Jim Tracy was the skipper of the Los Angeles Dodgers for several seasons.
His winning percentage wasn't great, but he led the team to the post-season at least once.
Then, reportedly in a dispute with management about the length of his contract extension, he bolted and signed on as the leader of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that has been losing for decades, and really has done a lot worse that the Dodgers.
How, I asked myself, could Tracy go from bad to worse?
In other words, how could he embrace the idea of managing a sure loser?
Yes, you could retort, "For the money, dummy!" but I think that's only part of the story.
I think he relishes the challenge. If he turns that team around, he'll be a hero, somewhat like what Jim Leyland experienced in Florida after he brought a world championship to the Marlins.
In a way, Tracy's choice is a sure winner.
Consider this. If the Pirates keep losing, who can blame him? They're the train wreck, so to speak, and he's merely the attending physician. The best you can expect of him is triage. He can't save EVERYBODY, right?
But again, if he finds a way to win, or at least to improve their record, he'll be highly regarded.
That's very different than being in charge in LA, where you're expected to deliver, and pronto.
As I write these words, things aren't looking good. Tracy's team has just lost its 12th game in a row.
This is only the second time that has happened in the franchise's history.
Maybe it's tougher to manage a losing team than I thought!
Dr. Gary S. Goodman is the best-selling author of 12 books, over 600 articles, and the creator of numerous audio and video training programs, including "The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable," published by Nightingale-Conant-a favorite among salespeople and entrepreneurs. For information about booking Gary to speak at your next sales, customer service or management meeting, conference or convention, please address your inquiry to: gary@customersatisfaction.com
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