Long-Term Leadership Gaps Weaken Organizations and Countries
Regardless of where you stand politically, the role of the Speaker of the House in our country is of paramount significance. As the presiding officer of the House of Representatives, the Speaker assumes the responsibility for shaping the legislative agenda, orchestrating the passage of bills, and guaranteeing the efficient operation of the House. Beyond these operational duties, the Speaker plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of power, acting as a vital check on the executive branch, representing the House as a unified body, and personifying leadership within Congress. The Speaker’s function transcends mere importance; it is indispensable in upholding the public’s trust in the democratic system. Because of the prolonged vacancy in the Speaker’s position, there is consequence, among them being: Legislative Gridlock: The absence of a Speaker can paralyze the House, hindering its capacity to enact vital legislation and causing governmental gridlock, thereby impeding its responsiveness to pressing national issues. Impaired Checks and Balances: The Speaker’s presence is integral to maintaining the delicate power equilibrium between the legislative and executive branches. An absence weakens these checks and balances, risking an overreach of influence by the executive branch in legislative matters. Delayed Response to Crises: During crises, such as the current Middle East crisis, the Speaker guides the legislative response. Their absence can impede swift and effective government reactions when timely legislative action is imperative. Erosion in Public Confidence: According to Pew Research, ‘Public trust in the federal government, which has been low for decades, has returned to near-record lows following a modest uptick in 2020 and 2021. Currently, fewer than two in ten Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “just about always” (1%) or “most of the time” (15%). This is among the lowest trust measures in nearly seven decades of polling. Last year, 20% said they trusted the government just about always or most of the time. (https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/09/19/public-trust-in-government-1958-2023/) Because Fallston Group focuses on building, strengthening, and defending reputations, let’s take a deeper dive into the erosion of public confidence and negative outflows of the Speaker vacancy: Perception of Dysfunction: The vacancy of the Speaker’s position creates a perception of government dysfunction, eroding public trust in the efficacy of the political system, thereby undermining the public’s faith in its capability to function effectively. Political Polarization: Exacerbated political polarization further entrenches the perception that partisan interests supersede national concerns, thereby deepening divisions within the government. Inaction on Key Issues: The inability to prioritize and advance pivotal national matters, such as healthcare, immigration, or climate change, in the Speaker’s absence frustrates the public and creates a sense of neglect. Public Distrust in Leadership: The Speaker embodies leadership within Congress, and the lack of their presence raises questions about the competence and leadership of elected officials. Consequently, cynicism and distrust in those in power intensify. Continuity is important at every level of leadership. Voter Apathy: Governmental dysfunction resulting from the Speaker’s absence discourages civic engagement and voter participation, potentially leading to a decrease in voter turnout and civic involvement, as the public becomes disillusioned with the political process. Voters must be heard, and apathy causes a slow, steady breakdown in our system. Regardless of political party, the Speaker of the House is more than a figurehead; their presence is integral to the proper functioning of our government and the preservation of public trust in the democratic system. The potential consequences of an unoccupied Speaker’s chair extend far beyond mere governance – they encompass the very pillars of our nation’s democratic foundation. Fill the post.
The Taylor Swift Effect: How the NFL, DraftKings, and Others Harnessed Taylor Swift’s Star Power
Today, very few brands hold as much influence and star power as Taylor Swift. With an ever-growing fan base, Swift has proven to be a game-changer in the music industry, sports, entertainment, and marketing. Swift’s remarkable effect on the NFL can be seen through her impact on Travis Kelce, a Kansas City Chief’s offensive superstar. But first, let’s take a look at the numbers: Bears vs. Chiefs – Swift’s 1st NFL engagement – viewership (ages 18 – 49) increased by over 60%. Jets vs. Chiefs – Swift’s 2nd NFL engagement – 17 televised cutaways to Swift; 2 commercials for Swift’s new movie. Travis Kelce Jersey Sales – increased over 400% after the Bears vs. Chiefs game. Kelce’s Instagram gained over 860,000 followers in the last 7 days. The NFL’s official social media accounts posted about Swift over 30 times last week, resulting in more than 170 million impressions. DraftKings “Feeling 22” prop bet featured Travis Kelce over a 22-yard reception. Swift’s rise to worldwide fame is a testament to her immense talent as a musician and songwriter, but not to overlook her goodwill and clean reputation. Over the years, she has cultivated an exceptionally loyal fanbase, known as “Swifties,” who hang glom onto her every word. This level of devotion and influence extends far beyond the music industry, transcending into the world of sports and beyond. However, it all starts with Swift’s authenticity and credibility, enhancing the brands she associates with – we call this the halo effect. Known for her honest songwriting and genuine personality, Swift has fostered a deep connection with her audience. When she aligns herself with a brand, her fans view it as a sincere endorsement, increasing brand trust and credibility. This has value for those in her brand sphere. Travis Kelce, a standout tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is one of the NFL’s most talented players. Beyond his remarkable on-field abilities, Kelce has become known for his vibrant personality and appearances at Swift’s concerts. By personally and publicly aligning himself with Swift, Kelce has tapped into her fanbase, boosting his own popularity and expanding his reach beyond the football field. Now, let’s just say for a moment that this is ‘love’, not ‘business.’ For the record! Swift’s positive reputation exudes elegance, grace, and empowerment. By associating herself with brands that reflect similar values, she elevates their brand image in the eyes of consumers. Whether it’s fashion labels or charitable organizations, Swift’s positive aura enhances their reputation and strengthens their connection with consumers. The NFL, recognizing Swift’s influence and appeal, has cleverly leveraged her star power to enhance its brand, attract a wider audience, and increase valuation. Various teams have strategically used Swift songs in their promotional videos, engaging existing fans and intriguing new ones. By associating themselves with the highly successful superstar, organizations can tap into their dedicated fanbase and create a connection with individuals who may have previously been disengaged from the sport. Expanding Brand Reach and Valuation: Beyond the NFL, other organizations have also latched onto the Taylor Swift effect to boost their brand reach and valuation. Companies have utilized Swift’s songs in commercials, events, and social media campaigns to capture the attention of her millions of fans worldwide. The association with Swift instantly boosts brand visibility and credibility, enabling these organizations to tap into her immense influence and connect with new demographics. By partnering with companies that align with her core values, Swift helps consumers build meaningful connections with these brands, ultimately making them more trustworthy and valuable. The relationship between Taylor Swift and organizations like the NFL is mutually beneficial. Swift gains exposure to new audiences who might not typically listen to her music, while organizations gain access to her vast fanbase. This symbiotic collaboration allows for increased brand recognition, market expansion, and, ultimately, increased overall valuation for all. To reiterate, Taylor Swift’s enduring positive reputation increases the value of the brands she associates with. Through her authenticity, broad market reach, amplified brand image, emotional connections, and dedication to social impact, Swift has created a winning formula that brands eagerly seek out. As her career continues to flourish, Taylor Swift’s influence will undoubtedly shape the landscape of celebrity endorsements and contribute to the growth and success of these valuable brands. The Taylor Swift effect on individuals like Travis Kelce, the NFL, and various organizations is a powerful testament to her cultural influence and universal appeal. Swift’s music messages connect with millions of people, and organizations are wise to leverage her star power to expand their reach and increase their brand valuation. As her impact grows, it is clear that Taylor Swift’s presence will remain a force to be reckoned with in both the sports and business worlds. The question becomes…what have you learned? And how can your brand be positively or negatively impacted by those people, places, and things you align with? Oh, and by the way, what is the net-net impact of the brands that align with yours? Yes, your orbit matters!
Fallston Group on Fox News: Top 5 Ways to Enhance School Safety for a Secure Learning Environment
As many across the country are starting their school years, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors within schools is paramount. In today’s world, it’s essential to implement effective measures to create a secure learning environment – both physically and emotionally safe. In this blog post, we will explore the top five ways to improve school safety, encompassing both physical security and the well-being of students. 1. Implement Comprehensive Security Measures To bolster school safety, it’s vital to establish robust security measures. This includes access control systems, surveillance cameras, visitor check-in protocols, and the presence of trained security personnel. Regular security audits ensure these measures stay up-to-date and effective, deterring potential threats and enhancing overall safety. 2. Prioritize Mental Health Support Emotional and psychological well-being is integral. Schools should offer counseling services, anonymous reporting systems, and staff training in recognizing signs of mental distress. Schools create a supportive environment that can prevent potential issues by addressing students’ mental health needs and providing mechanisms for reporting concerns. 3. Develop Comprehensive Emergency Response Plans Being prepared for emergencies is crucial. Regular drills, reliable communication systems, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies ensure that students and staff are well-equipped to respond to crises in the absence of an SRO (school resource officer). Effective emergency response plans help minimize chaos and ensure a coordinated and timely response. Organizational muscle memory is key. 4. Prevent Bullying and Fostering Inclusion Bullying can be a significant safety concern within schools. Implementing anti-bullying programs, establishing reporting mechanisms, and educating students about the harm caused by bullying are essential steps. By nurturing a culture of respect and empathy, schools create a safer and more inclusive environment for all. Bullying is not for free and those who choose to create an unsafe environment should be held accountable. 5. Leverage Technology-Based Solutions In the digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in school safety. Visitor management systems, emergency notification apps, and anonymous tip platforms enhance security and communication. These tools allow schools to respond swiftly to threats and keep parents and guardians informed about their children’s safety. Enhancing school safety is a multi-faceted approach. Schools will create a safer environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally by implementing comprehensive security measures, prioritizing mental health support, developing emergency response plans, preventing bullying, and embracing technology. Collaborative efforts from educators, parents, and the community are key to achieving this goal. Watch Video: https://foxbaltimore.com/morning/crisis-expert-discusses-strategies-for-school-safety-as-students-return-to-classes#
Reputational Benefits of Having a Sound Business Continuity Plan and Disaster Recovery Strategy
In today’s faced-paced and highly motivated court of public opinion, having a robust continuity plan and/or disaster recovery strategy is crucial. We have been mentioning to clients for nearly 15 years – “it’s not a matter of if, but when a crisis will occur.” In our tenured experience, those who take a proactive approach and prepare for smoldering and sudden events have proven to have better growth results when issues arise. on the following are the key areas of importance highlighting why having sound recovery strategies is vital for organizations – we refer to the communications component as a Crisis Communications Algorithm. Businesses must invest time, effort, and resources in creating and implementing these vital plans. Why? Minimize Downtime: When faced with a crisis, whether litigation, investigation, social-media attack, cyber-attack, global pandemic, etc., businesses without a continuity plan often scramble to respond effectively. By having a well-designed strategy in place, companies can minimize downtime and disruptions to their operations, ensuring a prompt recovery and uninterrupted provision of goods and services. We call this ‘Organizational Muscle Memory.’ Protect Revenue Streams: Crises have and will continue to impact a company’s valuation. Without a continuity plan, businesses risk a breakdown in their supply chains, a halt in customer transactions, or the inability to communicate with clients, leading to financial losses and funding withdrawals, which can be difficult to recover from. Implementing a solid crisis plan helps safeguard revenue streams and significant financial setbacks. Companies must protect valuation as crisis cost time, money consumer trust, careers, and in the worst case scenarios, freedom and lives. Safeguard Customer Confidence: Maintaining trust and consumer confidence is crucial for any organization. Stakeholder loyalty can be tested, especially if businesses fail to meet customer expectations due to a lack of preparedness. A well-executed continuity plan helps organizations manage potential disruptions effectively, enabling them to communicate transparently with clients and consumers, minimize service interruptions, and consistently while meeting their customers’ needs. Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Numerous industries are subject to legal and regulatory compliance measures that necessitate establishing a disaster recovery plan. Failing to do so can result in financial and legal repercussions. By creating a disaster recovery strategy, businesses will comply with industry regulations, avoid penalties, and ultimately protect their reputation. Protect Data and Information: In today’s digital age, where cyber threats are rampant, having a disaster recovery plan that includes redundancy, data backup, and protection measures is essential. Businesses store vast amounts of critical data, including customer information, financial records, and intellectual property. It’s crucial to have a disaster recovery plan in place to safeguard your customer feedback platform and other vital assets. By having a comprehensive strategy in place, companies can ensure the integrity and availability of their data, even in the face of cyber-attacks, hardware failures, or natural disasters. Maintain Employee Safety and Well-being: Disasters not only affect a business’s operational side but also impact its employee safety and well-being. A well-prepared continuity plan should prioritize employee safety, outlining protocols for evacuation, communication, and overall crisis response. By providing a safe environment and addressing employee needs during and after a disaster, businesses can retain valuable talent and foster a sense of security among their workforce. Remember, the first order of leadership is to provide a safe place to live, work and raise a family. It’s Worth the Investment: The importance of having a continuity plan and disaster recovery strategy cannot be overstated. These plans not only protect businesses from financial losses and legal liabilities but also ensure the well-being of employees while maintaining customer trust. In today’s rapidly changing world, organizations must invest in preparing for various disasters, resulting in a resilient business that can weather any storm. Contact Fallston Group to learn more; info@fallstongroup.com.
The Baltimore Orioles’ Winning Principles: Lessons from The Oriole Way
The Baltimore Orioles’ Winning Principles: Lessons from The Oriole Way In the world of sports, the Baltimore Orioles have stood out in 2023 not just for their turnaround winning record but also for the culture they have built around their success. At the heart of their achievements lies The Oriole Way, a set of principles established by Cal Ripken Sr. that has become synonymous with the franchise. These principles serve as invaluable lessons for corporations seeking to excel in their industries. From strategic player acquisitions to a strong emphasis on teamwork, the Orioles’ winning culture, rooted in The Oriole Way, showcases principles that can be applied to corporate settings. In this blog, we explore these principles and how they can drive corporate success. Strategic Player Acquisitions: The Oriole Way places great importance on strategic player acquisitions. Cal Ripken Sr. believed in carefully assessing the skills, character, and potential of individuals to build a strong team. This principle applies to corporations as well. To succeed, companies must be diligent in acquiring talent that aligns with their values and long-term goals. Investing in the right people from the start sets the stage for future success. Player Development: Cal Ripken Sr. and The Oriole Way emphasized the development of players. They believed in nurturing young talents and providing them with guidance and opportunities to grow. In the corporate world, this principle is equally important. Companies should prioritize investing in their employee’s professional growth, offering mentorship, training programs, and a supportive environment that encourages personal and career development. A commitment to employee development leads to a skilled and motivated workforce. Emphasis on Teamwork: Placing a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, Cal Ripken Sr. believed that success on the field was a collective effort. Similarly, in the corporate world, fostering a culture of teamwork is essential. Encouraging collaboration, effective communication, and creating cross-functional teams can lead to improved productivity, innovation, and problem-solving. Unwavering Work Ethic & Determination: The Oriole Way instilled a strong work ethic and determination in its players. Cal Ripken Sr. believed in giving 100% effort and never settling for mediocrity. This principle holds true for corporations as well. Companies should encourage a strong work ethic and a culture of perseverance. Embracing challenges, maintaining a positive attitude, and striving for excellence are vital for long-term success. Leadership at All Levels: Recognizing the importance of leadership at all levels of the organization, Cal Ripken Sr. believed that leadership should not be limited to a few individuals but should permeate the entire team. Corporations can learn from this principle by nurturing leadership qualities in their employees. Encouraging individuals to take initiative, lead by example, and develop their leadership skills creates a culture of empowerment and accountability. The bottom line – own your space! The Baltimore Orioles’ winning culture in 2023 is deeply rooted in The Oriole Way. These principles of strategic player acquisitions, player development, teamwork, work ethic, and leadership offer valuable insights for corporations aiming to achieve excellence. By embracing these tenents, companies can foster a culture that values diligence, collaboration, continuous improvement, and effective leadership. Incorporating these principles into their corporate DNA sets the stage for long-term success and growth, just as it has for the Baltimore Orioles. As we embrace The Oriole Way, we embark on a journey of achieving greatness, both on and off the field. Now, Let’s Go O’s!
Trust and the Media: The Problems & Potential Solutions
Trust and the Media: The Problems & Potential Solutions It began with another eye roll. In a meeting, I mentioned my background as a journalist, and I sensed the smirky reactions. When I first started in the news industry more than 30 years ago, people were excited to hear about what stories I was covering and what famous people I may have met. But times have changed. Now journalists face constant skepticism and allegations about ‘fake news.’ I left the TV Industry four years ago, and I am currently a communications strategist who cringes whenever someone tells me what is wrong with the news industry. Here’s WHY: Many hardworking, honest, fair, empathetic, and fact-driven journalists do great work in their communities, but there are certainly others who have tarnished the industry’s reputation. Yes, it’s cringeworthy to all of us who care deeply about our profession. THE PROBLEM The problem is that there is a strong narrative that journalists are “the enemy.” Admittedly, there is strong evidence concerning how trust in the news industry has disintegrated over time. A 1974 Gallup poll found that 74% of Americans had a great deal/fair amount of trust in mass media. Fast forward almost 50 years, and that number is cut in half. A Gallup Poll taken in October 2022 finds that only 34% of Americans have a great deal/fair amount of trust in mass media. That’s cringeworthy. Many factors play a role in the news media’s decline in trust. For example, the lines between news, entertainment, and commentary began to blur when cable news gained popularity. The definitive border between fact and opinion must be clarified. There are also numerous people/sites on every digital platform that define themselves as news sources. However, it needs to be made clear what credentials the reporter or news outlets have and what ethics they follow when reporting. Still, Pew Research found in a poll taken last Fall, that U.S. adults under 30 now trust information from social media almost as much as national news outlets. THE SOLUTION The solution is simple: you build trust through honesty. Transparency is crucial right now because trust is so fragile. For journalists, the best way to build trust with an audience is to explain WHY you are following a story and HOW you ended up with the conclusions you are reporting. Journalists need to double-check facts with objective, supportive data. Journalists need to double-check sources too. This is a time when it seems anyone can say anything, so it’s important to make sure any source you use is legitimate and without bias. Finally, journalists need to ask themselves: Did I eliminate any self and source-bias when formulating the story? Was I objective with my line of questioning? Am I holding the right people accountable? Is the story accurate and objective? Did I include all sides of the story? Did I double-check my data and facts? Do I show multiple viewpoints? Have I explained WHY the story impacts the community? Have I included the ‘what’s next’ factor? (sometimes referred to as the ‘moving forward’ factor)? If a mistake is made, have I adequately corrected it in the same forum? When I was a journalist and faced a complex story, I liked to use a ‘Process Journalism’ technique to help show the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind a story. The story would take the viewer on a journey of discovery, as the facts are uncovered and why one interview may have prompted another interview from other sources. ‘Process Journalism’ describes the investigative development that led to the story’s conclusion. Process Journalism is one methodical way to tell stories that could help build the trust factor for viewers. Politics have also weighed heavily on the need for more trust components for journalists. Too often, an audience only wants to hear its own viewpoints mimicked in the news. Journalists must accurately and objectively show all points of view to avoid placating any particular views while keeping their opinions at bay. Many journalists are trying to make progress toward building trust and turn to Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) for guidance on navigating this uphill battle. RTDNA and Magid have created a more complete roadmap for newsrooms to use as guidelines. For example, RTDNA recommends that “journalists be knowledgeable about the local community and what issues are important to local news consumers,” as well as “authentic and genuine” in their coverage. For any working journalist, I suggest they keep a copy handy on their office desk or front seat! Again, many hardworking, honest, fair, empathetic, and fact-driven journalists are doing great work in their communities. Let’s give those deserving journalists a chance to win back your trust while telling your stories. Sources https://news.gallup.com/poll/403166/americans-trust-media-remains-near-record-low.aspx https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/10/27/u-s-adults-under-30-now-trust-information-from-social-media-almost-as-much-as-from-national-news-outlets/ https://assets-002.noviams.com/novi-file-uploads/rtdna/Trust_in_Journalism_Project/RTDNATrust-Research-FINAL.pdf
First Republic Bank: Highlighting the Importance of Risk Management
The recent collapse of First Republic Bank is another example highlighting the importance for business leaders to be uber-predictive and ongoing practitioners of risk management. This process should be embedded into their operations to protect their brand, valuation, and customers. The seeds of First Republic’s failure were sown years ago when their strategy was developed to focus on wealthy clients by offering rock-bottom interest-only jumbo mortgages as a key means to get those clients to accumulate assets in the bank. Due to widespread banking industry concerns, First Republic Bank needed cash to cover clients withdrawing their money from the bank. Their mortgage loans were of little value to generate cash in the current higher interest rate marketplace. If First Republic Bank was thinking about risk management as part of its ongoing practices, its leadership would have considered how to deal with future rising interest rate risks. Taking a longer-term view of possible future financial market scenarios may have helped guide them to a better-informed strategy and avoid this collapse. Sadly, the effects of the First Republic Bank’s failure impact many….employees losing their jobs, shareholders losing their investment, and senior leaders losing their positions – everyone’s reputation is impacted. Their reputational piggy bank is now sustaining many withdrawals. Risks for businesses come from many different sources – financial, legal, environmental, operational, and reputational are just some major areas to consider. A sound business management process for leaders is routinely conducting risk assessments while considering the possible scenarios in a fluid marketplace. This is one of the key roles of leaders….to understand possible business risks and take actions to manage those risks appropriately to ensure the longevity and valuation of the enterprise. This way, banks can turn short-term adversity into a long-term marketplace advantage.
Bud Light Backlash – Perspective from Fallston Group’s Chief Executive, on The National Desk
“Crises cost time, money, consumer confidence, and careers and generally in that order,” said Rob Weinhold, a crisis leadership expert and chief executive for the Fallston Group. “And I think as the groundswell continues to grow and valuation decreases, I think it would behoove Anheuser Busch to get out in the court of public opinion and further explain what their longer-term strategy is. And the bottom line is they have to strike the balance between appealing to their existing customer base and then where they want to go generationally as a business,” Weinhold continued. He said in this day and age, brand executives have to have a predictive mindset to understand the consequences of their actions. Please read the full article here
The Coxswain Metaphor – A Lesson from the Ultimate Team Sport
In the stern of every 4- and 8-oared rowing shell sits a person called the coxswain. This person is the brains behind the brawn; the on-water coach; the decision-maker; the leader. This person is responsible for race strategy, the safety of the crew and equipment, and ultimately, for ensuring that every single rower knows exactly what to do and when to do it. The coxswain, not coincidentally, is the only person facing the direction the boat is moving: forward. From the moment the crew puts hands on the boat, the coxswain is in charge. The crew places the highest level of trust in the coxswain, understanding the importance of their role in contributing to the whole. Every individual is incredibly important– the sum of everyone is exponentially greater than any one person. If one person, for one second, loses focus or misses a call, accidents happen, people get hurt, equipment can break, and races are lost. Great coxswains (like great crisis leaders) are part visionary, part strategist, part coach and always operating within a predictive mindset and factoring each nuance. In any crisis, it only takes one action or incident, sometimes deceivingly minor, to derail an organization. At the moment a crisis occurs on the water, the leadership of the coxswain becomes even more important; the crew always knows whom to follow. When a crisis occurs in your organization, do you have a coxswain? Does your crew know where to look for leadership guidance, strategy, tactics and recovery? Do you have someone that is “facing forward” and can see the big picture from the outside? Imagine trying to move a 60-foot racing shell forward, while facing backwards, continuing to row, coordinating everyone else in your boat and constantly turning around to see if you’re going to hit something. You can’t do it. It’s no different than trying to handle a crisis that is happening in your own organization without independent crisis leadership. On the water, in an office or within our personal lives, something eventually happens that will throw the whole crew off balance, off course and threaten to sink the boat. Crisis management is important because it isn’t whether or not the event that happens is large or small but the ripple effect and how it is managed and contained. Rowing is one of the most beautiful sports to watch; from a distance, a synchronized crew looks flawless, its minor mistakes not visible to those on shore. It is analogous to your company’s reputation. Outsiders don’t see or know every nuance or issue that occurs “in the boat.” But before a crisis occurs and it affects reputation—how the outside world perceives your organization—the smartest thing you can do is assemble a confident, capable, and highly experienced crisis leadership team who will get your crew rowing smoothly again, in the right direction.
Organizational Muscle Memory Saved Damar Hamlin’s Life
Cal Ripken, Sr., widely known as the professional ballplayer turned coach who created The Oriole Way, joined Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles as a minor league ballplayer in 1957. He went on to coach, spending 36 years with the organization. Of the many “Seniorism” phrases I’ve heard from Cal Jr. & Bill Ripken, the one that most resonates with me is “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.” I never thought of it that way, but Cal Sr. was right. Another mantra floating around the universe is “Amateurs Practice Until They Get It Right; Professionals Practice Until They Can’t Get It Wrong.” While hard to find appropriate attribution, this phraseology also shaped my thinking as it takes optimal performance to another level. Whether a musical performer, professional golfer, or keynote speaker whose livelihood depends on making audiences think, feel and act differently, true pros relentlessly rehearse, so they are ready to meet the moment. Let’s take it one step further when lives are undoubtedly on the line. My Dad was a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger who found himself in numerous jungle warzones during his career. Part of the Ranger Creed reads, “Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some.” When I reflect upon these core beliefs, the following comes to mind: Commitment Excellence Ownership Winning What looked like a routine tackle as millions tuned into that week’s Monday Night Football game quickly escalated into a life-or-death moment. The National Football League’s Buffalo Bills Assistant Trainer Denny Kellington’s quick and decisive actions saved Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s life on January 2nd. Kellington administered CPR and is credited by many for saving Hamlin’s life and preserving his cognitive health. Simply put, Denny Kellington is a hero. How did Kellington so effectively spring into action at 8:55p that horrific night? Unquestionably, the 30 minutes he and others who cared for Hamlin during that crisis positively changed the trajectory of many lives. From the training staff to first responders to coaches to the continuum of healthcare providers and many more, there are many to credit with Hamlin’s survival and remarkable progress. Point blank, Kellington did what he and his staff were trained to do. They didn’t feel their way through the situation, try to figure it out on the fly, look up a series of policies or protocols to see what to do next, or even phone other professionals for advice. They’ve been training for this moment for decades – Kellington recognized the situation, responded with conviction, and fully committed himself to Hamlin. Much like every NFL team has a playbook, so does the training staff – it’s called Organizational Muscle Memory. Whatever team you’re a part of, learn from Kellington. Be predictive, relentlessly train and always be ready to meet the moment…you never know who might need you during life’s most critical times. #lovefordamar
