Cubs Win, Cubs Win - Lessons from the historic 2016 season
First off, I am not the biggest MLB fan but this postseason the Chicago Cubs had me glued to the screen. The fans, the camaraderie, the story, the city, and faith they had was what had me entangled in every minute! As I watched these guys play, all I could think about was 1908 and the staggering number of 39,466 days before the last series win. Having to win the last 3 to grab the title, I had so many doubts but never once did Cubs fans and players give up and boy am I glad! I took away so many things from this team and season that can apply to my every day work life and I think you could too.
1. Age is just a number - A grand slam from 22 year old Russell to a game 7 home run from 39 year old David Ross. These guys do not look at age, they just play ball. In my career I see so many people get wrapped up in experience and age, whether it be hiring or managing. It's just a number, don't let anyone tell you that you are too young or old for any job!
2. Comfort Zone- When no one thought they could do it, they never stopped hustling. This team sat in very uncomfortable spots, but just kept going inning for inning. I encounter challenges at work that I sometimes think, there is no way this can work. All I need to do is remind myself to "think like the cubs did."
3. Be Ready If Your Called Up - Kyle Schwarber made himself a part of the team as much as he could. He sat in on scouting report meetings and game planning meetings. He sat in with president Theo Epstein as an advisor of sorts for the amateur draft. Schwarber did all he could do to remain involved, and when he was called up he was more than ready! Schwarber will be a name anyone who watched the 2016 Chicago Cubs will never forget. What an awesome lesson to always stay fine tuned and involved in any way you can even if you are not directly contributing!
4. Fans Mean The World - I am not a Cubs fan and yet I am still writing this post tonight, I can't imagine the feelings a life long fan is feeling at this moment. These fans believed for 107 years that another world series team would emerge, and they never stopped. The players fed on this energy all season long, they became not just a team but a story that will be talked about for the next 107 years! This is so important to me in business, have some fans that motivate and encourage you because I can guarantee you will need it at times!
5. Owners Are Key - “What makes a great organization is 1,000 small sacrifices when no one is looking,” Epstein told MLB Network. “Driving the extra mile to get a last look at a player, showing up early to do work with a minor leaguer to help him work on his weakness, an R&D guy pulling an all-nighter because he’s got an idea and wants to see it through, the coaches working with players, the manager, and the togetherness in the front office. This is huge in my eyes and one of the reasons I believe this season ended the way it did. Theo Epstein!
What a privilege it is to be able to tell my children that I was able to watch the 2016 Chicago Cubs, they taught me so much more than baseball! Thanks Cubs
Darren McKee