Leading Narratives

Abraham Lincoln is regarded by many as one of the greatest leaders of all time. What can leaders take away from what we know about Honest Abe that is relevant today? Here are just a few suggestions that leaders everywhere can learn from the sixteenth president. Listen deeply to what people on all sides say. Lincoln was a northerner, but understood the plight of the southerners. He incorporated their feelings and struggles into his speeches and correspondence. Acknowledge your errors and learn from your mistakes. That was something Lincoln was particularly good at, and it commanded respect from allies and opponents alike. Be able to relax and replenish your energy. In Lincoln’s case, he went to the theater and told humorous stories before tough cabinet meetings. Roosevelt had cocktail hours during World War II. One rule: Attendees couldn’t talk about the war. Instead, they discussed books and other leisure activities. Keep your anger in perspective. When Lincoln got angry with ...

Here are some things to keep in mind when you need to reprimand a team member: Let the team member know that the behavior is undesirable, not the person. Let the person know that you care about him or her as a person, but that you expect more from them. Do not punish anyone who is unable to perform a task. Take action on those who are able to perform the task but are unwilling or unmotivated to succeed. A team member should be called on the carpet immediately after the undesirable behavior. Do not humiliate a person in front of others. Make sure that the person understands exactly what behavior led to the reprimand or punishment. Do not hold a grudge. When it is over…it is over! Move on! Reprimanding is never a fun task. However, by following these concepts you will reduce the number of repeat offenders on your team ______________________________________________________________   Print Edition $24.99 Instant Download &19.99 ...

A sea captain and a crusty engineer were talking and they began to argue about whose skill was most needed for the running the ship. They decided to trade jobs for a day. The engineer would be on the bridge, and the captain would go down to the engine room. A few hours into their shift, the captain emerged from below decks. “Chief” he yelled, “you need to get down here. I can’t get her to go.” “Of course you can’t, barked the chief, “She’s aground!” —Adapted from The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player: Becoming the Kind of Person Every Team Want s The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player

Dave Serrano, former UC-Irvine’s baseball coach, as well as the 2007 Baseball America’s coach of the year holds his team to the highest standards even when cleaning up after practice. They are required to maintain their concentration even when setting up and clearing the field. UCI turned clearing the field into a competitive game, timing how fast they can take down the batting cage, screens, and tarps. They got so proficient at it, they could do it in 27 seconds.  Serrano believes that focusing on these simple things was critical in building his successful program at UCI. Serrano is currently the head coach at  California State University, Northridge. —Adapted from Baseball America __________________________________________ A Season In Words by Dan Spainhour $19.95

In a Florida State University study, winning doubles tennis teams talked strategy twice as much as losing teams did. The study also found that winning teammates vocally encouraged each other nearly three times as more often than losing teams did. “Emotional exchanges help teams feel more capable” explains study coauthor Gershon Tenebaum, PhD In other words the more a team talks to each other with purpose, enthusiasm, and encouragement the greater the chance of success. _________________________________________________________ A Season In Words by Dan Spainhour $19.95

Daily learning. Stimulate team members to do what it takes to improve. Elbow room. As the team improves their competence, let them gradually take on more responsibility. Support. Show your players that all the team’s work is valuable, even if it’s not glamorous or doesn’t get public attention. Meaning. When things get tough, give consistent reminders of what the work will lead to. ___________________________________________________________ Print Edition $24.99 Instant Download &19.99 Print & Download $31.99

A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle.–Japanese proverb A boat doesn’t go forward if each one is rowing their own way.–Swahili proverb It’s easy to get good players. Getting them to play together, that’s the hard part.–Casey Stengel A coach is often responsible to an irresponsible public. Accumulate all the knowledge and information about coaching/leading. Then choose that which you intend to use. You cannot use it all. Some coaches are so busy learning the tricks of the trade that they never learn the trade. It’s your job; it’s their game. _______________________________________________________ A Season In Words by Dan Spainhour $19.95