Leadership Lives in the Gray - "MAKE THEM" (call you back)

A story came out today in a meeting. Its a story I've told often, but never taken the time to write. We work hard to get people to respond to us. We train on it. We practice. Still, people don't respond. Or, they don't respond when and how we'd like them to.

In January 2004, I've been at the helm of the Double-A Wichita Wranglers for about two months. At the time, I reported to Jon Dandes, who lived in Buffalo, NY. I was over 1000 miles from my direct report and had proven exactly nothing up to this point in my career.

Jon called Saturday morning conference call sponsorship meetings, which I assume was to test our commitment. As a 25 year old with a chance to carry a GM title, I'd have done much worse than come in on a Saturday to prove what I had.

On a particular Saturday, one of our team rambled that he left message for lots of people. Jon asked directly "what about (name some random company)" to which the team member replied; "I've been trying but he won't call me back."

Jon screamed through the phone "MAKE THEM!!!"

It seemed rude, uncalled for, and harsh. But over the years, I tell the story often. Through that demand, we were forced to test our creativity, resolve, and willingness to battle through. Have we tried everything? Send a letter. Send a courier with a letter. Have the mascot stop by. Call at 7AM. Call at 7PM. "MAKE THEM" has been a story that reminds me that its all in my control and its just a matter of how bad I want it.

Are you willing to "MAKE THEM" notice you?