Sunday, December 6, 2009

Growing Your Own

The Colorado Rockies conducted a check presentation with about 10 nonprofits this week. Afterwards I spoke with Keli McGregor, President of the Rockies, and we chatted about their strategy of growing their talent within their organization. His words focused around "patience" to allow the investment to grow and acheive, and balancing "character" with talent. Only by enduring and working through "slumps" do players really demonstrate their resiliency and grow confidence. He doesn't listen to the radio and media talk shows. Other than patience, their biggest challenge seems to be keeping their players when they prove their worth and are tempted by the big money offered by other teams. His words reminded me so of Tom Landry's philosophy of growing your own. Molding young talent to fit the team's needs. Creating a system that supports inexperience and offers opportunities to play through slumps. Of course there's the risk that while the organization and system support the young that same structure may limit the unique talents, experience and maturity of players as they gain experience and confidence. I look forward to hearing Keli's thoughts on this in the future.

Road Trip

Last week I was blessed to enjoy a 5 day Thanksgiving break in my Honda Civic and 1624 miles of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho roads. From Cheyenne to Billings, Bozeman, West Yellowstone (the park was closed), Jackson, Tetons, Lander, Laramie, and home. Alot of pavement and fascinating topography. Mucho meandering brainwaves. I love road trips. Next time I need to go farther north into Montana...toward Kalispell, etc. May have to fly or have more travel time.

Hard Hard Lesson

Four months later. Life choices seem to clarify themselves as time passes. After my letter to Urban Peak their response made it clear that they are too insecure within their leadership and apparently too happy to keep assets that were originally meant for The Spot's population. Can't do much about it due to my single biggest mistake in my business career. Back in 2003 I allowed myself to be convinced that the written agreement did not need to insist on the 2 buildings and other assets always being prioritized for The Spot's population. I should have listened to those Board members and others who stated that Urban Peak's culture was not a fit and that they simply wanted the assets. Hard hard lesson. Never trust unless its in writing and iron clad. Now to focus on new solutions and opportunities.