Leadership and Crisis

by RevrendBronco on May 25, 2009 7:22 AM MDT

I have been watching this years off-season un-like any other. The firing of Shannahan... the hiring of McDaniels... the Cutler saga... the Draft... obviously this year has been one of the most interesting and highly analyzed off-seasons in Broncos team history.

To be honest, I was skeptical when the Bronco's hired McDaniels. Sure, he was part of a coaching staff that won 3 Super Bowls, and he did a great job as the Offensive Coordinator last year when his team lost their starting QB and had to turn to a guy who had never started a game since high school, but still... being a head coach in the NFL is no entry level job. You just don't throw anyone into that position... It takes a real leader.

And then the Jay Cutler deal. I had held out hope that things were going to work out, but unfortunately it didn't. It was the worst possible scenario. I was pretty much convinced that 2009 and virtually every year after that was lost... and that McDaniels was going to last about 2 seasons as a coach... and the broncos would be back to square one...

But since the draft, I have been able to step back and see the past few months with a little bit less emotion and a little bit more objectivity, and honestly, I think what has gone down this off-season has not only made the Bronco's a better team, but it has helped McDaniels in a task that many times takes years for organizations to do. Change.

In my career, I study leadership and organizational leadership pretty extensively. Change never comes easy, and it rarely comes quickly. I have worked with several organizations which have recognized the need for change, and have tried to change, but have ultimately failed at the task. This is almost always because the resistance to change, internally and externally, is so great. The organizations that do experience radical and meaningful change in a very short time usually have two things... 1. A Great Leader(s) and 2. A Crisis

(Something to note: Many times, a leader's greatness is discovered during times of turmoil or Crisis)

For the Broncos, going 8-8 and barely missing the playoff's could have been a major obstacle. Why?... Because it was average. They weren't great, but they weren't the Detroit Lion's either. There was no real sense of urgency... no real sense of impending doom... People would say, "We were close, and we will probably be close again next year if we don't change up too much... Maybe fix a few peices on Defense, and we're there." (Sound like the majority of analysis of the broncos this off season?) But little to they realize the danger behind such complacency!

Jim Collins wrote an amazing book called "Good to Great" in which he shares that the greatest enemy of "Great" is "Good". As long as we are satisfied with "Good", we will never truely do what it takes to acheive "Greatness". You can watch this principle play out virtually every year in professional sports somewhere. A team that has all the talent in the world, and yet seemingly never fulfills their potential. (For some reason the Cowboys, Chargers, Jets, and Redskins come to mind...)

What is great about a Crisis, is that it can often clarify vision and values within an organization. When a crisis hits, The whole organization starts to take inventory about what is important... what is priority... and it often looks to it's leaders for the answers. It is in the midst of crisis that the fundamentals of what an organization is, or should be, start to be clarified and defined. What seems to be such a terrible thing, can in reality, become exactly what the organization needed in order to get to that next level.

The Jay Cutler saga was a crisis for the Broncos. Losing your Pro-Bowl, franchise Quarterback is a major blow, there is just no way around that. But what has happened in Denver because of this has been a re-defining of the teams vision and values, and that has been a very good thing. You can hear this vision and these values communicated in almost every interview by the coaches and the players. The players are committed to each other... they are working and learning together... and they are allowing themselves to be taught by those who have the responsibility to coach them. I really have been impressed by the direction things have turned for the Broncos since this whole Cutler Crisis has gone down.

Not every organization handles crisis in a positive way. For every example of positive change happening in an organization, you can find 10 organizations that fold under the weight of it. That is why great leaders are often revealed in times of Crisis. These leaders have the ability to focus on the right things, and lead through the crisis rather than be lead by it. It's not yet time to declare that McDaniels is a great leader, but you do have to acknowledge that since Jay Culter was traded to the Bears, the Broncos have seemingly become a different organization. From my view from the cheap seats, the Broncos have become a group of players that are committed to win as a TEAM... and that is a character trait of all "Great" Teams.

All in all, I believe that McDaniel's was handed a gift in disguise through the conflict with Cutler. It opened the door for important and needed change to happen within the organization, and who knows... hopefully another great leader will emerge from it's ashes.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Comments

This is an excellent analysis of change

I’ve done work with churches during leadership changes, times of complacency and times of crises, and we’ve experienced much the same thing.

I’ve also done marriage counseling, and I always share something one of my grad school professors told me — “As long they’re still throwing the dishes there’s hope for change. When they become too complacent to fight, it’s over.”

The Broncos had become mired in complacency since Elway. Like many here at MHR, I’d grown tired of the repeated litany of “We’re just one player away from the Super Bowl,” that occurred after each season of not making the playoffs. While I believe that Mike Shanahan will make it into the HOF some day (based on 2 SB wins & his repeated success at taking lower round running backs and turning them into 1000 yard runners), I think he was long past the time that he should have been removed from the HC position (based on 10 years of averaging 9 wins a season and few playoff appearances).

I especially agree with this comment that you made above:

what has happened in Denver because of this has been a re-defining of the teams vision and values, and that has been a very good thing. You can hear this vision and these values communicated in almost every interview by the coaches and the players. The players are committed to each other… they are working and learning together… and they are allowing themselves to be taught by those who have the responsibility to coach them

I’d like to add that I believe we are seeing the formation of several great leaders — not only Coach McD, but some of the younger players as well.

I believe we’re going to take a lot of people by surprise, not next year, but this year. The players are working from a sense of excitement, confidence and a belief that they can succeed.

13-3 Baby!!!!

oh, and btw, rec’d

Pray for the best, prepare for the worst, and hope you come down somewhere between the two.

by Brian Shrout on May 25, 2009 8:03 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Different way to look at the offseason, appreciate your insight

The healing process has begun....

by ohiobronco on May 25, 2009 8:08 AM MDT reply actions

Rec'd

I like your post very much. (my first attempt at being a troll or have I misunderstood?)

I’m excited for this season to start, moreso than any season that I can think of. I think that McD has all the qualities necessary to lead this team, I just want to see how he handles game day, especially in game adjustments (something I don’t believe Shanny did as much in his recent years) and clock management. It drove me crazy to be leading the game in the 3rd and fourth quarters only to have Cutler throw the ball all over the place. You need to close out the game, not try to make it closer by giving the other team every opportunity to come back.

Which leads me to another thought. I read an article on ESPN, I think where it declared that the team with the lead in the 1st quarter(!!) went on to win the game in 75% of the contests. If I can, I’ll try to make own post on that very idea and see what I come up with.

We don't devote nearly enough scientific research to finding a cure for jerks. - Calvin

by solace on May 25, 2009 8:30 AM MDT reply actions

This is a well formulated thought

Thanks for the sermon Revrend. Rec’d

With the 12th pick, the Broncos select Knowshon Moreno - Roger Goodell
That'll move the chains - Andy Samberg

by KaptainKirk on May 25, 2009 8:42 AM MDT reply actions

Redefining who you are

Highly rec’d Reverend. Change was essential for this team. New leadership was essential for this team. New vision was essential for this team. Very insightful delineation of a truly fascinating off season so far. I think we are going to be so much better than people realize. Many of my friends have been so negative and I’ve been giving them the MHR treatment. They say we’ll see what you’re saying in October. Well so we will.

by Ponderosa on May 25, 2009 9:20 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Great insights on change

Thanks! I think these are great insights into the surging Broncos. For these exact reasons (and the personnel they already have in place), I really think the Broncos have a chance to be special this year. I can’t wait to hear the MSM call McD a great leader and the Broncos a big surprise.

by BideshiBronco on May 25, 2009 9:29 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Leadership and the Road to the Super Bowl

Leadership and the Role to the Super Bowl
by bfree2bronc on Apr 22, 2009 10:34 AM PDT on Mile High Report.

A leader must have a clear “vision” of his goals.
A good leader must have the discipline to work toward his or her vision.
A true leader must be able to communicate his “vision” in terms that cause the followers to buy into it.

Integrity: Can he or she be “trusted”.
Dedication: Spending whatever time or energy is necessary to accomplish the goal.
Magnanimity: Give credit to those due credit…“at-a-boy”.
Humility: Recognize that you are no better or worse than other members of the team. A humble leader is not self-effacing but rather tries to elevate everyone.
Openness: Being able to listen to new ideas. Not, “my way or the highway”. Builds trust and mutual respect between leaders and followers.
Creativity: The ability to think defferently, “outside the box”.
Fairness: Dealing with others consistantly and justly.
Assertiveness: Clearly state what you expect from your followers so there won’t be any misunderstandings.
And finally have a sense of humor: It is vital to relieve tension and boredom, as well to defuse hostility. Effective leaders know how to use humor to energize followers.

All true leaders will adapt these 10 qualities into their everyday role of work to do their job efficiently.

by bfree2bronc on May 25, 2009 9:29 AM MDT reply actions

Oh yeah, good post Rev

by bfree2bronc on May 25, 2009 9:31 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

So True!

I loved the original article and love the recap. Thanks.

by Ponderosa on May 25, 2009 9:49 AM MDT up reply actions

Nice post, RB

I know the book well but never thought to apply it to football. Great job!

"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster

by broncosmontana on May 25, 2009 11:35 AM MDT reply actions

yessir

nice job rec’d
now if we can only win 10+ this year

"Have you ever heard of the emancipation proclamation?"
- "I don't listen to hip-hop"

"Born like this / Into this"

by BroncoJoe311 on May 25, 2009 11:48 AM MDT reply actions

Yep, me too

Agree. I’ve written a few shorter versions of your post here and on MSM comments. Like you, I’ve done transformational work, actually for many years, all over the world. Like you, I wasn’t happy with how this new era started out, but as I’ve looked and listened to the coach and the players, I couldn’t agree more, this is already a different team.

As you say, Cutler forcing a showdown was a blessing. I would add this: the owner fired Cutler (and backed the coach). That was key. That showed everyone in the organization who had the owner’s support. If McDaniels had said, “Cutler has to go”, it would have sent a less congealing message.

I like that the coaching staff is picking people with personalities, capabilities, and attitudes that match the envisioned culture. The new players are resourceful, smart, hard working, flexible, coachable, and most importantly—passionate about football. The coach loves football; he has since he stood at his father’s side at the age of five. A team full of players who don’t play for ego or money or fame but for the love of the game is a powerful thing.

McDaniels has a clear vision of how to compete, knows how hard you have to work to achieve it, and looks for ways to get better every day. He models the focus and commitment to winning that makes good things happen.

Whenever you have players and coaches all moving in the same direction, you have a foundation for success. Naturally, the approach and the execution have to be excellent too. I think the coaching staff has the latter parts nailed.

He’s human. He could be a little lighter at times with the press and public, but overall, this is one of the fastest transitions of strategy, culture, and operations ever in the history of the NFL.

Like you, I know how to listen and observe whether everyone is open to change and moving enthusiastically together. It’s here with the Broncos. The quality play and winning games will naturally follow. Since it’s still May, it is reasonable to think this team will be competitive in September.

BTW, a contrasting approach is when Bill Parcells, a rookie head coach, took over the NJ Giants (yes I grew up in Jersey). Bill shamed, taunted, bullied and purged players to make the transition. It was ugly, painful, dramatic, and slow. I’m soooo appreciative not to be going through that again.

Sure, the public view of the Broncos looks like drama, and we all know how MSM loves drama, but the 90% underneath the surface is extremely encouraging.

Thanks again for articulating this perspective so cogently.

by MichaelCushman on May 25, 2009 12:56 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

LT (not the LT you youngsters know) told him (Parcells) either trade me or get off my back.

Some young coaches learn the hard way how to effiently handle people, it tough when you have so many different personalities and egos to feed. The difference I have noticed about McDaniels is, he will not let subpar play stand in the way of becoming better. That was probably a reason for the rift. As a player it’s either put up or hit the road. I can deal with that, it’s the pat on the shoulders to a premadonna (thinks he’s a star) that bothers me. No player is above the ‘team’.

by bfree2bronc on May 25, 2009 2:23 PM MDT up reply actions

Good Stuff

I admit I spent a day wondering if it was possible to fire a guy before he coached his first game. But as the Cutler saga played out, McDaniels earned my respect. On draft day, when he and Xanders knowingly invited a new wave of harsh criticism and stuck to their vision and plan, I realized that we had a guy that is going to either thrive or die trying. He isn’t going to bend to anything or anybody. If that rubs off on the team, then we have a heck of a ride ahead of us.

I am an idiot walking a tightrope of fortune and fame
I am an acrobat swinging trapezes through circles of flame
If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame
and though I'll never forget your face,
sometimes i can't remember my name.
--Counting Crows, "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby"

by PredominantlyOrange on May 25, 2009 7:38 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

great post

great comments. Very well formulated and well-laid out.

There is no army so powerful as an idea whose time has come.

by Jeremy Bolander on May 26, 2009 3:28 AM MDT reply actions

A great analysis

Completely agree with this great post and believe the Broncos are far better off and back on the road to the big party. Great leaders are born through crisis… tks for the post.

oc60

by oc60 on May 26, 2009 8:03 AM MDT reply actions

Rec'd!

This is akin to playing scrabble. One can hold on to that 10-point Z, and the 10-point Q hoping for the U to go with it, hoping to lay down the winning word is one miraculous “Hail Mary.” But at some point it becomes wiser to dump ALL the letters for new ones.

Your post describes the business management end of the NFL. That change in culture is VITAL. Great job!

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on May 26, 2009 9:35 AM MDT reply actions

Excellent Post Rev

Thanks

by bchiper on May 26, 2009 12:38 PM MDT reply actions

the greatest enemy of "Great" is "Good."

I have never thought about it like that – but it makes a great deal of sense. I’ve also heard that the opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference – which makes me think of BShrout’s anecdote about throwing plates.

Thought-provoking. Thanks Revrend!

"From the get-go, we targeted a certain type of player: tough, smart, competitive, versatile, a good person that loves football and wants to win." -Coach McDaniels

by Colorado_Kitten on May 26, 2009 1:50 PM MDT reply actions