World Series Time. That usually means the best of the best on the field (that includes the umpires) however this year during the postseason the umpiring has been BAD. No matter who you root for they have absolutely blown some calls. I don’t make this statement lightly. Remember, my mother was the first women to referee a basketball game in Madison Square Garden and was invited to officiate at the Olympics so we don’t do much criticizing of officials in our house. And although the performance of the umps is disappointing even more disappointing is the Commissioner of Baseball, Bud Selig. Most everyone else (players, umps, fans) as I understand it wants video replay.

His most recent comments are to the effect that everything will be fine and there is no need for video replay. Mind you the NFL which has supplanted baseball as the American game uses is successfully as does the NHL but baseball chooses to cling to the old fashioned ways. This is the same baseball which has made a mess of the steroids issue by avoiding if for as long as possible. Did I mention the NFL had a real drug policy long before baseball?

Selig is out of touch. He is almost as out of touch as the owners of the Washington Redskins (who are having a bad year) who have banned signs that are critical of the team (so much for freedom of speech in our nations capitol!)

What is the point? Good question, I guess there could be several but how about this one. You cannot lead successfully if you are out of touch. I know professional sports are a unique beast but these organizations respond to the same basic principles of leadership and organizational dynamics that all the other ones do. The Commissioner is leading poorly, in my opinion. I know he will sleep fine tonight but will you?

Ask yourself, how in touch are you with what is going on in your work group or company? If you aren’t sure you might want to get some video replay.

Leader Up!

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