They believe that it is taking too long to get a winning team. How long should it take to build a championship team? Especially when you have nothing to start with.

I don't know about a NCAA championship team, but I do know that developing a work team takes a long time. So how do you build your teams? How long did it take? Next entry we'll start talking about how to build your team.