Talking About 'The Bird'

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.? – Ralph Waldo Emerson

?This week, a video was released commemorating the national introduction of Mark Fidrych, a baseball pitcher who, despite his initial obscurity, had already achieved local cult status over a month prior.? He had long curly hair, and at 6’3”, looked a bit awkward to the point one of his coaches in the minor leagues nicknamed him ‘Bird’ after a character on Sesame Street (Big Bird).? Not much was expected of him when he made his debut, and some of his antics such as talking to the baseball before throwing it and celebrating with teammates like they had won a championship made some teammates question his sanity.? However, despite not looking like most major league pitchers when he first started playing in the minor leagues, he possessed an extraordinary quality that not only propelled him to the major leagues but also endeared him to an entire city for a season.? What might you ask is that special thing?? It is simply called ‘enthusiasm.’? Although this may be a bit simplistic, his story warrants a much closer examination.

In leadership, enthusiasm does not always come naturally.? It can be a struggle at times to find the energy to not only motivate others but also yourself.? However, as I am often reminded of when I accepted my job role as a Team Leader, the saying is, “This is the job.”? Enthusiasm serves as a vital catalyst for personal motivation and equips one’s team with the resilience required to advance towards the fulfillment of organizational objectives.? My story about ‘The Bird’ is about finding those things to have, build, and maintain an unbridled enthusiasm for your role in leadership and life.

?1.????? Be Authentic

One of the things that adored Fidrych to the fans was his authenticity.? In interviews, he would be quoted as saying that he would be pumping gas had he not been discovered throwing baseball, and his antics included grooming the pitcher’s mound where he threw from with his bare hands.? People connected with these things because unlike other baseball stars, he was genuine and unfiltered in everything he did.? You see, it is only an act if you are not consistent in doing it.? His words matched his actions, and the fans felt like he was one of them.? As a leader, it is not the practice to merely echo what others wish to hear. Rather, it is the assurance in our words and actions that is sought after.? Our being genuine in sharing who we are to others and matching it with our actions is reassuring and requires far less energy than the alternative.? Furthermore, a consistency of these actions provides a sense reliability that reassures those around you.

?2.????? Celebrate Achievements

The team The Bird played for had a losing record that year.? Yet, he won twice as many games as he lost.? After each victory he pitched, he would jump around like a kid hugging his teammates and saluting the crowd.? Despite the team’s overall struggles, Fidrych’s successes became a rallying point for the fans, instilling a collective sense of victory. These moments of triumph ignited a spirit of resilience.? Everyone wants to feel a sense of achievement.? When they do, it needs to be celebrated.? Celebrating such milestones in your journey will keep you motivated particularly when the long-term goal is very distant.? Think of driving a lengthy road trip from where I live near Detroit to Dallas.? One does not think of the destination of Dallas the entire time.? Instead, there are milestones along the way to provide a sense of progress such as reaching Indianapolis.? Then Memphis.? Then Little Rock.? And then Texarkana before your destination in Dallas.? Acknowledging the incremental achievements along the way eases the anticipation of making the ultimate goal.

?3.????? Having a Growth Mindset

Fidrych, initially selected in the 10th round of the baseball draft, was not immediately recognized as a prominent prospect, with nearly 300 players chosen before him.? But he kept working at his craft getting better at each minor league level of baseball until he was finally called to pitch in the major leagues two years after his drafting.? Leaders should always focus on learning and perfecting their craft.? For example, utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your daily work habits is something to consider if you have not already.? ??There is always something different to learn and a better way of doing something.? As I once pointed out in my article of ‘Eating Brussel Sprouts ,’ embracing change is often beneficial, as it is the catalyst for growth. Cultivating a growth mindset is essential to maintain a fresh and enthusiastic perspective on one’s professional responsibilities.

?4.????? Make Sure to Have Fun

The Bird was fun to watch.? But more importantly, he was having fun each and every time he was scheduled to pitch.? No, he did not win every game he pitched, but he had equally as much fun as the fans that watched him every time he went out to pitch.? Yes, it was important that he performed (he won Rookie of the Year in 1976), but win or lose, he had a lot of fun doing it.? This brings me to the most important aspect of maintaining enthusiasm for the job; having fun.? You see, there are many leaders who would rather be doing something else than leading others.? If this is you, then maybe you need to find something else to do.? No, I am not saying quit your job.? What I am saying is you need to have something fun in your job to maintain the enthusiasm to succeed, and if it does not include people, find something else.? The goal here is not to scare you.? It is to ensure that you find that happy place on the pitcher’s mound like The Bird did.? Consider Apple’s product launches, where even the typically reserved IT developers exhibit excitement. ?Such enthusiasm is infectious and enjoyable.?? Think of those aspects of your role you enjoy working with others.? Be driven by those moments to ensure that they continually happen repeatedly.? Each time I meet with a potential great leader, I think of the people who started under me who are now fellow managers, directors, and even Vice Presidents and it motivates me every time.? This pursuit of enjoyment is the essence of maintaining a vibrant and enthusiastic approach to one’s leadership.

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Enthusiasm is paramount in transformative leadership.? It is the leaders who embrace this energy to propel their teams to go beyond the ordinary, achieving feats of remarkable performance. The challenge lies not in the mere display of excitement but in the genuine sharing of joy, passion, and curiosity that fuels the drive towards excellence.? So, let us cast aside the shadows of doubt and embrace our authentic selves.? Let our leadership resemble the same unwavering enthusiasm that marked the legacy of a young pitcher known as ‘The Bird.’