What Business Women Can Learn from George Steinbrenner
Posted: July 15, 2010, 07:29 AM by Leslie Grossman
Yes, I am a Yankee fan. I follow every game. I read the sports page. Well at least the stories about the Yankees. I love the players. And I have always been fascinated by George Steinbrenner, owner of the most successful franchise in baseball history., the Yankees. His passing this week truly saddened me. He was a man that left a true legacy. A man from which women leaders can learn a bit about leadership.
Most women don’t know much about George, but sports fans either loved him or hated him. Mostly hated him. Some of it was jealousy. George is accused by competitive teams and fans of changing baseball by using his financial power to buy and keep great players. This strategy continued a Yankee tradition started in the 1920s, long before George bought the team. And why not? Major league baseball is not only a sport, it is a business. There are many stories about George. Stories about his temper, his conniving ways, his firing, rehiring of managers, particularly Billy Martin, all these making him a colorful character and a questionable leader. But he adored most of his players and was a generous giver to charities and people who were in trouble and needed his monetary support - usually doing this quietly without recognition. He was also willing to step out of his comfort zone in business, like when he was part of an investment group that created the YES network in 2005, which has become the number one regional sports network.. He was a “bad” boy, too. Banned from major league baseball twice – once for making illegal campaign contributions . Afterwards, he was back stronger then ever. You may ask, what can women possibly learn from this man, whose life was quite controversial? Sure he was rich. Sure he was powerful, but so what? Here’s what women leaders, and men, too, can learn from George Steinbrenner: #1. Stop trying to be perfect. There are no perfect leaders. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s part of life and it’s part of doing business. #2 Forgive yourself. We women tend to beat ourselves up. We often focus on the mistakes we make, rather than what we do right. Get over it. George was ‘humiliated” in the media, but he never let it stop him. He forgave himself and moved forward with his beliefs of how to run a team, which earned him and his investors financial rewards and the fans the joy of winning often. #3. Be generous. Be willing to pay good people what they are worth and more to recruit them and keep them on your team. And get the best people you can afford. Treat the good ones well and get rid of the others, quickly. Women tend to keep underperforming people too long. #4. Stop trying to be liked by everyone. You can’t be a good leader and have everyone like you. If they do, you are playing it too safe. #5. Support the causes you believe in. If you’ve got it, don’t flaunt it in diamonds and fashions. Flaunt it by quietly giving to causes that will make the world a better place for people to live happier, healthier lives. Support the candidates that you believe will change the world. When you are successful, that’s part of your responsibility. Thank you, George. Thanks for the lessons you have taught us and for the dedication you have shared. You left your mark on sports history. You have inspired so many of us – not just men, but also women. ……Leslie Grossman, cofounder, Women’s Leadership Exchange, author,”SELLsation!”Reader Comments
Posted: August 20, 2010, 05:25 PM by Julie-Ann
You’re right on the money! Mr. Steinbrenner wasn’t always the most popular leader, but he got the job done and made the fans happy. He understood the values necessary to take a business and make it succeed. Never unwilling to make the tough decisions and live with their consequences – good or bad – he is a shining example of leadership and customer service. Mr. Steinbrenner’s commitment to give the fans what they want and add value to their experience reminds me of this article that has also taught me a lot (http://www.upyourservice.com/learning-library/customer-service-contact/add-value-first-reap-value-later).
Posted: July 15, 2010, 02:42 PM by Bonnie Ross-Parker
You nailed it! A great guy and a controversal one! Never the less, he made his mark and will always be remembered my millions of people because of his contribution(s) in and outside of baseball. One of my all time favorite books is, The Four Agreements. They are: Never Assume Anything. Always Do Your Best. Never Take Anything Personally and Be Impeccable with Your Word. The ideas you expressed (George's insights) and those of The Four Agreements are undoubtedly all you really need to leave a beautiful life filled with joy. Hats off, Leslie. A terrific tribute.
Posted: July 15, 2010, 12:32 PM by Ellie Nieves
Leslie -
Thanks for the great Blog Post. I especially like tip #4. Stop trying to be liked by everyone. The reality is that leadership does not come without a price and center stage isn't all it's cracked up to be. Leaders will face challenges and challengers.
Ellie Nieves
Posted: July 15, 2010, 09:31 AM by Marlene Leff
What an outstanding tribute to an exciting man that made things in life happen. So true the hardest thing for women to do is let go and forgive themselves. We always feel we could have done it better and find every reason when we lose a deal that it is our fault and if we would have done it different, or said it different the results would have been better. I myself suffer from that fault and would love help in moving on and getting over it. If George could move on and become my successful I certainly can, since I have done nothing illegal or hurt anyone. thank you for bringing that statement of our attention. Your words of wisdom are always great to read. You yourself are a very special woman and have created with Andrea a special way for women to love, care about each other and help one another. I salute you.
