Barry Bonds: Lessons about Leadership

It’s official.  Barry Bonds has been indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice.  And if convicted, he faces a maximum of 30 years in prison.  The news broke yesterday. I have but one thing to say.  Hallelujah.Okay, and a few more things.  Four more, to be exact.

Remembering that this letter is about leadership, my 4 points revolve around this question:  Has Barry Bonds — a leader in so many statistical categories of baseball performance including the revered career home run record — acted like a high-integrity leader in his everyday behavior?

In my view, he’s not even close.  Here’s why.

First, he violates the concept of “team”.  He’s been a loner and malcontent since his college days at Arizona State.  Though a standout player, he was not picked for the U.S. Olympic team because coach Rod Dedeaux felt he would upset team chemistry. The Milwaukee Brewers, owners of the first draft pick in 1986, decided not to take Bonds in part because of his reputation for being difficult.  As a pro, Bonds kept to himself in the clubhouse, in his own corner, away from others.  And his recliner, that no one else had, angered teammates. When traveling, Bonds often stayed at a different hotel than the rest of the team.  In interviews, Bonds would occasionally give credit to teammates — but many of them privately said, off the record, that it was cheap lip service and his prima donna behavior told a different story.  In the world of team sports, where one person is never solely responsible for victory, Bonds maintained an all-about-me swagger. Hardly the behavior of a high-integrity leader. 

Second, he’s a liar.  Those stuck on political correctness would prefer softer language, like “he misrepresented the truth”.  Let’s cut the crap.  He lied.  That’s what he is charged with.  While he has long been suspected of taking illegal steroids to enhance his performance — and I believe he did — that’s not what he is charged with.  (Perhaps that charge will come later.  I can only hope.)  The charge is lying to a grand jury about his alleged steroid use.  Does it even need saying that lying is not the behavior of a high-integrity leader? 

Third, he disrespected his forefathers.  Bonds has so many times spoken with tears in his eyes and passion in his heart about his dad, Bobby Bonds, a major league player, who was his best friend, chief inspiration, and primary coach.  And also about Willie Mays, his godfather, and Hall of Famer.  We should all be so lucky as to have two such powerful influences and positive role models in our lives.  Yet despite his good fortune, Barry Bonds has deeply insulted them both. High integrity leaders honor — never disrespect — the legends who walked before them.

Fourth, he has shamed the very institution that gave him the opportunity to lead.  The great game of baseball — dear to my heart as a player myself for so many years — has been deeply humiliated by Bonds and his deplorable antics.  Major League Baseball is going through a difficult period because of this widespread steroid issue and the MLB leadership (commissioner and team owners) has made many inexcusable mistakes along the way.  They’re far from guilt-free and get no free pass.  Bonds is not the only violator, just the most high profile.         

All this said, Bonds’ supporters will argue that, at this point,he is only indicted, not yet guilty, and we must give him his day in court.They’re right.  I’m fully aware that I’ve convicted him before a court of law does.  I did not make my decision lightly.  It is based on what I consider to be overwhelming evidence.  I’ve merely brought in my verdict before a jury does.  Further, I’m not kidding myself into thinking Bonds will spend 30 years in prison.  I’ll lay odds that, in the end, he gets merely a wrist-slap.  We have the best justice system on earth, but it has tragic flaws.

Lessons & Actions For You: They’re simple. Four mandates of a high-integrity leader are:  (1) Be a team player, not an arrogant soloist.  (2) Tell the truth.  (3) Honor the legends who have walked before you.  (4) Respect the organization that has given you the opportunity to lead. I’ve spoke at length in prior messages about the first two: team and truth.  Let me spend a bit more time on the last two now.

What active steps do you take to honor those who have led before you … to remind your followers that you and they are not the first to walk this path … that others have opened the door that you now sprint through … that opportunities come to you because of efforts of others now gone?

Perhaps in your next team, group or all-company meeting, it would be appropriate for you to pay homage to predecessors who have made it possible for you to flourish.  We all need a sense of history.  It grounds us.

Further, this should not be a one-time message.  On your team,like all teams, new players come, old players go.  Your group is always in flux.  This message needs to be repeated frequently.  Some will hear it multiple times.  That’s okay.  Better that they do.

Finally, blend into that message a “thanks” to the organization and industry to which you all belong.  Sociologists and behavioral scientists long ago determined that human beings are pack animals who deeply need a sense of belonging to something greater than themselves.  It’s part of what makes us tick.  As leader, be the beacon for “belonging” and remind
your people of the pride they should feel in being selected for membership into the bond. 

Barry Bonds and others like him serve a powerful purpose. They allow us to see what happens, on a grand stage, when a leader abuses his power. And from it, we can learn.  And make our choices.   

“Your followers are always watching you.  Listening to your words. Scrutinizing your actions.  Looking for signs and signals of what THEY should do.  Your decisions and actions give them permission to do likewise. What messages are you sending?”

This article has been reprinted here with the permission of Rick Houcek, President of  Soar With Eagles, Inc. (Thank you, Rick!) If you’d like to read more great articles on leadership, please visit Rick’s web site at www.SoarWithEagles.com and Click here to sign up for the Soar With Eagles newsletter. You’ll be glad you did!