The Even Keel

If there is one person in professional sport that exemplifies a management style that is an "even keel", it is Tony Dungy, coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Unlike many others in his profession, he doesn't scream or yell at his players. He doesn't jump up and down on the sidelines. He is the epitome of calm, cool and collected.

And VERY effective.

His style enables his players to "play within themselves" - with the focus on each person doing their job - focusing on their individual responsibilities, and not getting caught up excessively celebrating touchdowns or beating themselves up after a missed play.

It's a lesson we can all take to work each day.

I was taught the lesson after a particularly frustrating day during an ERP implementation. I was reporting progress (or lack thereof) to our Executive Sponsor.

After detailing the recent project travails and our proposed solutions for getting back on track, he sensed my huge frustration and anxiety and said something that has stayed with me ever since.

"Things are seldom as good as you think or as bad as you think."

It was his way of telling us that we'd be more effective managers by keeping an even (emotional) keel.

And of course, he was right. We worked through our challenges and resolved the problems of the day. While they seemed extremely important at the time, I honestly can't remember what the problems were, in hindsight.

This perspective has helped me through the business highs and lows that accompany all our careers.

If you think about it, the term "Crisis Management" is a bit of an oxymoron. It pairs effective leadership with emotional panic.

Not a great combination.

So (briefly) celebrate wins and don't dwell on the losses. You'll end up a more effective manager by maintaining that even keel.