exciting times for dc united... finally...

I was just reviewing this story from DC United's website. Not sure if you have been to RFK recently, but this is way past due. My brother and I went to see the Washington Diplomats at RFK many moons ago and it was not the best place. Don't get me wrong, RFK has great views from most seats and it has hosted so many great and memorable games (Riggo drills too) The problem with RFK is it is just old and does not offer the great amenities to the fans. This will be a big boost to the MLS and to soccer in general. 25,000 seats is great but I am a little concerned about the size of the stadium but hopefully it will be built with expansion possible. Overall - big time step for DC United - congratulations. if you would like to read the article here is the link - http://www.dcunited.com/news/2013/07/plans-for-world-class-soccer-stadium-announced

Panama to take on USA in Gold Cup Final

The fact that Mexico lost to Panama in the Gold Cup Semifinal this past week should be a wake up call the United States Men's National Team.

The incredible output of goals by the US the past few games has been impressive.  Panama is a good side and the US needs to be ready to play at the highest level.

This game is not as important as the games in the Hex but getting one foot into the next Confederations Cup would be a great step for the team.

With the head coach watching from the stands, it is up to the leadership of the players on the field to take the next step in putting the USA in the number one slot in Concacaf.

My prediction for the game is 3-1 final score for the US in a very similar fashion to the early semi and quarterfinal games.

The most impressive part of this run is the new found depth for the US Men's National Team.  Hopefully this is going to be the start of something big for US Soccer.

On a side note, as a DC United fan, I am very happy that the Black and Red finally are moving towards a stadium deal in the next couple years.  Soccer in the USA is getting stronger and I am excited to see the growth continue.

Go USA....

Heroic Leadership

Another loaner that I have been reading is Heroic Leadership by Chris Lowney which came out in 2003.  He writes about the best practices of the Jesuits. 

I pulled the following items from the first few chapters and have been thinking about how to apply these to my work and life.

The first area that caught my eye was Four Pillars of Success that create leadership substance:

• Self-awareness
• Ingenuity
• Love
• Heroism

Lowney feels that without these four pillars your leadership will be misguided or you will lose sight of what is truly important.

Lowney states that you will succeed in becoming a leader if:

• understand your strengths, weaknesses, values and worldview
• confidently innovate and adapt to embrace a changing world
• engage others with a positive loving attitude
• energize yourself and others through heroic ambitions

The biggest takeaway so far for me is - You have to lead yourself before you can lead others.

Lowney used John Kotter HBS leadership paradigm which says
You must -

•         Establish Direction
•         Align people
•         Always Motivating and Inspiring
•         Produce Change - often dramatic

Lowney contiues to say that We are all leaders and always leading - good or bad.

Leadership comes from within - who i am as much as what i do

Leadership is never ending and ongoing

Vision comes from self-reflection
What do i care about? What do I want? How do i fit into the world?

So you need to be passionate about the mission and people will follow.

You have to remember also that - Leadership is a way of proceeding - it is a compass not a checklist.

Lowney talks about the Jesuits -Living with one foot raised - always ready to move - do you have speed, mobility and rapid response. Is this something that you do or are your feet planted firmly in your world?

It is important to Lead with love not fear 
It is healthy - creates loyalty, affection and mutual support - we are all in this together. - Mission and Vision at center.

Lowney continues to discuss going after opportunities instead of waiting for opportunities to knock. Do you wait for the knock or do you create opportunities? 

He also talks about how motivation comes from inside - individuals can motivate themselves - Leaders motivate themselves and this is seen by others and seeing this allows other individuals to flip their internal motivation switch.

Lowney says that Leaders:

•         are always teaching and learning
•         mold brilliant and eminent men and women
•         persevere
•         energize
•         innovate
•         devote themselves to excellence
•         remain open to new ideas, even in old age
•         honor the truth above their egos
•         influence others by their example, their ideas and their coaching

What does our company embody?

•         heroic goals and heroic virtues?
•         friendly companionship should be at the heart of our company

It is interesting to think that a leader does not have to be the one in charge.
Also - Leadership  does not always produce results.
And - Leadership is not always about defining moments.

An interesting question asked is -
Do we expect to only have a few leaders or do we expect everyone who is with us to be a leader?

What is your point of view on leadership?  Please share your thoughts with me.

Information from Heroic Leadership by Chris Lowney Loyola Press (c) 2003