Keeping Cool

Do you sometimes find it challenging to maintain your composure when things go against you? Have you ever wigged-out in front of your followers? Do you find yourself being dragged down into the muck instead of staying on the high road and doing things the right way? These are important questions that every leader should answer honestly and with much introspection.

Here in the Detroit area, there are two items dominating the headlines: General Motors filing for bankruptcy, and the Red Wings pursuing the Stanley Cup. One bad, one good, but both gripping the community for obviously different reasons.

Outside of an occasional, well-rehearsed press conference, we don't really get to see how the leaders at GM are reacting to the incredible, unprecedented crisis that is facing them - a crisis through which they must lead, and one that certainly has a ripple effect far beyond anything most of us can grasp, except at it's most fundamental levels.

Conversely, live television brings us the Stanley Cup Finals in such a way that we are able to watch athletes and coaches react to the immediate, unpredictable circumstances they face during the course of a game. We see the ebb and flow of momentum, and the highs and lows felt by both teams when a goal is scored. We see the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat as events unfold before our very eyes in real-time. If you think big games on live TV are compelling, imagine what it would have been like to watch live broadcasts of GM's board room over the past several months.

Now, I am not equating the financial struggles of a multi-billion dollar global organization to a sports team's run for a championship. But I think it's safe to say that those hockey professionals expend just as much energy and possess just as much desire for success as do the leaders of industry. It's all relative: no matter your profession, failure is never an option. The difference is that a loss by our favorite team doesn't typically effect how people feed their families.

Throughout the past two playoff seasons, the level of calm and composure shown by the Wings' leadership - especially coach Mike Babcock - is utterly amazing. His top players reflect his attitude, and it has postively infected the entire team, from the most grizzled of veterans right down to the rookies.

I believe every organization takes on the personality of it's leader. Therefore, leading by example happens naturally and automatically, for better or for worse. It's true in the home, it's true in sports, and it's definitely true in business. This was on display once again last night. The Wings were leading the Pens 3-1 as the final seconds counted down. A Pittsburgh player lost his composure and whacked Detroit goalie Chris Osgood with his stick. Evengi Malkin, one of the Pens' stars, instigated a fight with Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg - mostly, I think, because Z's smothering defensive play frustrated the heck out of him all game long. Punches were flying, elbows were up, equipment was lying all over the place, a dozen players were moshing around near the net. You'd think coach Babcock would be flipping out, screaming a blue streak and emoting all over the place. Not him. Instead, he was coolly sipping some water behind the bench as if lounging on a sunny beach somewhere. His philosophy is to take the punches, stay calm, then make the competition pay where it hurts them the most - on the scoreboard. I love that attitude.

Over and over we hear the Wings talk about keeping their composure when adversity strikes, staying focused on what matters most and working hard together to achieve their goal. Their eyes are on the prize and their noses are to the grindstone, even when the competition resorts to dirty play. Their unshakeable mindset - and their organizational leadership's ability to get the "right" people - translated to a Stanley Cup championship last season. They are two wins away from repeating, although many challenges still lie ahead. Even if they don't win the Cup again, their commitment to staying focused no-matter-what has served them very well, and will keep them in the hunt. It's a leadership lesson from which we can all benefit.

Here's the point: "Do as I say, not as I do" simply doesn't fly in the world of leadership. Why not? Because monkey-see-monkey-do also applies to people. If your people see you, their leader, losing your self-control, reacting negatively to difficult situations, acting out of emotion, won't they do the same? Yes. Can you really expect them to move in an opposite direction? No. Will they go farther than you are willing to lead them? Absolutely not. Will it hinder the growth and efficiency of your organization? You had better believe it.

Every leader will inevitably experience "You wouldn't like me when I'm angry" moments - they come with the territory. Yes, things will get hairy. If not for hairy, we wouldn't need good leaders. But even when your insides feel like popping a gasket, your outside must remain calm and strong. When hairy visits you, stay composed and keep your focus. Chances are, your people will, too.


J.