Firing a Coach

This Blog is stolen from an author that we are having come address an internal leadership meeting next week.  I think Randy Goruk gets it right with his comments on the Arkansas coaching change.  So rather then bore you with my ideas I am going to highlight his weekly tip.

You can go to Randy's website http://www.leadersedge360.com/ to learn more and to sign up for weekly tips.

Values Matter
      

As you may know by now, University of Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino was held accountable for his recent actions and behaviors - he was fired from his job as leader of Arkansas football program by Athletic Director Jeff Long.

Although college football is big business and results are important, the results on the field were not a factor in the decision of termination ... and he was delivering very good results for the football program (business) - his performance as a football coach didn't matter.

What mattered was the importance of maintaining the integrity of the character and values of the school. Lying, cheating and abusing power are not part of the schools value system.

Mr. Long indicated during the news conference announcing the termination, "Our expectations of integrity and character in our employees can be no less than what we expect of our students"

I applaud the decision - in fact I'm in for a standing ovation.

For many leaders making the decision to fire a top performer or a long time contributor is hard because there is so much pressure on achieving results that forgiving and forgetting seems so much easier to do.

It may seem much easier; however your organization gets confused by conflicting signals. Your credibility as a leader begins to diminish then chaos and turmoil begin to kick in - stay away from this, because ultimately it's not easier in the long run.

My leadership tip for you this week is to learn from the mistakes made by a leader (Coach Petrino) and learn from the decision to terminate coach Petrino. Specifically; 

• Be mindful and disciplined in managing your actions and behaviors - be strong on unwavering character
   
• The values of your organization are more important than short term results

Coach Petrino isn't the first or last leader to be disgraced and fired because of their actions or behaviors ... be careful, you don't ever want to join that club.

   

Enjoy your leadership journey !