Big News in Beantown…The Boston Red Sox hired John Farrell to be their new manager to replace Bobby Valentine. EEG is a global company but we are based out of Boston, so we are all die-hard, Boston sports fan. Watching the Red Sox train wreck has been fascinating from an engagement perspective for the following reasons:
Which Comes First, Engagement or Performance?
Both-it is the classic chicken and egg problem. As an organization, you need to perform, and be succesful to drive engagement. Engaged employees do not want to lose. If you have a horrible performance record-that is a disengagement factor.
Was John Farrell the Right Hiring Decision?
Remains to be seen, but here are the positives and possible negative:
Positive:
- Farrell Knows What he is Walking Into: He knows Larry Lucchino, John Henry, (Farrell was Francona’s pitching coach from 2007-2010) and the background information an outside hire would never possess.
- Farrell Shows a True Passion for Preparation: Listen to any sports radio (Sports Hub, 98.5 FM is my favorite) station and they will tell you he prepared long and hard for this interview. Hire hard, live easy. Hire easy, live hard.
- Farrell Demonstrates Continuous Learning and Development: Farrell took time to learn Japanese when Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima joined in 2007.
- Farrell Holds People Accountable & to High Standards: While with the Red Sox previously he was respected and somewhat intimidating leader to the high and mighty pitching staff-namely Lester and Buchholz. Chicken and beer came after Farrell.
Negative:
- Should the Red Sox have made a clean break? Should they have hired someone from the outside?
There is a healthy mix of promoting from within and looking for a fresh, set of new eyes and no “hangover” from previous experiences. An outside hire could be the symbol that the Red Sox truly wants to move on-and hold their team accountable.
Only the 2013 season will tell. However, at EEG we believe this is a step in the right direction.
-Steph Mello, VP of Everything
