So … as a lifetime Ohio sports fan, it has been a tough year. The Browns are rebuilding again, LeBron took his talents elsewhere, and now Ohio State football is in shambles. What can we take away for our businesses and our own character?
OK, OK, I am used to it … the kidding about the long drought of championships in Cleveland. The Drive, The Fumble … the Decision … locals are so used to being beat up, we feel like Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull. It is kind of like a group depression. The pain, the disappointment, the endless and hopeless optimism. They define the life of any Northern Ohio sports fan.
The games and personalities have taken a decidedly dark tone in the last few months. LeBron’s arrogance is indicative of today’s spoiled athletes. Jim Tressel (Ohio State’s former football coach) led us to believe that he was above the temptations to skirt the rules. His fall from grace has hit hard in Buckeye Nation.
These examples can teach us some lessons for business. Taking shortcuts around hard work and integrity is very common. Everyone seems to want to get the results without the effort. The pressure that today’s athletes and coaches feel is similar to what business owners feel. Investors, bankers, customers, and vendors can be WAY more demanding than a casual fan munching on a hot dog. The “game” of business impacts lives and people in a much more direct way than results on the court or field of play.
All of us have felt the pressures recently. All of us have cut back on expenses and people. All of us have to keep grinding away. Most of us are doing it the right way. Some are cutting corners on jobs, playing games with labor and materials, and manipulating schedules. Don’t be one of the corner cutters - you will pay sooner or later.
The rewards for doing it right can be huge. Just look at the Cleveland Indians. They have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball, but have the best record in the Majors. All of this without Charlie Sheen (fans of the movie Major League will get it). They built this team by grooming young talent, setting aside egos and working together. Sound like any glazing operation you know? If not, you might need a new game plan.
2 comments:
Sounds like a Cub fan.
Rod, Very funny. In fact, I lived about 1 mile from Wrigley in younger days. Of course, the Bleachers, Sun, and "scenery" were top priorities and not the Cubbies. I guess we have "Major League" and you have "Rookie of the Year".
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