Pitt Business e-newsletter Issue 10, July 2008
Notes from the Dean
There was great excitement in Pittsburgh this spring as the Penguins came close to capturing the National Hockey League (NHL) championship. While the Pens lost the series to the Detroit Red Wings in game six of the Stanley Cup finals, their effort suggests an important lesson relevant to everyone. It is possible to overcome adversity. In 2006, the Pens ranked 29th out of 30 teams in the NHL. In 2007, the team lost in the first round of the playoffs. In the off-season, the Pens were nearly sold and moved out of town. Despite these problems, the team strengthened its management, acquired new athletes, secured a deal for a new arena, and made many necessary changes. Players kept their focus on the ice and concentrated on becoming a better, stronger team. As a result of their persistence, they had an unforgettable 2008 season. As Mario Lemieux explained, "It takes a lot of character, a lot of sacrifices from the whole team to get to the finals. And it shows you how difficult it is to win it. This is the toughest trophy to win in all of sports. And it just makes the strides that we have made over the last three years pretty incredible."
To progress beyond this excellent season, the Pens must decide how to deal with the disappointment of coming up short in the finals. In some ways, this future test will say much about the character of the players and team. Minor differences—in training, dedication, and attitudes—will determine next year's outcomes. And so it is in most businesses and industries. Little things are critical to outcomes. Persistence, attention to detail, willingness to do something extra, and belief in purpose fuel people's efforts and results.
The little things don't just happen. They must be nurtured and reinforced. And disappointment can be the biggest challenge to doing the little things right. In many ways, the Penguins' pursuit of the Stanley Cup can serve as a model for success. When businesses, groups, or individuals face adversity, they must stay on course and continue working toward their goals. Organization, sacrifice, and discipline are crucial for success. Sometimes, however, all of the hard work in the world is not enough to come out on top. In defeat, we must look deep within ourselves to discover our strengths and weaknesses. Each of us will face disappointment and defeat at some point in our lives. How we deal with it determines our ultimate success.
