It's interesting to see how a person can be stifled under one management style but thrive under another. The transition of Lou Brock, one of MLB's all-time stolen base leaders, from the Cubs to the Cardinals in 1964, is a great example.
For one thing, Lou was never "set loose as a base runner" in Chicago. The coach-manager system of the Cubs didn't create an atmosphere in which Brock could relax as a player. And when the Cubs lost, apparently everyone sat around pondering the game afterward, "making each defeat all the heavier." However, for the Cardinals the feelings of defeat didn't last long - particularly with funny men like Bob Uecker. In addition, the manager (Johnny Keane) seemed to know what Brock needed. He told him that they didn't care how he hit the ball as long as he hit it; "Be as natural as you can, " he was told. And as for stealing bases, Brock was told, "Well, go for it when it strikes you as right..you make the call." On the Cubs there had been all kinds of rules and conditions about when Lou could attempt a steal, and had he failed his mistake would have been scrutinized and 'corrected'. "Now this very talented player was told to trust his instincts." Lou was one of he fastest guys in baseball. History tells us that this was a great thing for Lou Brock and the Cardinals.
What a great reminder. This little story can be helpful at home and work. How do we manage our employees? Do we recognize their talents and create a place where they can do their best work. Do we truly recognize our children's strengths and weaknesses and find the right ways to let them grow and use those talents? Do we over analyze our children's mistakes and make them re-live them too much, or are we willing to make a joke sometimes and let them learn from it while still moving forward?
Quotes from, "October 1964", by David Halberstam.
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