Last week’s blog, Professional Sports vs. Olympic Sports, examined a variety of topics surrounding sports and generated some great comments. I’d like to take it a step further this week. Let’s examine some of the same questions as before but from a slightly different angle…how does society embrace or reject the values of sports in BUSINESS?

Last week I compared professional sports with Olympic sports and commented, “In today’s world, with free-agents and the reality of ‘sports as a business’ there can be something lacking in terms of player and fan loyalty…the Olympics seem to have a sense of innocence or purity that doesn’t exist in professional sports…we could all use a little of those qualities in our everyday life, regardless of the profession in which we work.”

While most people are painfully aware of the need to work in order to pay the bills it seems as if many businesses have forgotten about the high cost associated with compromising a company’s integrity and reputation. We all know that we should be thankful to have a job during tough economic times. However, many business leaders and administrators seem to have forgotten that not everyone is willing to sell their soul in exchange for their paycheck. In fact, some people are even willing to get paid less money if it means they can be happier in their work environment!

Maybe Bryan Heasley is correct in noting, “…players play with more pride and joy when they are playing for their countries…players know that the Olympics are only a couple weeks and you can be eliminated with one loss.” Over time, people tend to slack off, not work as hard or simply change their focus from achieving new goals to maintaining the status quo.

As Matt Altemose posted, “Although professional athletes grow up wanting to play in the big leagues…once they reach that level…they tend not to play for the team or are just all about themselves.” Even Tiger Woods’ recent actions seem to indicate a greater concern for individual wants/needs then a commitment to the ideals and standards which brought him into the limelight in the first place.

It is not much different in the field of business. There is an old saying that you have to “pay your dues” and “work up the ladder” until you have earned the right to receive certain benefits. Many professions have periods of apprenticeship or training where the newly hired must do more than a fair share of the “grunt work” before earning the privilege to delegate undesirable tasks to others.

But does this make such behaviors right? Isn’t it our professional obligation to teach the “young ones the ropes?” Don’t we WANT people within our own organizations to be successful and contribute to the overall well-being of the company? Why are some people so absorbed with their own careers that they can’t see the big picture, the idea that the entire TEAM wins when individuals are able to achieve? Isn’t Matt’s other statement also true in that, “professional sports players understand that it requires…the me-first attitude…take a backseat?”

What do you think? In what ways do we apply the lessons of sports to the real world? Is it possible to use professional sports in America as a vehicle to inspire others towards attaining excellence in ways other than competition, prestige and profits? How can we take some of the focus away from a company’s bottom line and put the emphasis on recognizing the value of an individual’s contribution to the total organization? Again, maybe I’m wrong and nothing needs to change. However, it seems to me that if a company expects the employees to “do the right thing” and “work in the organization’s best interests” then it is inevitable that employees must be given a reasonable amount of responsibility and freedom. As Grace Hooper Murray is credited for saying, “leadership is a two-way street, loyalty up, and loyalty down. Respect for one’s superiors; care for one’s crew.” I think it is morally wrong to demand loyalty from your employees if the organization itself is not providing employees with respect…what do you think?

In the world of sports, there is always something happening. With so many sports to choose from, fans certainly have a variety of events to watch each week.  For example, just look at the overlap in terms of some of America’s major sports leagues: Major League Baseball (today is Opening Day www.mlb.mlb.com/mlb/schedule), National Hockey League (the 2010 regular season ends on April 11th www.nhl.com/schedules/20092010) and the Professional Golf Association’s Masters Tournament begins April 8th (www.pgatour.com/r/schedule). Even in terms of the sports not currently in-season, the media keeps fans up-to-date on breaking news and events such as the National Football League’s 2010 Draft (which takes place in one month www.NFL.com/Draft). Of course one cannot overlook other sports, such as basketball, especially since games are taking place at both the professional and collegiate level (March Madness is certainly in full swing www.ncaa.com/champ/m-baskbl-d1-champ.html). 

With so many sports opportunities available it is no wonder that the sport industry must constantly strive to attract AND maintain fans, particularly in difficult economic times. Given all of this, I surprised myself when I realized how much I actually missed watching the 2010 Winter Olympics. I can’t believe the Olympic Games ended almost a month ago. No matter how you look at it, there is something different about watching the United States Hockey team as opposed to watching the same players on their regular NHL teams. 

For me, a large part of it boils down to the pride and importance athletes take in playing their sport for their country. In today’s world, with free-agents and the reality of “sports as a business” there can be something lacking in terms of player and fan loyalty. However, the pride of playing for a medal for a country transcends all of the other stuff. In a sense, the Olympics seem to have a sense of innocence or purity that doesn’t exist in professional sports or even college sports when athletes have an eye for turning professional down the road.

I know I can be a bit idealistic but I can’t help wondering if there is a way to bring some of the pride, dedication, sacrifice, work-ethic and honor that accompanies successful, individual, Olympic athletes to our young athletes in recreational sports to collegiate sports and eventually to professional sports as well. In fact, we could all use a little of those qualities in our everyday life, regardless of the profession in which we work.

 What do you think? How can society use professional sports in America as a vehicle to inspire others towards attaining excellence in ways OTHER than looking at the paychecks of professional athletes? How can we take some of the business out of sports and put the emphasis on the game? How about the character of the player? Or, maybe I’m just wrong and nothing should change. What do you think about professional sports versus Olympic sports?

Over the last week an interesting topic surfaced amongst some of my colleagues in Sport Management. The basic tenor of the topic surrounded the following two questions: “Are there too many sport management degree programs?” and “Are the programs teaching students the most beneficial material for them to be successful in the sport industry?” 

 My colleagues made some valid points regarding the content of curricula across the country.  I found two in particular that were very good and think they should be considered in more detail.  The first is that the market is being oversaturated with students graduating with a degree in Sport Management. Unfortunately, many graduates come from the programs that are not teaching students what they need to know in order to be successful in the field. Throwing a marketing course into a curriculum does not make a quality sport management program.  The second point, which I think is right on the money, is that the sport industry is much bigger than just professional sport.  As a result, it is not surprising that, like all businesses, sport-related businesses must be run by qualified individuals who know how to manage the unique attributes of sport businesses.

 While there are some very good programs, there are also programs that are not good at all. There is a big difference between what makes a quality program at the undergraduate, master and doctoral levels.  At the undergraduate level (I will just stick to that here) we have to prepare the students for a wide range of careers in the sport industry as well as prepare them to be successful in graduate school if they so choose to go that route. I have covered what makes a quality sport management program before.  I routinely talk with industry professionals about what they look for in hiring entry level employees.  Consistently, we hear employers are looking for someone who can do a number of different things as well as be able to sell.  This is true from the professional sport franchises, to college and high school athletic departments, to non-profit and community based sport organizations, etc. There is one caveat though that most sport professionals point out…regardless of the content of the program, if an individual does not have any desire or passion to work in the sport industry they will not be successful.

 Let’s face it; education is a business just as the sport industry is a business.  If educational institutions are not meeting the wants and needs of its consumers they will lose customers just like any other business. As a result, it is incumbent upon sport management programs to meet those wants and needs, help the students become successful and be willing to alter the programs as the industry evolves. We must all look at ourselves and our programs with a keen eye towards constantly developing and honing our skills as professionals in order to teach our students and model the behaviors necessary for us all to be successful in the future. What do you think?

Preparation is one of the key elements for success in any endeavor. I firmly believe this and encourage all of my students to plan and explore as many opportunities as possible as they move from one stage in their life to the next. I also believe that some of the best teachers, coaches and leaders in virtually any field come from the experiences of those who have forged ahead of us. As a result, I find myself seeking out advice from my mentors and successful individuals in a variety of fields. In turn, I often am used as a sounding board for my current students as they prepare for their future and even have the privilege of talking with my former students as they advance in their careers as well.

Along those lines, this week’s blog consists of a small portion of a panel discussion at York College of Pennsylvania. The attached video clip focuses on what each panel member feels is important to keep in mind when preparing for success after graduation. It applies to nearly everyone, regardless of their age, major or career aspirations. I hope it will provide you with useful information and points to consider. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and reactions…the panel participants included (as seen on the video from left to right):

• Mr. Bill Nuttall -- Owner & President Golden Viking Sports, LLC (formerly Diadora America)
• Ms. Megan Smith (’04) -- Guest Services & Logistics Coordinator Lowe’s Motor Speedway
• Mr. Matt Guercio -- Coordinator of Game Day Operations & Special Events C.W. Post Campus (Athletic Department), Long Island University
• Mr. Joseph (JW) Cannon -- Sponsorship Manager Brand Marketing ING U.S. Financial Services

I had a pretty busy week last week.  In fact, it was busier than usual and I am still recovering from the hectic pace. As a result, this post contains some of the random thoughts I had while reflecting on the events of the week. While my comments may appear to be scattered and unrelated they do reflect a certain theme and I hope you gain a new perspective as you read.

First, York College held Midnight Madness this past Friday.  Instead of hosting the event on the more “traditional” first day of basketball practice, our school conducts Midnight Madness in conjunction with Alcohol Awareness Week.  The Sport marketing students were responsible for marketing the event and they did a wonderful job!  Over one thousand students attended this year.  Everyone seemed to have a great time as they enjoyed various entertaining events, food, prizes and of course, an introduction to the teams.

Second, I played knock out at the event.  There are not many things that I am worse at than basketball.  On top of that, I honestly hate knock out because I always get my butt kicked!  Having said that, I enjoyed playing; it was fun. I certainly gave the students something to remember and it allowed me and other faculty and staff members a chance to let loose a bit. 

Third, during the busy week I noticed that there were some major miscommunications between many different people.  I was personally involved in two of the situations and I witnessed a few more. As frustrating as that was and did lead me to some conclusions.

So what did I take away from this week?

What are your thoughts on these points? How do you get through the tough weeks at work, school or in your personal life? Your tips and opinions are more than welcome here!