Stanley Cup Leadership Lesson
The Canes won last night and will play Edmonton in the Stanley Cup. Having been raised in the South, my hocky knowledge is limited, but I have been tutored quite a bit this year by friends who grew up playing it. All this week, I have been pondering, what is the main leadership lesson that is unique to Hockey. I am sure there are plenty of leadership lessons that cross over sports, but what lesson have I taken away from watching so much hockey.
Hockey is just as complex and organized as others sports. There are plays and players have rules for how to win. So like most sports, it is somewhat structured. Just like the first basemen who covers the catcher on some plays in baseball, hockey is about being where you are suppose to be. But in hockey, this matters so much. Being in the right place is a game of opportunities and it can decide a game. It seems it is so tough to get a goal, that the game is more about creating opportunities to score that actually scoring. The teams who can create continuous opportunities almost create a overwhelming chaos on the other team that eventually leads to a goal. So, what's the lesson:
One of my favorite messages to individuals developing as leaders is that once you advance in your development, it doesn't mean your going to get promoted, get that big raise, or take over that huge project for the organization/company. No, leadership development is like Hockey.. you are creating the opportunity.. You are getting yourself in the right place for the shot on goal. Maybe you will get a chance this week, or maybe next year.. or maybe, it will be 3-5 years. But eventually, someone will need you to step up & lead when the puck takes a funny bounce, or comes off another person's skate.. and you will get to take the team to a higher place. So, next time your frustrated that your not getting to lead that project, or give that speech.. Just get into position and wait just like weight did.. and create your opportunties. Patience is golden.. or should I say Red and Black... GO CANES!
So.. are there other leadership lessons that Hockey brings to mind.. what might they be?
Posted at 06:43AM Jun 02, 2006 by mowen in General |