Frontview Mirror - I Can't Wait

It is a huge weekend coming up which I would like to dedicate to Jerry Glanville, former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. It was Glanville that prior to the 1992 season traded Brett Favre to the Green Bay Packers. 5877 completions, 66,808 yards, 476 touchdowns, 3 MVPS, 10 Pro Bowls, 275 consecutive starts, and 1 Super Bowl championship later Favre returns to Green Bay this weekend. I can't wait!!! My thoughts on that and other items are below.

• Just like Michael Myers in the movie Halloween returned to a small mid-western town and terrorized it on Halloween night, I see Brett Favre slashing through the Green Bay defense this weekend. With Adrian Peterson and the other offensive weapons having a big weekend, I see Minnesota winning 27-24. Experience matters. Favre has played too many big games in the stadium to be intimidated by the atmosphere and environment.


• Has anyone noticed that Kyle Orton has a 26-12 record as a starter. With two weeks to prepare, look for Denver to remain unbeaten on the road in Baltimore.


• The Georgia Bulldogs can beat the Florida Gators. They won't however. Too much defense but the Dogs keep it respectable. Florida wins 21-10.


• It is amazing to me that Matt Barkley has beaten Ohio State, California, and Notre Dame on the road as a freshman. Look for him to add the Oregon Ducks to that list.


• The New Orleans Saints will blow out the Atlanta Falcons in a raucous atmosphere on Monday night. I'm not convinced that the '76 Steelers could win in that stadium on that night. Drew Brees continues his battle with Peyton Manning for MVP.


• I love watching the Philadelphia Eagles. They have so many athletes and big play options. I'm just convinced they have waited to unleach Michael Vick against a team like the New York Giants. However, with no running game and not enough protection for Donovan McNabb, look for the Giants to win 31-27 on the road.

Finally, Fireproof is my favorite movie of all time. Saw the following tweet from my good friend Ike Reighard. I can't wait for this either! - RT @MichaelCatt: check out http://www.thenextsherwoodmovie.com/ we are announcing the title and theme on Sunday night Nov 1 (cont) http://tl.gd/nosf

It should be a great weekend and I didn't even mention the World Series or the NBA's opening weekend.

Mike Scioscia - The Best Manager In Baseball

The following is the 2nd part of my look at the best organization in baseball, the Los Angeles Angels. In this post, we will analyze the leadership style of Mike Scioscia and what we can learn his approach.

• The Angels, though not as famous as the Chicago Cubs, had a long history of play-off collapses. See the 1986 ALCS against the Red Sox. However, when Scioscia arrived he successfully communicated the "one day at a time" philosophy. Only Bobby Cox can match Scioscia when it comes to individual player and organizational long-term thinking.
• Scioscia refuses to accept credit. He constantly refers to the talent and depth of the organization. Furthermore, he constantly stresses that "we don't do anything extraordinary."
• The difference between equally matched teams is leadership. No manager puts pressure on opposing teams more than Scioscia. He brings a National League style of leadership that was formed from his days as a catcher. He places a great emphasis on base running. No AL team goes from first to third as often or effectively as the Angels. No team bunts more. Also, they specialize in strategic game-time decisions such as moving runners over manufacturing run support.
• Scioscia leads up well. Owner Arte Moreno lets baseball people make baseball decisions. Scioscia also gives the same ownership and responsibility to his Assistant Coaches. This could be a primary reason for the stability at every level of the organization. In 10 seasons as a Manager, he has lost only three assistants and two went to become a Manager (Bud Black and Joe Maddon).
• Player Development. In a Sporting News article in June 2008, Scioscia said "If you're not developing your own guys, scouting, drafting, and developing your own players, a philosophy we know is important, it's very, very tough to keep continuity and keep the team where it needs to be. This whole clubhouse really has a feel of player development in it, which is really the ultimate." When someone comes up to the majors, they are generally ready.
• Every Player Has A Role. He uses the entire 25 man roster. This keeps the players fresh and demonstrates his full support of their efforts.

In conclusion, a final thought about Scioscia. When it came time to leading through the crisis of Adenhart’s passing, he understood the weight on the players’ hearts and shoulders. He didn’t discuss the team’s play for two weeks. After a long road trip losing five of six and a final memorial service, he re-focused the team on the the joy of playing baseball. Subsequently, the team then went 13-6 and off to the races.

An Ode To The Los Angeles Angels

We have all been inspired by the play of the Los Angeles Angels this year as they responded to the untimely death of Nick Adenhart. I feel that along with the New England Patriots, they have the finest organization in sports. In the first of a two part series discussing their approach to winning, I will first profile Owner Arte Moreno and the organizational approach. The second blog will focus on Manager Mike Scioscia.

• Moreno cares about the fans. Upon purchasing the team, he created "fun, safe, affordable entertainment." One example is that he lowered concession prices. The lowering of prices cost the club $5o0K in beer sales in the first year. However, he sold $600K more netting a $100K increase in revenue. The customer matters.
• He also branded stability by retaining the services of Manager Mike Scioscia and GM Bill Stoneman.
• They pay their people well. Their generosity and ability to evaluate talent at all levels throughout the organization allows them to get good people, and keep them.
• From 2003 to 2007, Stoneman steadfastly refused to move his top minor league prospects for established stars. This was considered a strength at the time and allowed the Angels' minor league system to be ranked in the Top 5 the last seven years. This practice is still in largely in place today.
• Moreno's chief concern is balancing competiveness with affordability. Several years ago he released Kevin Appier because of poor play despite eating a $16M contract. Also, Stoneman was eventually released in October 2007, primarily for refusing to part with young talent in an attempt to win a championshp. This year they signed Bobby Abreau to a 1-year, $5M deal, the best bargain in baseball.
• Baseball people make baseball decisions. Scioscia signed a 10-year extension this past January.
• New GM Tony Reagins signed Torii Hunter to a free agent contract and then in the summer of 2008 traded for Mark Teixeira. This year, the obtained Scott Kazmir.
• Because of their approach to player development, the Angels have a deep team with many interchangeable parts and a manager who knows how to utilize all 25 players.
• The MVP of this team is not Vlad Guerrerro, Abreau, or Hunter. Because of their depth, it would be organizationally developed players Kendry Morales (26 years old, 43 doubles, 34 home runs, 108 RBIs) or the lead-off man who previously plugged holes by playing four different positions, Chone Figgins (114 runs, 42 steals).
• Finally, was there a better picture in all of sports this year than the spontaneous dousing of Adenhart's jersey when they won their divison title. In case you missed it, check out the link.

With their deep pockets, robust farm system, and an organizational wide culture of unselfishness, the Angels will continue to compete for years to come. Next will be a profile of the best manager in baseball, Mike Scioscia.

Rearview Mirror

It's been a great weekend and the following are some thoughts from it:

• Fantastic day at Fellowship Bible Church with Senior Pastor Crawford Loritts. Spoke on Acts 13:1-3 and how God uses diversity to spread the Gospel. I am so excited about how our church is serving and impacting the Roswell, GA community.
• As you arrived for the service, we had hand sanitizers stationed outside the auditorium doors to protect against the H1N1 flu virus. If this gives visitors a sense of security and allows them to relax and focus on the message and not a potential physical issue, this is a good thing.
• C.J. Spiller has entered the Heisman race. I appreciate that Tim Tebow is going to be in here because of Florida's ranking and his pedigree. However, it we judged it on this year alone, here is my list as of this date - 1) Jimmy Clausen 2) Mark Ingram and 3) C.J. Spiller.
• Though the Miami Hurricanes and Tennessee Volunteers both barely lost, both are going to be serious national contenders in the upcoming years. Miami is loaded with young talent and a Jacory Harris will be a leading candidate for the 2010 Heisman. Tennessee is learning how to win and currently has the #6 ranking in this year's recruiting class.
• Everyone talks about the defenses of Florida and Alabama and rightfully so. However, don't overlook the defense of the Texas Longhorns. The could have 3 first round picks in next year's draft in Sergio Kindle, Roderick Muckelroy, and Lamarr Houston. Also, safety Earl Thomas will be a 2nd team All-American.
• Speaking of the NFL Draft, Jonathan Dwyer and Spiller have passed Jahvid Best as 1st round running backs. Look for Charles Scott of LSU to pass Best as well, but all will be in the 1st round.
• Matt Barkley had the USC offense hitting on all cylinders. They have 6 NFL players starting at the skill positions. Once again, they will be the team you don't want to play in January.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers defense scored more points than the Minnesota Viking offense 14-10. It is going to be an unbelievable AFC playoff series with the Steelers, New England Patriots, and Indianapolis Colts.
• In an league driven by parity, I have never seen the NFL have so many bad teams. When you look at the Browns, Titans, Raiders, Chiefs, Redskins, Lions, Buccaneers, and Rams, you have 8 teams that have little to no chance ever week.
• Did you notice that hot air ballooning got more coverage this week than the NHL?

Frontview Mirror - Troy Polamalu

As I head into the weekend, the main item I will be interested in seeing is the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings. I think the game will be won in the secondary so I am picking the Steelers primarily because of one man, Troy Polamalu. I think in this Golden Age of Safeties, he is the greatest who has ever put on a uniform. The following are some leadership principles we can extract from his performance:

1. Knowledge of the Game. It is well documented that shortly after the 2004 season ended, he watched every defensive play of that season of seven of the top safeties in the league to feed his thirst to learn. Troy stated "In a game with a lot of great athletes, the mental edge is what you (have to) have."
2. Flexible Options. At 5-10, 200+ lbs with 4.4 speed, he has the physical capacity to line up at all three levels of the defensive side of the ball and free-lance on each play making him difficult to prepare for.
3. System Fit. When you combine his instincts, versatility, physical capacity, and the Steelers multitude of schemes and blitz packages, Polamalu is given the trust to constantly be in position to make plays. He says "This is the perfect system for me, without a doubt. They're always putting me in the middle of the action."

Whether it will be helping to hold Adrian Peterson to under 100 yards, or intercepting at least one of Brett Favre's passes, I think Polamalu and fellow Safety Ryan Clark will be the difference in the game.

Key thoughts - As a member of your ministry or organizational team, do you have a thirst to be a continual learner? Are you multi-skilled and can help in any number of areas? And finally, are you in an environment that maximizes your effectiveness? Watch the video below and see what happens when you operate in your strengths zone.

Yankee Stadium and Church Buildings Part 3

The following is my final installment of principles church leaders can take away from the construction of the new Yankee Stadium.

• A new facility will increase involvement in the many products that are connected to it. 50,000 pair of eyes each evening see creative advertising on the new Jumbotron. As many new people attend your new facility, the church will see an increase in its sub-ministries such as Children, Youth, Women's, etc... A good measurement of leadership and performance will be does the sub-ministries grow at the same percentage rate as the worship service since it will serve as a feeder.
• An increase in revenue allows for the needed talent acquisition. With the increase in revenue, there will be many discussions on how best to utilize the resources. As that decision is being made, please remember the only appreciable asset is people. Whether acquiring personnel or ministering to those in need, people is always the best strategic choice.
• Acquiring talent is a skill in itself. If throwing money at people is all that is needed to win a championship, the New York Mets and not the Yankees would be perennial contenders. Many have said it but when choosing a team member look at character, competency, character, and calling. One additional item I look for is capacity. Capacity determines "the size of a person's brain", their horsepower, and the amount of output they are capable of. In a future blog, I will discuss the key elements that can expand or limit a person's capacity.
• Finally, a new facility will have a positive impact on other churches in the area. As the Yankees spend more for players with their increased revenue, it will drive up salaries for the other teams through Free Agency and arbitration comparables. It will also provide them increased assets through revenue sharing. As attendance increases at a new facility, many will determine that the new approach to ministry is not right for them and their family. They will not quit church, but rather will attend somewhere else in the area helping grow that church. Also, the spiritual temperature in the community rises because everyone sees the new construction. The community drives by the new construction on a daily basis and knows that God is changing lives. A rising tide will lift all ships.

These three blogs were written for church leaders who were apprehensive about expanding their facilities. If your church is growing but still struggling in this area, take lessons from sports stadiums and get a picture of what God can do in your ministry. While it will take faith, energy, and strong leadership, the impact it will have on those in your church and those who will soon come to your church will be felt for eternity.

Yankee Stadium and Church Buildings Part 2

The following is Part 2 of what church leaders can learn from new facilities, in this case the new Yankee Stadium.

• A "New" facility creates positive momentum for a church. When you visit a new stadium, the grass looks greener. The hot dogs taste better. The parking and amenities are better. When a new church building is constructed, the music sounds better. The seats and temperature are more comfortable. The bookstore has a better selection. The coffee tastes fresher. The pastor communicates better. It just creates a more conduscive environmanet for people connecting to the heart of God and other people. "New" generates momentum. The launch of a new minsitry generates enthusiasm and momentum. The hiring of a new staff person mobilizes people and interest. Everyone shows up to hear the new pastor. "New" generates momentum. Church leader, what have you done that's "New" lately?
• While "New" generates momentum, "Improved" sustains momentum. A new facility requires sustained excellence because the increased costs will be fixed to maintain it, but the revenue will only remain high if the product improves at an equal or higher rate. In other words, a winning team is needed to initailly populate a new stadium and keep people coming back. The church must deliver consistent ministry excellence to populate its new facililty and create repeat attenders.
• Therefore, a new facility requires new or additional talent. The Yankees signed Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia, and AJ Burnett to help fill its new stadium. An expanded facility with new and improved ministry, will need an expanded leadership base to support the expanded audience and ministry need. Whether that is paid staff or an increase in your volunteers, additional talent will be required. Without expanded leadership, expansion will soon be followed by contraction.
• A new facility will help allow a church to become everything God wants it to be. The Detroit Tigers' new ownership felt their new product finally "hit the shelves" when their new stadium was built. Once a church has the adequate space to facilitate what it feels God has called them to do, the leadership finally gets the sense that they can have the impact on their community and the world that they always dreamed of.

Coming soon will be the final chapter of this series. Let me know what you think.

Yankee Stadium and Church Buildings Part 1

Several months ago I read an article in the Sporting News regarding the impact of the new Yankee Stadium. I think there are several key learnings that church leaders can take from its construction and apply it to their ministry environment.

1. Every facility eventually becomes outdated and not as efficient as it previously was thus costing the ministry opportunity. The current Yankee locker room was built for athletes in the 1920s, not today, and it obviously doesn't have the economic capability of luxury suites and advertising revenue. The only thing that appreciates is people. Even the best buildings became landlocked, deteriorate, or no longer meet the needs of a changing society. To a visitor, a leaking roof indicates something else is leaking. An outdated facility communicates your ministry is outdated.
2. Attendance and involvement will increase with a new facility. If your new facility was tied to vision, the genesis of the new project was that you could no longer facilitate what God was doing at your church. The expanded facilities now allow you to maximize on your potential and reach the people you are capable of reaching. It is a reality of leadership that great leaders will always have to raise money and expand because they will always continue reaching more and more of their community.
3. New facilities meet attendee expectations by offering choice and experience. When you go to a new ballpark, parking is better, there are entertainment options outside the stadium, great video boards, and there is fan interaction options. A new facility gives you a better experience...particularly in the children's area. But adults also get coffee areas, better gathering space, quality bookstores, better lighting and sound, video capabilities, wider aisles, and a warmer facility that just makes connecting with the heart of God and others easier.
4. Current attendees will increase giving. It is well documented that the Yankees dramatically raised ticket prices. Likewise, where a man's treasure is, there is heart will be also. A capital campaign tied to vision and built on a foundation of prayer weaves a culture of generosity into your church. As a result, weekly giving will increase in addition to the additional sacrificial dollars. Also, the expanded facilities will allow for expanded audiences. And when you get people, you also get their resources.
5. This increased revenue will change how ministry is done. The Yankees are expected to take their increased revenue and revamp their Latin and overseas scouting departments. Churches with increased revenue can add staff or launch ministry initiatives to better serve the schools and under-resourced in their communities.

Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3.

Rearview Mirror

Some thoughts and experiences I had this past weekend:

• Great day at Fellowship Bible Church. Shane Freeman shared about the wrath of God and we had baptism and communion. Unbelievable message and experience. Shared a quote and a few passages on my twitter account.
• Had breakfast Saturday morning with a pastor whose church is closing and helping him transition to the next phase of his life. Very productive and he is going to be quite productive in his next assignment.
• Matt Barkley is 5-0 with road wins at Ohio State, California, and Notre Dame...as a freshman! We are seeing the embryonic stages of potentially an all-time great.
• Sam Bradford and Jermaine Gresham of OU have reminded me that when opportunity presents itself, it's too late to prepare. In their case, no need to keep preparing. Both definite '09 first round picks should have went pro.
• Two years ago, Brett Favre was the NFL Player of the Year as the Green Bay Packers went to the NFC Championship. In 2008, the New York Jets were 8-3 before he got hurt. This year, he is having another magical season for the 6-0 Minnesota Vikings. Great quote - "At 40 years old, I know what to do." I hope he never retires. He's got talent around him and let's just enjoy this.
• The 80-83 San Diego Chargers. 1990 and 1995 San Francisco 49ers. 2000-02 St Louis Rams. 2007 New England Patriots. It's time to add the 2009 New Orleans Saints to the list of the greatest offenses of the modern generation.
• Tennessee Titans are 0-6. Since 1978, of the 47 teams that went 13-3 or better, 12 (26%) had a losing record the next year. I will explore why in a future blog.

Frontview Mirror

As we head into a good sports weekend, the following are key thoughts that I have:

1. Heisman Trophy race. If you had no knowledge of college football, the following would be your current leaders: 1) Jimmy Clausen 2) Jacory Harris 3) A.J. Green. We all know that Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy are the leaders, I'm just saying. However, if Notre Dame beats USC, look for Clausen to take the outright lead anyway. If Joe McKnight has a great game, look for him to enter the top 3.
2. USC vs Notre Dame. ND has a weak defense and USC has the best offensive line in the country. Also, Ronald Johnson returns at WR. Clausen will have his moments but USC by 10.
3. Oklahoma vs Texas. I thought this was the funnest game of 2008 and my expectations are high for this one. Bradford will be returning. McCoy is the 2nd coming of Drew Brees. I like UT's speed on defense as the decider in a very high scoring game.
4. Andre Johnson has been the best WR in the NFL for 3 years. His touchdown run against Arizona last week was the most violent touchdown imposed by a WR I have ever seen. Too much Bengals though.
   
   
   
   
5. Philadelphia Eagles Offense. Jeremy Maclin was last week's highlight reel. I'm picking Brian Westbrook or LeSean McCoy as this week's hero. I'm thinking they have a HUGE package for Michael Vick but are saving it for the New York Giants on 11/1.
6. Great Match Ups. Brett Favre vs. Ray Lewis, OU-TX, Giant vs Saints, MLB playoffs, Bradford vs. McCoy, Jimmy Clausen vs. Taylor Mays, and the Kansas City Chiefs vs Washington Redskins. OK, I'm kidding on the last one.
7. Someone told me the NHL season had started. I put that in my "Sasquatch Category". There are some who claim they've seen it but there is no actual visual confirmation.

Mark Richt and the Strength of Personality

Living in Georgia, there is much conversation regarding Mark Richt and how his calm demeanor is affecting his team's performance. Before providing my thoughts, I would like to provide a little history on other low-key personalities in the sports world.

1. Tim Duncan. Tim's level of intensity was often maligned early in his career, particularly when Shaquille O'Neal was winning 3 NBA titles earlier this decade. However, once the San Antonio Spurs began winning titles, Tim's low-key approach was deemed soothing and perfectly suited for the marathon season of the NBA. This personal approach was also attributed to the team peaking at playoff time and not earlier in the season.
2. Eli Manning. Eli's calm style caused many to be concerned if he possessed the leadership skills needed to command a huddle, quarterback a NFL team, and survive New York. Tiki Barber even questioned his approach in a book. However, when he won a Super Bowl, his style was seen as relaxing and theraputic enough to fit perfectly in the high demands of the NY market.
3. Tony Dungy. After Coach Dungy was fired as the Tampa Bay Buccaneer's coach, the fiery Jon Gruden won the Super Bowl the following year. Tony's perceived lack of intensity was viewed as holding the organization back. However, once he won a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts, he was viewed as a leader of men and a model of personal dignity and behavior.

This brings me back to Mark Richt. No one questioned his style when the Georgia Bulldogs were #2 in the country a couple of years ago.

What is at play here is The Law of Momentum which states that momentum is a leader's best friend. Georgia currently has no momentum. When a leader has momentum, they look better than they really are. If your organization lacks momentum, you look worse than you really are. Coach Richt is a great coach. UGA simply is not winning currently, and thus incorrectly reflects negatively on Coach Richt. Have patience and learn from the diversified strengths of the previously mentioned highly skilled, low maintenance personalites.

Denver Broncos Exceeding Expectations

I got an interesting question today - "Why do you think the Denver Broncos are 5-0?" The reason I was asked this was because my preseason prediction was that they would have the worst record in the NFL and that the Seattle Seahawks, who own their 2010 first round pick, would have the first pick in the draft. After giving it some thought, here is what I think all leaders can learn from their fast start.

1. The Law of the Inner Circle. Taught by John Maxwell in his book 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and states that those closest to you determine your level of success. The addition of Mike Nolan as the Defensive Coordinator cannot be understated. The best indicator of future performance is past performance and his work with teams like the Baltimore Ravens speaks for itself.
2. The Strength of the Wolf is in the Pack. The combined talents of 53 players is more valuable than 1 player, in this case Jay Cutler.
3. Leadership is in Alignment. Though Jay Cutler did not buy into Josh McDaniels' plan, it certainly appears the rest of the team did. When there is a linear message from Executive Management to Head Coach to coaching staff to the team leaders, the rest of the team will follow. It is important to know that in church environments, when the pastor, staff, and key leaders lead in alignment, the congregation will follow.
4. Talent Matters. Denver has quietly assembled a solid defense and arguably the finest offensive line in football. An organization cannot go to the next level without an increase in talent.

5. Consistency Matters. Kyle Orton does not make many mistakes. In the world of flash and larger than life personalities that we live in, we often forget the value of consistant performance and the compounding effect it has in the area of excellence.

As I reflect on the Broncos unexpected fast start, these are the key learnings that leaders from any organization can take away.

Coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals

For the first time, I am impressed with the character of the Cincinnati Bengals. This new attitude is led by Head Coach Marvin Lewis. Here are some facts about Coach Lewis compiled from articles several years ago:

1. He wouldn't take the Cincinnati job until upgrades were made in travel, food, and their weight room.
2. He started a chapel program.
3. He is a constant presence and gives players his cell phone number.
4. He focuses on the "little things".
5. He was a class president, top student, and quarterback.
6. Growing up, his life revolved around his church.
7. He previously coached under Brian Billick, Bill Cowher, and learned personnel from Ozzie Newsome.

It is important to note that one's charisma and ability can often take them to a place where their character cannot sustain them. Guys like Marvin Lewis and Assistant Coach Mike Zimmer don't have to worry about that. I'm rooting this year for the Cardiac Cats.