Transforming A Culture of Losing

Yesterday's (October 5) Wall Street Journal had an interesting article about the Atlanta Braves.  If you're not a baseball fan (I confess to being interested in baseball for a very short time period each year -- roughly between September 15 and October 31 -- the very end of the regular season and the playoffs and World Series), the Atlanta Braves have won 14 straight division titles.  This is a remarkable accomplishment.

I'm not a Braves fan -- and it's not because of their nickname.  I grew up in Pittsburgh.  The Pirates are my team.  In the early 1990's the Pirates were pretty good, made the playoffs a few times.  But they could never get past the Braves and into the World Series, so I tend to root against the Braves.  I was happy when Andy Pettite and the Astros beat them yesterday.

Still, 14 straight division titles is amazing...

The WSJ article featured an interview with Braves General Manager, John Schuerholz the "architect of this (the Braves) dynasty".  Mr. Schuerholz is the individual who turned around the Braves.  Prior to his appointment as GM, they were terrible.

In a sidebar to the article, Mr. Schuerholz lists Five Tips on Transforming A Culture of Losing.  I think they are good advice for anyone running a business.

1. Gather everyone, communicate the plan and preach it daily.
2. Constantly remind people that the plan works.
3. Don't be afraid to get rid of the people who don't buy into the plan.
4. Make the lowest level employees feel as important to success as the top level executives.
5. Trust everyone to do their jobs well.

Pretty good advice, and common sense.  However, like most common sense advice, you have to apply it, not just espouse it.

That's all for today.  Thanks for reading.  For more common sense advice on building a high performing business log on to my website, www.BudBilanich.com.

I'll see you around the web, and at Alex's Lemonade Stand.

Bud

PS What have YOU done for your career today?

Comments

[Skip Reardon]

Bud - this is an amazing story of being excellent - over a long period of time.

BTW - I knew there was another reason why we "clicked" - I grew up in Pittsburgh back in the 60's as well.

All the best, and ..Be Excellent