I will be posting daily excerpts of Hiring Secrets of the NFL, by Isaac Cheifetz, Catalytic1 Executive Search, over the next two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl.
Hiring Secrets of the NFL #6 – Character Matters
“One the terms I’ve learned to be sensitive to is risk and reward. Now when I hear it in a character context, I don’t want those players on the team”. Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons owner and Home Depot founder
Organizations that tolerate superstars who are personally productive but organizationally disruptive rarely attain world class performance.
It is rare for a dysfunctional NFL superstar to win championships. The famous exception is Lawrence Taylor, “LT”, the New York Giants linebacker (1981 – 1993) who revolutionized his position and led the Giants to two Superbowl wins while combating a full blown addiction to crack cocaine. But Taylor was a uniquely talented gamechanger, powerfully driven to win, and surrounded by other great defenders who were emotionally stable. He is the exception that proves the rule.
Avoiding drainos is more easily said than done. The temptation to keep them around springs from their incredible talent. Moreover, they are often driven and hardworking. Companies are sometimes afraid to rein in disruptive stars. But a superachiever who demeans and manipulates his or her peers can disrupt the output of the entire department.Report this