I wrote a long post that either needs editing or deletion – but at least it served as “pre writing” for this post.<\/p>\n\n\n
If you want to be precise the “status quo<\/a>” is simply the “current situation.” Which technically means that whatever is happening at the moment is the “status quo.” Usually the term implies the “normal” and ESTABLISHED state of affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n “Organizational behavior 101” is that “organizations” of any size tend to work to maintain the “status quo.” This “active desire to maintain the status quo” might be called “culture” or “tradition.” <\/p>\n\n\n Whatever we call it – changing the “status quo” will take conscious effort. First it has to be recognized, and then the process of change can begin. <\/p>\n\n\n In a larger organization there will be written\/documented procedures that formally maintain “situation normal.” In a smaller organization there are (probably) fewer “rules” but a “status quo” has been established. Then in a “startup” organization the “status quo” has to be created.<\/p>\n\n\n Of course a “startup” is rarely actually starting from scratch – the folks starting the company are bringing all of their previous experience (positive and negative). e.g. If you have heard the saying “you’ll find it the same wherever you go” – that is sorta the same idea …<\/p>\n\n\n Also true is that “change” happens – whether we want it or not. If an organization fails to adapt to change – then EVENTUALLY it will cease to exist. <\/p>\n\n\n Which means that the “status quo” of “long term successful” organizations incorporates responding to change.<\/p>\n\n\n The term “learning organization” was popular a few years back. The phrase might be a meaningless management buzzword in 2021. Back in the early 1990’s the “learning organization” was probably focused on implementing relatively new technology (i.e. that “interweb” thing the kids are using). In 2021 the “learning organization” should be focused on being an “effective communication” organization …<\/p>\n\n\n If you are in a “leadership” position then you are always “communicating.” The only question is “how” and “what” you are communicating.<\/p>\n\n\n Communication styles can differ greatly based on individual leader preferences. HOWEVER – one of the biggest mistakes a leader can make is to “assume” that “employees” understand “leadership’s” reasoning\/expectations. <\/p>\n\n\n This is particularly important when a leader is trying to change company culture. In a “change” situation it is probably impossible for a leader to overcommunicate – i.e. “change” will still happen if leaders “under communicate” BUT the change will almost certainly NOT be the desired change. <\/p>\n\n\n The concept of “leader intent” comes to mind – i.e. leaders should communicate the “why” as well as the “what” behind their directives. If the desire if to cut waste and be cost effective – then expressing the desire to find ways to cut waste and encourage cost effectiveness will (probably) more accurately meet “leadership’s intent” than ordering people to count sheets of paper and track paper clip usage … <\/p>\n\n\n The same rules apply to sports teams. Of course it is much more common for “sports philosophy” to be used in the “business” world than the other way around. <\/p>\n\n\n Teams\/leagues are simply organizations<\/a> that have agreed to compete based on a specific set of rules\/standards. The big difference being that telling “who won” and “who lost” is much easier with a scoreboard.<\/p>\n\n\n Obviously with “professional sports” the only metric that matters is “winning contests.” Professional coaches and athletes are paid to win. There are no “moral victories” in pro sports.<\/p>\n\n\n Of course that doesn’t mean that “losing professional sports franchise” is actually “losing money”\/unprofitable OR that “championship sports franchise” is actually “making money”\/profitable. But that is a much different subject.<\/p>\n\n\n “Winning” always implies a competition of some kind. In “sports ball” the rules of competition are clearly defined. e.g. You can take a look at the NFL rulebook<\/a> or download the MLB rules<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n But is “winning the only thing?” Or is “just win baby” a functioning philosophy? How about “if you ain’t first, you’re last<\/a>?” <\/p>\n\n\n If you ain’t first, you’re last<\/p>Reese Bobby<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n Well, with all due respect to Vince Lombardi and Al Davis – both of their quotes have been taken a little out of context – as is true for a lot of “motivational quotes.” <\/p>\n\n\n The quote from Talladega Nights<\/a> humorously illustrates the “out of context” nature of most “win at all costs” quotes.<\/p>\n\n\n Vince Lombardi was also quoted as saying that he wanted his players to place “professional football” third on their “life priority” lists – with God and family being in the first two spots.<\/p>\n\n\n I never heard Al Davis try to explain his “just win baby” quote – beyond being a condemnation of other teams “player conduct” policies. In context he was asking for the same sort of commitment as Mr Lombardi. Mr Davis described that commitment as a “commitment to excellence” – which has also become a management buzzword in its own right (feel free to google the term).<\/p>\n\n\n Meanwhile a lot of well-meaning coaches\/managers have misinterpreted the “search for high performance” as a requirement for monastic dedication.<\/p>\n\n\n As always the unexamined life is not worth living – but my point today is that in “non professional sports”\/the real world there is ample room for “moral victories.”<\/p>\n\n\n From a practical standpoint – being focused on the end product at the expense of the process that generates that product is counterproductive. <\/p>\n\n\n Yeah, that is not very quotable – the idea is simply that if you take care of the small things along the way, the end result will take care of itself.<\/p>\n\n\n From a sports ball perspective – that is why Vince Lombardi started each season showing the team a football and saying “Gentlemen, this is a football.” Mr Lombardi also pointed out that “Football is a game of blocking and tackling, block and tackle better than the other team and you will win.” First master the fundamentals, and then winning will follow.<\/p>\n\n\n There is a famous story of John Wooden (UCLA’s 10x NCAA basketball championship coach) starting each season by teaching players how to put on their socks. Mr Wooden would explain that if a player put their socks on wrong, then the sock would “bunch-up” and the player would get a blister. If the player got a blister they couldn’t practice\/play. So spending time at the beginning of each season to teach new players (and remind returning players) how to put on their socks was worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\nchange<\/h4>\n\n\n
communication<\/h4>\n\n\n
Sports ball<\/h4>\n\n\n
Winning <\/h4>\n\n\n