AXIOS Blog

Talking the Talk, but not Walking the Talk.....

  

  

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A few interesting leadership stories from the past weekend of sports action, and sports tragedy.

First, the much discussed dust up between Coach Schwartz of the Detroit Lions and Coach Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49'ers - video here if you missed it.

After barely acknowledging Schwartz at the traditional post-game handshake, then either smacking him on the back or pushing him out of his way, depending on your viewing angle (and team affiliation), Harbaugh continued on with his celebration.  Not being one to be disrespected in his own house, Schwartz went after Harbaugh and they continued their interaction all the way into the tunnel while their teams gathered around and started pushing and shoving.

It could have easily gotten ugly, but a major fight was avoided - so good form from both teams.  NFL players, and by extension their coaches, don't exactly get paid to turn the other cheek. 

In the world of Indy Car racing, the tragic death of Randy Weldon in Las Vegas (video) was preceded and followed by numerous racers stating the oval track too fast, creating dangerous racing conditions in a sport with plenty of inherent perils.  In Vegas, speeds were regularly topping 220mph with the short track creating a number of two and three wide situations with numerous groups bunching up.  While rubbing might be racing in NASCAR, in Indy Car it generally spells trouble - they kind where new cars need to be built.

Involved in the 15 car crash but able to walk away, racer Will Power was interviewed by NPR while recovering from his home.  He discussed his reservations about participating in the race with number individuals before the race, and recounted a race earlier in the year where wet track conditions caused many racers to protest starting the race.   Power went so far as to provide a middle finger to race officials - but then went on to race anyway, later crashing.

So, at what point does the leader of a given team stop talking and start walking? 

In Schwartz's case, while fans of Emily Post might disapprove of his etiquette for not walking away from Harbaugh's slight, his team knows he doesn't back down and will not allow his team, fans, or city to be disrespected.  Everyone wants to feel their boss has their back, even if they didn't know it was necessary, and especially after a tough loss.

Harbaugh's team already knew they have a fiery and demonstrative coach, but now may be questioning how he handles situations under pressure.  I suppose as long as he  continues to call winning plays, his post game antics will probably be overlooked, but high performers that struggle balancing the "what's & how's" of management will struggle in the long run.

Harbaugh is a smart guy - some say a given as a U of M alum, and assuming he learns from this, both he and his team will continue to win.  I would also bet after his next win, whether at home or on the road, he takes the appropriate time to acknowledge the opposing coach before continuing his celebration. Needless to say, the cameras will be watching.

Will Power on the other hand continues to talk, but will he start to walk the talk?  At what point will he walk away from a race he deems too dangerous?  He may not be the team owner or manager, but as a the driver, he is certainly in a leadership position.  Schwartz & Harbaugh have multiple bosses as well.  If Power leads, will others follow?  Maybe the death of his good friend will spur him to action. 

If you are in a leadership position, what will it take to get you to walk the talk?