Wow! Turns out that "team thing" made a difference after all! The American team won the Ryder Cup Sunday 16 1/2 to 11 1/2 over the visiting Europeans. In his post game press conference, Captain Paul Azinger was quoted as saying, "I focused on the team concept. We spilt them up into small groups and had them bond. They were never coming out of those groups."
I mentioned in my previous blog that team success is directly proportional to how much the individuals are willing to give to each other. There was never a question of giving for the Americans in this 2008 Ryder Cup. Infused by a group of six, enthusiatic rookies, the Americans were giddy, laughing, and clearly having a fun time. The mood of the event was much lighter than in recent years. This is all due to the philosophy of Captain Azinger...focusing on TEAM, giving heart and soul to something greater than yourself.
I was proud to watch this American group do so well. The Europeans were equal to the task for the most part, but home field advantage and the fueled crowd turned out to be a huge advantage for America.
Fulfilling the Need to Grow...The Americans won because they gave of themselves for the team goal. Strategy and player placements made some difference as well. Have no doubt, though, this Cup was won by America because they were the better team. Togetherness was at the core of this deal. The great golf that ensued was just the result. I particularly cherished how players such as Boo Weekley refused to put too much pressure on the moment. The rest of the players simply joined him. After all, he was just being a great teammate.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Ryder Cup - An Essential Team Game
This week September 19-21, the USA will take on the Europeans in golf for the right to win the Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup is a team competition, emphasizing different two player and single game formats throughout the three day event, played every other year. Particular negative emphasis has been placed on the American team in recent years due to the fact they have lost 5 out of the last 6 Ryder Cups, with their last victory coming in 1999.
Why have the Americans faltered so often in the last several years? The answer...American golf culture is focused on winning Major Championships such as the Masters, US Open, and the PGA Championship. This means one person winning for one person. Team events are second. Europeans, on the other hand, look to the team game and events like the Ryder Cup as the highlight of their careers.
The difference in philosophy lies in the Europeans ability to put aside their egos and focus on each other. They do this rather easily. As a result, they have become consistent winners in the team game because the team, and more importantly the players, come first above all else. The Euros' great chemistry is apparent. It translates to their golf games in a positive way. The Americans often look like a line of individuals who are sandwiched together to force a team. They often look tight, uncomfortable with what is at hand. We all know how this turns out....into routs.
Let's look at history a little. The American team combined the world's two best players a few years ago to play together. On paper, it should have been a no-brainer. But World #1 Tiger Woods and World #2 Phil Mickelson looked very uncomfortable playing together. They lost and lost big. Why? They were two big time players who decided not to come together and give to each other. They were not able to efficiently switch gears and just play for something bigger than themselves. Even hearing in the interviews that they were honored to play for their country doesn't mean that the American players were willing to totally surrender to the team.
The Europeans know the value of the team concept. They simply put down their egos and give to each other. The result is usually victory, not because they were focused on the prize, but because they were focused on their teammates. The team game is usually a departure for the Americans. Team games are not promoted by the American golf culture and the PGA Tour. Comraderie and respect yes, team no. As a result, it hurts the Americans in a major team event such as the Ryder Cup.
Evidence in check, Kenny Perry gave up the right to play in the US Open and British Open this year in order to focus on making the Ryder Cup team. He was blasted in the media over and over for that decision, which is a clear indication that many expect Perry to play for himself over playing for his team. Not so fast my friend.
Fulfilling the Need to Grow...on any team, on any given day, in business, little league, or the Ryder Cup...positive results are measured by how much individuals are willing to give of themselves for the sake of their teams and the cause at hand. Success is measured by how well people can work together, support each other, and leave the individual agendas on the ground. The essence of true teamwork is in direct proportion to how unselfish the team players can be. Pay attention to how much the players give to each other and the team during play and you will clearly see the winner of the 2008 Ryder Cup long before the final match.
Why have the Americans faltered so often in the last several years? The answer...American golf culture is focused on winning Major Championships such as the Masters, US Open, and the PGA Championship. This means one person winning for one person. Team events are second. Europeans, on the other hand, look to the team game and events like the Ryder Cup as the highlight of their careers.
The difference in philosophy lies in the Europeans ability to put aside their egos and focus on each other. They do this rather easily. As a result, they have become consistent winners in the team game because the team, and more importantly the players, come first above all else. The Euros' great chemistry is apparent. It translates to their golf games in a positive way. The Americans often look like a line of individuals who are sandwiched together to force a team. They often look tight, uncomfortable with what is at hand. We all know how this turns out....into routs.
Let's look at history a little. The American team combined the world's two best players a few years ago to play together. On paper, it should have been a no-brainer. But World #1 Tiger Woods and World #2 Phil Mickelson looked very uncomfortable playing together. They lost and lost big. Why? They were two big time players who decided not to come together and give to each other. They were not able to efficiently switch gears and just play for something bigger than themselves. Even hearing in the interviews that they were honored to play for their country doesn't mean that the American players were willing to totally surrender to the team.
The Europeans know the value of the team concept. They simply put down their egos and give to each other. The result is usually victory, not because they were focused on the prize, but because they were focused on their teammates. The team game is usually a departure for the Americans. Team games are not promoted by the American golf culture and the PGA Tour. Comraderie and respect yes, team no. As a result, it hurts the Americans in a major team event such as the Ryder Cup.
Evidence in check, Kenny Perry gave up the right to play in the US Open and British Open this year in order to focus on making the Ryder Cup team. He was blasted in the media over and over for that decision, which is a clear indication that many expect Perry to play for himself over playing for his team. Not so fast my friend.
Fulfilling the Need to Grow...on any team, on any given day, in business, little league, or the Ryder Cup...positive results are measured by how much individuals are willing to give of themselves for the sake of their teams and the cause at hand. Success is measured by how well people can work together, support each other, and leave the individual agendas on the ground. The essence of true teamwork is in direct proportion to how unselfish the team players can be. Pay attention to how much the players give to each other and the team during play and you will clearly see the winner of the 2008 Ryder Cup long before the final match.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Growing from the Gas Crunch
Never in my life (all of 37 years) do I remember a time when the price of fuel went so out of control so fast. It seems like I went from paying $2.25 per gallon to $4.00 overnight. Quite honestly, it felt like someone took my wallet. I have a six cylinder Nissan Maxima that gets fairly good gas mileage. I used to pay about $35 to fill up my tank, now it is $56.
I used to cringe each time I drove by a gas station until I began to think about how I could change this in my favor. What is in my control to do something about this? This just hurts. Is there a better way?. What can I do? As I put this thought on autopilot, something wonderful began to happen. A shift in consciousness began to take place. Drive less T Tagg. Consolidate your trips around town. Plan your routes ahead of time. It will be fine. You are actually doing something good for the environment. I thought about riding my bike to work, then I thought about the 100 degree summer heat and the probability of getting mowed down in rush hour Memphis traffic. Better think again, although many people are successfully riding their bikes to work everyday now.
Driving is still currently the best for me. To save even more on fuel, I made sure my tires were properly inflated, my oil was freshly changed, and my acceleration was smooth instead of drag racing style. I found myself playing a game. How many extra miles can I get on THIS tank? As a result, I am delaying my return to the pump by an extra 3-4 days.
Saving at the pump is an exercise in thinking ahead. I’m a visionary, so this new way of thinking plays right into my hands. What else can I do to save? Make it permanent. As the price of gas retreats quickly back to the $3.50 per gallon range, the temptation to drive more will be very strong. What good will this do? Put us right back into the cash straps! Will this ensure that we have $4.50 gas by next year? Ummmmm, no way Jose if we grow from the gas crunch.
Fulfilling the Need to Grow – I believe situations are presented as learning opportunities. What have I learned as the result of higher gas prices? I have learned that conservation is a priority where it wasn’t before. I have learned that I can function very well on less than I thought I could. I have learned that saving gas and using less total resources makes me feel great. I have learned that our survival will be based on how well we adapt to changing circumstances. I have learned that as we save and grow, more alternative methods and resources will be available to help us meet our conservation goals. I have learned that many people using just a little less gas lowers demand and that lowers prices. Most of all, I have learned that by doing a small part to help the environment and reduce my carbon footprint, I am contributing to the well being and healthy totality of the human connection. I am growing indeed.
I used to cringe each time I drove by a gas station until I began to think about how I could change this in my favor. What is in my control to do something about this? This just hurts. Is there a better way?. What can I do? As I put this thought on autopilot, something wonderful began to happen. A shift in consciousness began to take place. Drive less T Tagg. Consolidate your trips around town. Plan your routes ahead of time. It will be fine. You are actually doing something good for the environment. I thought about riding my bike to work, then I thought about the 100 degree summer heat and the probability of getting mowed down in rush hour Memphis traffic. Better think again, although many people are successfully riding their bikes to work everyday now.
Driving is still currently the best for me. To save even more on fuel, I made sure my tires were properly inflated, my oil was freshly changed, and my acceleration was smooth instead of drag racing style. I found myself playing a game. How many extra miles can I get on THIS tank? As a result, I am delaying my return to the pump by an extra 3-4 days.
Saving at the pump is an exercise in thinking ahead. I’m a visionary, so this new way of thinking plays right into my hands. What else can I do to save? Make it permanent. As the price of gas retreats quickly back to the $3.50 per gallon range, the temptation to drive more will be very strong. What good will this do? Put us right back into the cash straps! Will this ensure that we have $4.50 gas by next year? Ummmmm, no way Jose if we grow from the gas crunch.
Fulfilling the Need to Grow – I believe situations are presented as learning opportunities. What have I learned as the result of higher gas prices? I have learned that conservation is a priority where it wasn’t before. I have learned that I can function very well on less than I thought I could. I have learned that saving gas and using less total resources makes me feel great. I have learned that our survival will be based on how well we adapt to changing circumstances. I have learned that as we save and grow, more alternative methods and resources will be available to help us meet our conservation goals. I have learned that many people using just a little less gas lowers demand and that lowers prices. Most of all, I have learned that by doing a small part to help the environment and reduce my carbon footprint, I am contributing to the well being and healthy totality of the human connection. I am growing indeed.
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