Great Leaders Do Not Rely On First Impressions---Ask Kyrie

Great leaders do not base decisions about the talents of people base on their initial reaction.  I have had some people who worked for me who were all fluff and no substance but came off great at first blush.  Unfortunately they later demonstrated a propensity to be lazy and disloyal.  Other people without much initial flare proved to be tireless workers who would persevere and always get a great result.  Often quick impressions are not always spot on.  I encourage all leaders to look below the surface to see the real inner self of all their followers.  I guarantee you that by being more deliberate to form an opinion about someone, you will greatly reduce your chances of investing in someone who does not deserve that spot in your inner circle.

The following video is a great lesson that should help all of us realize that sometimes first impressions are not always what they think they are.

HOOSIERS AND WILDCATS---STEP UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING

Last week the Indiana Hoosiers and University of Kentucky announced that their annual basketball series would no longer take place.  With both schools boasting tremendous fan bases that are fanatically passionate about a sport  (basketball) that is part of the very foundation of the culture of each state, it would seem unthinkable to cancel the long standing rivalry between these two states that perceive themselves as the Mecca of high school and college basketball.   Having played 56 times since 1924, the rivalry has showcased great players, great teams and great coaching while providing the fans a tremendous  platform to express their passion for the programs.

Why has the series run its course?  The coaches, Tom Crean at IU and John Calipari at UK, cannot agree on the venue.  Crean wants the games on campus and Calipari wants to play at a neutral site.  If I did not know better, I might think that this is a case of big egos getting in the way of doing the right thing.  Could it be that one or both of these coaches want to show that they control every decision and that their  leadership style is “my way or the highway”.   Sadly everyone suffers from the coaches' inability to figure out a way to make this work.

Being objective let’s look at the pros and cons!

PROS

1.     The Universities receive tremendous national exposure and a significant opportunity to expose their brand.

2.     The Universities have significant opportunities to engage their total constituent base.

3.     Fans have another opportunity to support their state university.

4.     The game receives major television exposure on national television that helps recruiting of student-athletes and students.

5.     The game will generate significant revenue for both programs through ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, merchandising and broadcast rights.

6.     The tradition of maybe the two most storied and respected basketball states and universities grows.

7.     Playing other non-conference powerhouses always helps in the NCAA Tournament seedings and pairings.

8.     Numerous other smaller benefits that are too numerous to mention.

CONS:

1.     Uuh

2.     Huum

Earlier in the week, Hoosier Athletic Director Fred Glass offered Coach Cal an alternative where a four game series would take place with the first two games at neutral sites and the last two games on campus.  The defending NCAA Champion responded, “Thanks, but no thanks.”  This situation is clearly a situation where the leadership of the athletic departments just needs to tell their coaches, “We are going to play this game every year.  Either you figure or it out or the Athletic Directors will.”  Sometimes as a leader you have to insert your will when you know what the correct decision is.  Mitch Barnhart and Fred Glass need to tell the coaches, “this game, the states of Kentucky and Indiana and two great Universities are bigger than either of you.  Make it happen!"