CLIFF LEE IS COMIN' TO TOWN

CLIFF LEE IS COMIN TO TOWN
Wow! Philly is on fire! Cliff Lee after being spurned by the Phillies a season ago returns after snubbing the offers from Texas and the Yankees, both of which involved more $$$.

Why did Cliff Lee come back to the Phils. I know in his press conference he referenced the passion of the fans, that his wife likes the Philly location, and that the team has the potential to win a championship. But there something a little deeper, something more than meets the eye that is not being discussed or even mentioned.

CHALIE, CHALIE, CHALIE
Simply stated Cliff Lee came back to Philly because of Charlie Manuel.  Chalie Manuel the stumblin, bumblin, folksy manager was almost run of town by the snooty, sophisticated media of Philadelphia for not being the sharpest tool in the shed. What the media and others didn't realize is that Charlie knew more about people, interpersonal, and communication skills than the media elite.  Charlie of course has expectations of greatness, but he more importantly leads his team as a family with no preferential treatment for the superstars. He is loyal to his players and he expects hard work, dedication, and loyalty in return. When a player is in a slump, he sticks by him and defends him even if it results in personal attacks on the manager.

LEADERSHIP STARTS AT THE TOP
Charlie leads by example. When one his top players didn't run out a ground ball, he was pulled from the lineup and benched. Charlie's thinking is if my top player can lolligag then so will the other guys. The same energy  that attracted  Roy Halliday to Philadelphia is the same power that brought Cliff Lee. When Roy came to town, he came with a work ethic. His reputation for hard work preceeded him and transcended the entire team. Roy of course won the Cy Young this year as the national league's best pitcher.

Charlie is a players manager, a guy that keeps things loose, sticks up for his guys, and in genuinely interested in the well being of his players.  Charlie Manuel is a leader, a guy that is friendly and likeable, but above all loyal.  We are all just like Cliff Lee we want to be loved, acknowledged, treated with kindness, and respect. Of course Cliff Lee wanted to play for a guy like that. Who wouldn't!

All the best and continued success.

Much Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com