Water Cooler Conversations

Recently, the Perry family put a down payment on a Labrador retriever puppy.  She will be joining our current Lab (Nikki) in about six weeks.  Our hope of course is that they will become good buddies and get along famously.

We visited the Breeder a few weeks back to apply the down payment.  When we arrived we were welcomed by eight adult
Labradors – all pets owned by the breeder.  Each of the Labs reflected a gentle disposition and was delighted to meet us – their new “friends”.  We were essentially “mugged” with love by these wonderfully friendly and docile creatures.

We spoke to the Breeder for almost two hours swapping stories about these terrific animals.  We concluded that if Labradors could talk they would rule the world.  In many ways they are way more human than humans.  We theorized that if the roles were reversed and Labs could talk and we could not, we figured that there would be no wars, we would not be in our current economic condition, there would not be artificial boundaries between countries and states, no murders, no crime, etc.  Think about it.

Sometimes I look at our dog and wonder what she is thinking.  Imagine if they could understand what we were saying, could read and understand what was being watched on television…I have to believe if they could, they would certainly see us as the inferior being.  

Instead of wagging their tales, they would be shaking their heads.

You may have caught the news that Josh Cribbs, the Cleveland Browns punt returner is “unhappy” with his million dollar contract.  His agent J.R. Rickert, according to the Plain Dealer states that “Josh is starting to get a sense there’s no appreciation for him”.  Incidentally along with his current $6 million six year deal he received a $2 million signing bonus – we should all feel so disrespected!

These guys live in a complete fantasy world.  And…I am praying that the Browns don’t put up with it. 

Hey Josh…you signed a contract…live with it dude.  The Browns would have if you had gotten injured or turned out to be a sub-par player.

Josh…if you don’t want to play for a million a year I know a whole bunch of people who would be glad to run back a football every Sunday for your payday.  And…they would not complain, be grateful for a job and add value to the Browns organization.

Get a life Josh…just like the rest of us.  If you only read your press clippings it’s time to look at the other parts of the newspaper to see what is going on – young people dying for their country, a challenging economy, foreclosures, etc.  If we were you Josh, we would be kissing the ground that Randy Lerner walks on – you are leading a charmed life.

If your feelings get hurt because you want more than a million a year to play a game, then consider taking your football and go home.  That’s what poor sports do…they quit when things don’t go their way.

I am sure that you will agree that the CAVS’ season and post season successes on the court have been thrilling.  It has been a wonderful ride and one that I would like to see last for some time.  What a great experience watching this team, which includes the basketball players, front office and coaching staff.  Their organization is where we all should be – players to management all on the same page.  They are all in sync – from a business perspective, this is simply poetry in motion. 

They preach and teach a singular focus on excellence.  They are goal oriented and understand that acquiring and retaining top talent at every organizational level is critical to winning their league’s championship.  Yep, this team is something special and they represent our region well.

Beyond rooting for the CAVS, we can show our support by following their lead.  It’s the same stuff we see over and over again with NorthCoast 99 organizations.  Top talent acquisition and retention rules! 

My hope is that by watching the CAVS, many CEOs in our region will take note of what it takes to be an organizational winner. Perhaps the end of the CAVS season (after their championship) will signal a new “season” for our region’s businesses.  Maybe the CAVS success will light some fires in our collective business bellies.  It will be our turn to RISE UP.  Once the CAVS accomplish their goal, it will be our turn to take it up a notch and nail a few “three pointers” of our own.

Thanks CAVS for a fun season, a great post season and for leading by example. Swoosh!