Wes Welker-a beloved, respected, New England Patriot is now a Denver Bronco. What does this have to do with employee engagement? A lot is the short answer. Let me explain:
What happened? Some decisions truly match the Patriots culture-accountability, financial responsibility and making the best decisions (they feel) for the future and sustainability. Let’s look at this from 2 different perspectives, and of course relating this back to employee engagement.
Pats: You Are in the Wrong
– On Monday New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft defended the decision not to sign Welker by blaming Welker’s agents, David Dunn and Brian Murphy. The blame game is disingenuous, and cheapens the Patriots organization. I agree with many that the Pats jerked Welker around-it’s not right. You want him? Prove it. Don’t say it after the fact.
– Patriots paid other players that were not nearly as talented, professional and dependable as Welker. Simply put: They paid Chad Ochocinco $6M for the 2011 season. Really? How did that work out for you?
– Hire an Accountant before you decide to blab about contracts (which you say you never do). We are not idiots Kraft. While math is my worst subject, $10 million is not greater than $28.5 million? $5 million per year is not greater than $5.7 million per year. Read here or watch his painful video.
– I relate these stories back to leadership (sometimes a lack of), employee engagement and workforce trends. Welker always went the extra mile for the Pats. It wasn’t mutual. That is disengagement. Employee Engagement is about mutual commitment.
– Performance and Team Dynamics: Welker and Tom Brady are tight-they had over his six years together in New England. Will Amendola and Brady be able to create their own cinergy
Pats: You Made the Best Decision for the Team
– Boundaries: When you reach a certain age for a certain position, The Pats determine you are worth this amount. Not one dime more. Pats are not afraid to let people go. They are the ultimate example of performance, accountability and sustainability. They let Milloy go after his 2001 season when he lead with tackles and helped the Pats win the Superbowl. The next season? His worst: No sacks, no forced fumbles and his lowest number of tackles. Pats said: Sayonara. Result? They went on to win the Superbowl without him.
– Financial Discipline: Pats parted ways with Richard Seymour when his demands grew too large for the Pats.
– They do not allow their players to demand certain players or strategy-not even Tom Brady. Proof? Kraft’s comment, “I don’t answer to Tom Brady”. Trust me, Pats will make the same decision and stick with their culture when it comes time for Tom. Don’t feel too bad, he will be floating in his moat with Giselle. There are far worse things-although Patriots fans will be mourning.
– The Pats have an impressive run rate with saying goodbye to: Ty Law, Asante Samuel, Willie McGinest, Adam Vinatieri, David Givens, David Patten, Damien Woody, and Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis. They know what they are doing-and that’s one reason why other teams can’t stand the Pats. It’s OK-we don’t like your team either.
– Amendola is younger than Welker. Greg Bedard, Boston Globe football guru believes Amendola can make opponents miss more than Welker and possible exceed Welker’s yards after the catch. Patriots want to “up” their offense.
Was it right? Time will tell but Amendola, you better have tough skin. Tougher skin considering you missed 20 games over the past two seasons for various injuries.
Steph. Mello, VPE, TEEG
Sources
ESPN
Boston Globe
Google
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