Can't We Be Civil

To read my entire article in The Hill's Congress blog, please use this link:  http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog

LA Business Journal Publishes Ritch's Article

Los Angeles Business Journal, January 14, 2013

Basketball Legend Fits Golf to a ‘T’

By RITCH K. EICH

Since 1959, I have closely followed Jerry West’s illustrious career. Next month, I will once again follow him to Pacific Palisades as a volunteer marshal at the 2013 Northern Trust Open at the legendary Riviera Country Club.

West’s imprint as the industrious and personable executive director of this annual PGA Tour stop in Los Angeles has been evident since he was appointed nearly three years ago: The gallery has grown, corporate support has risen, enthusiasm has soared and, who knows, maybe West can even lure Tiger Woods back to Brentwood.

Legions of sportswriters have described the Mountaineer and Laker great’s numerous leadership skills far better than I can. But, most pro golfers would do well to emulate just a few: West always appreciated and recognized his fans, big or small; no one worked more tirelessly to improve himself and his team; he cared deeply about the average Joe or Jane, and he never forgot about the least fortunate of us in society.

During the past 30 years, my wife and I have played a small part of the British Open, the TPC Championship, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, the Tournament of Champions and such links as La Quinta, Torrey Pines, Pebble Beach, Oakland Hills, Congressional, Sawgrass and Sherwood, but there is no place like Riviera and its fabled history. To say we have enjoyed the experience would be a gross understatement. And while change is an important part of organizational life (including that of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America) that must be embraced and channeled to constructive ends, some traditions are also important.

I fully understand that the tour is the pro golfer’s livelihood, and stellar performance equates with having sponsors and securing big purses. But it is also true that pro golfers are in the entertainment business and without the interest and support of thousands of spectators, their largesse would quickly evaporate. The classy West understood these facts as a professional basketball star, coach, general manager, adviser and now as L.A. golf executive.

Our world has changed dramatically since Sept. 11 and the resulting enhanced security measures at sporting events (including those just implemented at the USC campus) are necessary. Understanding these restraints, I offer five recommendations to the PGA and their pro golfers in the hope they will thoughtfully consider West’s leadership skills for improving the fan experience, and the health and well-being of the game of golf beginning in February at storied Riviera:

n  When the pros approach the tee box or are just about at the green, encourage them to lift up their heads and smile, or nod or say thanks for your help (to the volunteers) or thanks for coming (to those in the gallery).

n  When the gallery applauds a great shot, have them smile more often at the gallery and tip their cap (believe it or not, this longstanding gesture happens less all the time).

n  When a pro heads to the practice range or practice tee before or after he plays, acknowledge the crowd gathered there in some pleasant way.

n  When a would-be pro is in Q school (qualifying school), include a module about etiquette and how historically it has been an important part of the game.

n  When a pro completes his round, encourage him to spend 10 to 15 minutes greeting families, especially those with small children, and signing autographs.

When West accepted his leadership role at Riviera, it was not for show. It was one very concrete way Mr. Clutch could pay back to the people of Los Angeles for their having heaped 40 years of love on him.

Hopefully, the golf pros coming to Riviera will follow suit and realize that the L.A.-based charities and the people who depend upon them are the real winners. In the end, isn’t leadership all about giving?

Ritch K. Eich, principal of Thousand Oaks-based management consulting firm Eich Associated, is author of “Real Leaders Don’t Boss.”

Leadership is giving to others

There are many ways to give to others less fortunate than us during the holidays; among them are two funds Joan and I hope you will thoughtfully consider: a scholarship fund initiated by the women's basketball coach and his wife at  the University of Connecticut for victims of the Newtown, CT tragedy who decide to attend the university when they are older. Siblings of the child victims and children of the adult victims are eligible. And, not-for-profit organizations caring for military women and men wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan.

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and peaceful 2013.

Ritch K. Eich, Author
Real Leaders Don't Boss (Career Press, 2012)--Proceeds of book sales to charity
CAPT, USNR (Ret) and Principal,
Eich Associated
www.eichassociated.com

Scaling back the inauguration

To read the entire article, please use this link:
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/economy-a-budget/271915-scaling-back-the-inauguration

My thanks to web editor and writer, Will Wlizlo, and Utne Reader

The Fine Art of Leadership

by Will Wlizlo

Although we typically think of the titans of industry and leaders of the free world as products of the military or an ivy league MBA program, for an unconventional leader we might look to the fine arts. “Theater, music and the fine arts all require, undeniably, an above-average level of creativity,” writes Miller-McCune’s Ritch K. Eich. “But they also require the type of discipline, passion and commitment that can be extremely valuable in many areas of business that are now floundering.”

Eich’s favorite example—not to toot any fine art’s horn exclusively—is found at the front of a marching band:

Under [bandmaster William] Revelli’s direction, the Michigan Marching Band was the first to use original scores for their band shows and employ synchronized music and movements. They were highly praised for their precision, formations and style. Revelli was tough on his young band members and would not accept mediocrity in his organization. His exceptionally high standards called each member to a higher commitment, not only to their music, but also in all areas of their lives. He looked at the band as an antidote to juvenile delinquency.

Translating the same qualities he exhibited in rehearsals and on the field, and looking at how he made everyone in his band reach for their greatest potential, there is no doubt that he would have made an excellent corporate leader had he chosen that path.

Source: Miller-McCune  Image by Tulane Public Relations, licensed under Creative Commons. 

Read more: http://www.utne.com/blogs/blog.aspx?blogid=32&tag=Miller-McCune#ixzz2CFUMsS7n

Renaissance Weekend in Napa Valley: A Superb Leadership Retreat

Joan and I recently attended Renaissance Weekend in the Napa Valley during harvest time. Our experience was inspiring and rewarding. Renaissance Weekends as you may know are apolitical, family retreats begun in 1981 to build linkages between leaders from many different fields.

Leadership by Fiat Seldom Works

Pacific Coast Business Times recently published my article that asserts that effective leaders don't put obstacles if front of people; they help remove them. I hope you enjoy my latest contribution. The article is available in its entirety at www.pacbiztimes.com  Simply enter my name, Ritch Eich, in their search box to retrieve it.

Many thanks to the fine folks at the Business Times, especially Henry Dubroff and Marlize van Romburgh, for their assistance and courtesy.