I was a Seahawks fan in Raider territory – or actually, on Saturday, a Mariners fan at an Oakland Athletics home game. The A’s runner slid into home plate to score a much-needed run and was called out by the umpire. Until recently, for the entire history of baseball, that was it. A player or coach who disagreed might get in the ump’s face, yell, point, and kick dirt on the ump’s shined black shoes, or in some cases, the fans and players would enjoy an epic manager melt down.
Technology has taken a bite out of baseball. Now, the manager who disagrees with an umpire’s call can demand a review, which results in a video replay. This is on the big screen for everyone in the stadium and at home to watch while the umpires review the call that was made and reverse it – or not. Funny thing I observed in two challenged calls Saturday is that regardless of obviousness of the truth revealed in the video, the team and their fans who did not get the call to their benefit continued to criticized the umpire just as they had prior to the video review. That’s part of a fan’s role.
I like the theatrics of an epic manager meltdown. It adds an additional bit of memorable action to an afternoon at a sports event. It is much more fun to watch than thousands of people reviewing and second-guessing the decision made by an umpire. I liked the clarity of the umpires call being the final decision. As with all of us, sometimes decisions are right and sometimes not, then the game goes on.
In sports, theatrics bring people to the park and add something extra to the experience. I would much rather watch an epic manager meltdown for 5 minutes than video replays of a disputed call.
At work, it’s a different story for passionate leaders who are challenged to control their emotions. My only rule is that no one gets hurt. Temper tantrums can be fun to watch – but from the sidelines and when you are not on the receiving end. I think they all should be videotaped to get full replay and critique.
I’m reminded of the old soul song originally by The Main Ingredient, “Everybody Plays the Fool.” The song was later covered in my favorite rendition by Aaron Neville.
It’s golden when a leader learns to take the passion behind a temper tantrum and convert it into positive inspiration. I’m the Outsider and that’s what I think.