I just finished Bryan Hoch’s new book 62: Aaron Judge, The New York Yankees, And The Pursuit Of Greatness. It is a game-by-game journey through the Yankees’s 2022 season and an in-depth profile of American League Most Valuable Player Aaron Judge. You can purchase a copy HERE or on the image provided.
A Historic News Conference
The book concludes with a December 14 press conference where Judge and team owner Hal Steinbrenner signed a 9-year, $360 million contract. Contract signings are always momentous occasions but what made this event so memorable was Steinbrenner’s announcement that Judge would also be the 16th team captain in Yankees history.
On pages 315 – 316, Steinbrenner and teammate Nestor Cortes discussed the attributes which made Judge worthy of such an honor. Their comments provide an ideal template of what to look for when your organization is looking for a leader to help you go to the next level.
The 8 Essential Attributes to Seek in a Potential Leader
Steinbrenner said, “You don’t give the captainship to just anybody. He definitely checked all the boxes. Aaron’s leadership this year was greater than ever, in the tough times and the good times. He’s just incredibly well respected, and then with what he does on the field – it’s going to be a good nine years.”
When Looking For A Leader Look For Someone Who Is Currently Exhibiting Great Leadership Qualities
The best indicator of future performance is past performance. Steinbrenner noted, “He definitely checked all the boxes. Aaron’s leadership this year was greater than ever”
When Looking For A Leader Look For Someone Who Has Successfully Dealt With Adversity
Pressure creates diamonds but many times a person can also crumble under pressure. Pressure and adversity not only helped create a leader in Judge, it also revealed him as one. He excelled “in the tough times and the good times.”
When Looking For A Leader Look For Someone Who Is Respected
In John Maxwell’s book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You, he introduces The Law of Respect which says, “Followers are attracted to people who are better leaders than themselves.” Steinbrenner admired, “He’s just incredibly well respected.”
When Looking For A Leader Look For Someone Who Has Great Production
In my book Mighty: 7 Skills You Need to Move from Pandemic to Progress, I identify the first skill as Production. Production validates your leadership. When you stand before a group of people and say, “If you follow me this is what will happen.” Those who sign-up to join you on the journey will eventually wonder whether you actually achieved the goal or not.
Judge achieved much in his record-breaking home run season. “And then with what he does on the field” validated his leadership.
For a deeper dive into the importance of production, read The 2 Things You Must Do To Be Recognized As A Leader In Your Organization.
Pitcher Nestor Cortes also said, “We follow everything he does. He leads by example. He’s not really a guy that comes out and screams at anybody. But if he has to, that’s his job. I think he’s earned that right. He’s a great baseball player, but he’s a better human being. He treats everybody the same. He follows up on everybody every day. He’s the last one to leave from the clubhouse on the road, and we don’t leave until he leaves. I think he’s the perfect example for the game of baseball.”
When Looking For A Leader Look For Someone Who Leads By Example
Cortes admitted, “We follow everything he does. He leads by example.” There are two important leadership truths contained in his statement. First, people do what people see. Second, a leader should never ask someone to do something they are not willing to do themselves.
When Looking For A Leader Look For Someone Who Has Earned The Right To Lead
Earning the right to lead is directly tied to respect. Cortes noted, “He’s not really a guy that comes out and screams at anybody. But if he has to, that’s his job. I think he’s earned that right.”
When Looking For A Leader Look For Someone With Great Character
Leadership is all about character. Cortes shared, “He’s a great baseball player, but he’s a better human being. He treats everybody the same. He follows up on everybody every day. He’s the last one to leave from the clubhouse on the road, and we don’t leave until he leaves.” Being a better human will increase your leadership influence.
When Looking For A Leader Look For Someone Who Embodies What You Want Your Culture To Be
Leaders are a picture of the desired destination of which others should wish to arrived. Cortes concluded, “I think he’s the perfect example for the game of baseball.”
His statement begs a follow-up question for you and I, “Are we the perfect example of our organization?” If not, which of these eight attributes do we need to work on to become such a leader?
In conclusion, 62: Aaron Judge, The New York Yankees, And The Pursuit Of Greatness is a wonderful profile of what a leader with great production looks like. Get your copy by clicking HERE.
#CommissionsEarned
My latest eBook is available for download. The Top 65 Leadership Quotes Of 2022 Part 1 is a resource every leader should have. Great quotes bring clarity and put into words who we intuitively feel as leaders. They give us wisdom and insights which advance the mission and vision of our organizations. This eBook includes thoughts and insights from leaders like Warren Buffett, Nick Saban, James Clear, Dawn Staley, Jurgen Klopp, Jerry Seinfeld, and even Ted Lasso. This resource will take you about 10 minutes to read but a lifetime to apply. You will want to stop and ponder the implications of each quote. Click HERE or on the image provided for immediate download!