I have long been a fan of the “Wizard of Westwood”, Coach John Wooden. The legendary UCLA basketball coach’s phenomenal achievements in basketball probably pale in comparison to his contributions as a teacher and developer of young mens’ character. Wooden still to this day uses maxims or “Woodenisms” to teach important principles of life. One seems particularly fitting for the current economic condition in our society:
“Bad times can make you bitter or better.”
Doesn’t this capture one of the inherent truths and ultimate “silver linings” that will likely spring up from the downturn of 2008 – 2009? In simple terms, we are personally and as leaders challenged to get better – to improve organizational performance by creating and leveraging improved individual performance. As individuals, we are challenged to make some tough choices and take actions that may have been easier to avoid or ignore in the past. The easy fixes haven’t worked. Giving employees an “E” for effort is simply not effective. Apathy is no way to retain good customers. Low performers are not being helped by allowing them to do and be less than they are capable of.
It’s 2009 and America is in the midst of a recession that has created an unemployment rate nearing double digits. We have two choices: Get bitter or get better. As leaders, we are called to dig deeper, tackle our fears, and do the hard work that others won’t or can’t do. To survive now, and thrive after the recession is over, the choice has essentially narrowed to this: Get better.
Recession or no recession, every day that we’re alive, we must improve, grow, advance. Bitterness and defeat is not a viable choice, is it?
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