Lessons from the ice

I regularly send a note to the full IBM Marketing, Communications, and CSR team and agency partners. It is a ritual that allows me to connect with IBMers across the globe on a regular basis and get candid feedback. Last week, my note included lessons from an inspiring leader which I think we can all benefit from. Check out the excerpt below:??

This week, I was fortunate enough to spend time in Toronto.?I saw lots of clients, partners, talked to media and got to spend time with the IBM team.?It was a great trip and personally very rewarding.?I learned a lot about our business in Canada, got more exposure to some of the challenges and opportunities our partners face and got to see a great hockey game.

Part of the time with clients involved a visit from the President of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brendan Shanahan.?Brendan is a 3-time Olympic gold medalist and hockey legend turned businessman.?Having spent most of his life as an athlete, he has developed a grit that allows him to cut through corporate static and be a great leader – which is what he talked about.

A few things I took away from the discussion:

• Allow yourself to be bothered – whatever you are trying to accomplish that day, go after it as if it is life or death.
• It is easy to have a good day. Pay attention to how someone handles a bad day. That is their true character.
• Be a well-rounded player – sometimes the team needs defense, sometimes offense – adapt to what the moment calls for.?
• Find your way in difficult situations – and that might mean asking people for help when you normally would not.

Simple concepts but good ones to keep in mind.

Happy to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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J