Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!

Okay, I couldn't help it. Lately, lots of folks have been putting their top 5 movies on Facebook that they could watch over and over. I have been debating for days which ones I would list as such. However, I could not limit them to 5 and I settled on just not doing it.

Well, wouldn't you know the other day while flipping through the channels I came across Rudy!

I was busy getting ready for an appointment and had errands to run, but I kept stopping, sitting, standing and staring at scene after scene. I could not pull myself away even though I have probably seen the movie at least 5 times. Now I have to admit that the movie would certainly take its place in my top 5!

As a result of spending an hour or so watching it when I knew I could just leave, I figured I would share a few of my favorite moments from the movie:

1) Every player on the team was willing to give up their spot on the "dress" roster so Rudy could dress in his last game as a senior! Yes, I was moved by this gesture, again. This speaks volumes to the relationships developed on teams, between individuals, and to the importance of the whole as to its parts. In the workplace, in the military and on sports teams, a sense of togetherness can result in amazing sacrifices on behalf of individuals!

2) Determination and perseverance! As you probably remember, Rudy was a small and slow guy. Playing on the "scout" team against the #1 offense day in and day out resulted in a lot of punishment on his body, but he always managed to get back up. He didn't quit! Heck, he was even ridiculed by other "scout" players for trying too hard, telling him that he was making them look bad! Geez, don't we go through those same things in the workplace now and then?

We suffer set backs and we can choose to give up or keep on moving on....keeping your eye on the prize! Unfortunately, we sometimes pass by our co-workers who have become complacent and then we are subjected to isolation, envy and ridicule - or, we become the one expected to pick up their slack!

3) They carried him off of the field! This hasn't happened for another Notre Dame player since! Celebration in this case was initiated by his teammates, and it was well deserved. We should all take time to celebrate life's accomplishments, both big and small. Life isn't easy, work isn't always easy, marriage isn't easy....we have many challenges day in, day out. Celebrate mistakes by learning from them and celebrate successes as recognition of doing something you set your mind and body to do!

Rudy is an inspiration in many ways, and as such deserves to be in my top 5! Great, now the other 4....

Yours?

Want to be in the starting line up? Want a promotion?

While I was watching a college basketball game recently, one of the announcers shared his 4 topics of review when considering a back-up player for insertion into the starting lineup. After listening to them, I figured they could also come into play when considering an employee for a promotion. Here they are:

1) Effort - Can the coach/boss trust the player's/employee's effort when they hit the playing field, court or place of business? I have often seen people work extremely hard to get where they want to be, but then lapse a little bit once there. Can you be trusted to put in the same type of effort you did when striving for the promotion? Will you rest on your laurels or will the fear of failure keep you motivated? For me, I remember a coach saying, "Remember, there is always someone out there better than you, maybe wanting to take your spot."

2) Memory - Training? Practice? Can the coach/boss trust your memory when it comes to what they have taught you in practice or in the training classes? Will you remember the plays, the processes? What about continuing education? Once you are in the starting lineup or receive the promotion, it is still necessary to spend time developing your skills - whether it be studying the playbook or keeping up on industry trends. You should always take steps to improve your game or gather knowledge for the job.

3) Execution - So, you've identified your competition and have been given a good game plan....now it's time to execute. Can you be counted on to deliver? Obviously, the coach/boss can not run the plays or do the work for you - it's time to put up or shut up. Can they trust you to get the job done? I have seen some great plans, but not everyone chooses to fully execute them. It all comes down to execution - who best executes the game plan will likely be the most successful.

4) Talent - Lastly, the announcer spoke of trusting the player's talent. You have sold a bill of goods and your coach/boss has scouted your talent for some time now - watching film or reviewing your resume. Can you back it up? Or were you just "talked-up" by your agent? Can you hit the game-winning shot at crunch time? Can you bring in the business or make the sale? Can you demonstrate your competitive advantage over the competition?


In my experiences as a teammate and a coach in both sports and employment realms, these four aspects were present - of course, I may have never written them down until now! Obviously, when we are trying to move up the ladder of success in either realm there are several dynamics taking place and I am confident you have recognized some, if not all, of these mentioned here.

Any thoughts? Comments?

I will follow you, If you....

As many may know, I have an abundant interest in the topic of leadership - from a standpoint of wanting to provide it to others and from a viewpoint of looking for it in others. From time to time, I pull a book off my shelf at the house and pull insights from pages I have read. Below, I have reproduced a list of what "followers" put together in a book titled Leadership A to Z, by James O'Toole. This list was developed by managers and details what they require of leaders:

I Will Follow You, If You
* Treat me with respect
* Inspire me with your vision
* Teach me
* Are tolerant of my mistakes
* Talk with (and listen) to me
* Allow me to grow
* Don't give up, or change course arbitrarily
* Have the courage of your convictions
* Tell me the truth, and practice what you preach

Have you seen these traits in those you look to as Leaders? Are you still looking for these traits in those that proclaim to be Leaders?

Fortunately, I have followed some that espoused these everyday, but I have also answered to some that may not have kept these in their repertoire. Of course, I myself have tried to use as many of these as possible in my opportunities as a leader and I know well that I have fallen short at times.

For me, it is important to earn your stripes as a leader - to earn respect, not demand it because of position or title. Naturally, hierarchy serves its purpose for infrastructure, decision making and accountability, but it's an empty shell if people do not want to follow. The list above helps develop a sense of ownership and buy-in, and it can create a willingness in others to take chances they may not otherwise take - all for the gratification that comes with going places they have never been before. As a leader, that's one aspect I enjoy the most - having the chance to see someone accomplish a task they never thought attainable!

What do think about the list? Which do you admire the most in a Leader? Agree? Disagree?

Look forward to any comments....