Water Cooler Conversations

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!

Written by Pat Perry
President, ERC 

My guess is that there were plenty of people in Northeast Ohio rooting against the CAVS the other night when they beat the Washington Wizards to advance to the Eastern Conference semi-finals.  And, interestingly they are all probably diehard CAVS fans!

Who are these people?  Well, one of them is me.

I was hoping for a game seven in Northeast Ohio.  That is the one I wanted the CAVS to win. And, I’ll bet all the folks downtown Cleveland who benefit from our sports’ teams home games were quietly rooting that the CAVS would have to play one more game in that series at the Q.

By winning game six, our region lost millions of dollars - the revenue generated locally for a game seven would have been great.  I think our area could use the money.

To me it’s about our sports teams getting in the playoffs and playing as many games at home as possible.  It’s fun to see our teams win…it’s more fun when we know that the dollars generated make a difference for the hotels, restaurants, etc.

The Boston Celtics are up next for the CAVS.  They have home court advantage.  So like all of you, I will be hoping the CAVS win…but hoping they don’t do it too soon.  Let’s max-out on the possible home dates.  

That would make a big “DIF”.