When you get to spend some time speaking…and as he pointed out…listening to a future Hall of Fame manager in Joe Maddon your expectations are probably a little high. In this case, the learnings, and the expectations, exceeded even our grasp.
You can hear the whole 40-minute conversation as part of the latest edition of the CUSP Show that posted this week. Among the key learnings, in addition to talking about the Outerskype initiative, listen to Maddon on
“Err on the side of Aggressiveness”: A phrase coined by another CUSP Show guest, Fernando Perez (whose story is even as interesting as Maddon’s from a Columbia music major/outfielder to the World Series with the Tampa Rays) which helps outline Maddon’s approach to success on the diamond.
“You can’t teach unless you listen.” Joe talked at length about the learnings he picks up daily from staff, players and friends by using his ears much more than his mouth. The key to teaching, which we have always agreed with, is the ability to listen and assimilate; a skill needed today as much, if not more, than ever.
“Embrace the Struggle:” We got to touch on the ability to use failure as a tool for success, something many in any area of business fail to acknowledge. Sometimes lost in the mix is the fact we learn more from our failures than our successes, and Maddon, who points out that he did not become an MLB manager until his 50’s, goes in depth on mistakes made and lessons learned while in the minors that helped him get into a position of leadership for success.
Public speaking as a skill. Maddon also talks about another aspect of success that we have mentioned…getting comfortable being uncomfortable. In his case his mountain to climb was with regard to speaking in public, an area the younger Joe Maddon was not comfortable with. He learned, overcame the challenge, finds the entrance points to share the suggestion of the skill with his players, and even pushes his family members to make sure they are comfortable conversing.
We also took the time to learn about all Maddon has done, and still wants to do with his foundation, Respect 90, as well as a myriad of other topics.
A worthwhile 45 minutes of learning.
