In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

umn’s recommendation to “keep socializing to specific situations.” Instead ,he believes that social interaction is“dependent upon the job,work environment and the leader’s personality. One of the key elements missing in today’s work place is a sense of community.” You raised several good points, Dave, and I can’t disagree with any of them. Thanks for the SMART feedback. Chapter 103 READERS RESPOND TO PARCELLS, TORRE, AND BOSS STEINBRENNER One column profiled the“confrontational”leadership style of former New York Jets and Giants coach Bill Parcells. Some of Parcells’s more memorable quotes in a Harvard Business Review article include “Don’t wait to earn your leadership; impose it . . . apply pressure—that’s the only thing that any of us really responds to.”And “I relish confrontation , not because it makes me feel powerful, but because it provides an opportunity to get things straight with people.” The question is, How does Parcells’s leadership style translate off the football field? Here are some readers’ reactions: One person writes, “The corporate person is generally one who respects fellow workers and speaks in a kind and acceptable manner; it is a person who desires to ingratiate him- or herself so as to keep their job secure and advance in position as far as talents permit. Thus, the management approach is more genteel, although forceful, in its attempt to make the worker understand what the goals are to be achieved. [In a noncorporate world], Bill Parcells has the way and methods that are successful in getting through to his players and thus he achieves success on the field of play. He talks‘their language.’He taunts them, he berates them, and he shouts at them and otherwise treats them in a similar way to the way they themselves treat their fellow players on the field and particularly those players on the opposing teams.” Mailbag 221 This correspondent has an interesting point about each profession having its own set of rules and unique culture.Yet, one wonders whether there are certain universal do’s and don’t’s, wrongs or rights of leadership and communication that provide lessons for all of us.What do you think? Another reader adds this: “Parcells’s confrontational style was only effective because he also set a vision for his players both in terms of what the goal was and also of what he expected from each of them.I doubt that there was any question in anyone’s mind that he expected 100 percent effort and execution. They also respected his knowledge of the game and ability to get the most out of his players. Although I don’t agree with his style and recognize that it wouldn’t work for me, I believe that he was a very effective leader.” This person is absolutely right. Like most leaders, Parcells is a complex guy, yet clearly, his“in your face” approach is what he is most recognized for. Another reader responded to the Parcells article but also commented on a recent piece praising the communication skills of Yankees’ manager Joe Torre and criticizing those of Yankees’ owner George Steinbrenner . He wrote,“I think the management style depends upon the situation or game. The best leadership style is to give tips to a player and see how he handles the tips. If he fails, it is shown in the boxscore.” This person has an interesting perspective that clearly has value beyond the world of sports. However, while I agree with them about situational leadership, I’m not convinced that, long term, any professional in any arena will respond in a positive way to confrontation and intimidation . Finally, another reader got right to the point when he wrote, “Bill Parcells is your classic loud-mouth, à la former Indiana University basketball coach Bobby Knight and the late Billy Martin.Joe Torre is the perfect example of getting the job done and still remaining an intelligent and classy human being. I think you should write a book on communications and send the first copy to Bill Parcells.” The Billy Martin reference isn’t totally clear to me.As for Bob Knight, I don’t care how many games he won at Indiana—no coach, no leader has the right to physically, mentally, and emotionally abuse his team players, particularly college athletes who aren’t being paid to perform. 222 MAKE THE CONNECTION ...

Share