Getting Over the Football Hangover

A record number of you tuned in to the biggest sporting event on the planet and yet the head coach of the New England Patriots never saw the end of the game. He, like an estimated 2 million of you, called in sick. In the aftermath of an amazing football game that will definitely go down in history, a Human Resources lesson that can definitely be learned is that leader and manager should never leave subordinates alone, especially during the toughest of times, no matter how frustrated they may be...

That said, large, large congratulations go out to my football team, the New York Football Giants who improbably and amazingly banded together as a team and won a game that few ever gave them the chance to win. It took catching balls off their helmet and overcoming great adversity throughout the season and the game, but they held steadfast and deserve this win. And they deserve this talk to be about their great job rather than another team's choke.

In other news...we decided to pick on Tiki Barber, the running back who retired from the Giants before this past season and criticized the team...by running articles about retirement:

First from USA Today, word that Baby Boomer's eagerness to retire could cost them: click here

Also from USA Today, an article about early retirees trying to fill a gap in their health coverage: click here

Lastly, MSNBC talks about a hearty premium plan that we could pay for health insurance: click here

What I’m Hearing…Any Given Sunday

I suppose that since we’re in New York, we have to do an obligatory Giants Super Bowl victory post. I’ll be honest – my two favorite football teams are the New York Jets and whoever is playing the New England Patriots. I learned back in 9th grade Geometry class that it’s not wise to get on the popular bandwagon when it comes to supporting a sports team.

That said, congratulations to the New York Giants for their impressive victory last night. The fourth quarter kept us all on edge, and proved that on any given Sunday, anything can happen. Outcomes depend on who shows up – physically and mentally – that day.

The same is true for our employees and co-workers. You never know what their dormant talents and skills are until you put them into situations that let them shine. Take a chance on someone, give them a new project or assignment outside their comfort zone, and let them show you what they can do. You may be disappointed, sure, but you also may be amazed.

For on any given day, the extraordinary can come out of the ordinary.