I’ve mentioned the Chicago Cubs in enough posts that I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone or a secret that I’m a fan of their team. I actually grew up a fan of the Cubs, doing my homework as a child with the Cubs game on tv in the background.
If you have followed baseball at all this year, you probably know that they are having a landmark season. Along with that you hear all about the curse of the goat, the black cat, and Bartman. You also hear that it’s been 100 years since they have won the World Series. The Cubs manager, Lou Piniella, has tried to keep fans at bay and has said not to let this team carry all of the weight of the past on them, but to let them go out there and do the best that they can do for THIS year … not for the past 100 years.
All of that aside, I read an article on the Cubs’ website this morning that made me think about the power of teams.
Ryan Dempster, one of the starting pitchers, said this past spring that he thought they would win the World Series this year. He felt that they were a better team this year than last year and that their chances were better. It’s that “It’s Gonna Happen” attitude. I love the fact that he and the team embraced it and have kept their eye on the prize. No defeatist attitude … just going for it.
Another thing that stands out by reading this article, or by simply following the team, is that there truly isn’t ONE stand-out player on the team. There are several on the team who all have huge accomplishments this season, and all of those combined efforts have made the team wildly successful. So far, they have clinched their division and they have the best record in the National League. Could it even be possible that they will win 100 games this year (combining regular season and postseason play)? That has yet to be seen, as well as whether or not they will make it to (or win) the World Series.
Regardless of the outcome of the season for the Cubs, I have some take-aways from them. Do you think anything from this baseball team can apply to us as business owners/professionals? Absolutely!
* Determine your goal. What is that ridiculous dream you wish to accomplish? Once you identify it, embrace it.
* Keep your eye on the prize.
* Stay positive.
* Be confident.
* Stay focused.
* Never give up.
* Surround yourself with like-minded individuals.
* Teams will outperform individuals. The combined strengths and knowledge that each individual brings to the table is powerful.
I urge you to take a look at yourself and your business. Do you have the attitude of the Cubs? Do you have the motto “It’s Gonna Happen”, or are you a defeatist? Do you have the strength and power from being around other like-minded individuals? If not, I highly recommend that you consider it.
Lou Piniella has created a superb team that has come far. If we take a page from his book, we all could learn much about improving and succeeding.
Now, go make it happen.
(Go, Cubs, Go!)