Larry Siegfried - Beyond a World Champion!

In the Industrial Age- gatekeepers and permission controlled the scene. If we thought of a new idea, the first question always asked of anyone- what channels we needed to jump through to make it happen. Often we were given a brief explanation of “you can’t" or “it’s too costly” or discovered the idea was governed by a third party and if you had no association; the idea, thought or desire was dead in the water.

We were programmed to believe it wasn’t worth the time to attempt something new, unique or remarkable. Those parameters are slipping away and those businesses are dying- a slow death.

Today, it’s about trust, honesty and caring for the customer. The realization that the heart of the business is the customer/employee relationship is the new approach to successfully running a business. The top-down management theory is dying a painful death across America.

Successful Business Strategy

Former Ohio State/ Boston Celtic basketball player, Larry Siegfried, taught this principle for success 25 years ago after retiring from basketball and offering consulting services to businesses and State Prison inmates. Larry was decades ahead of the times, his total reversal of management style brought back something missing in corporate management and how people are treated. His bottom-up management philosophy produced some very interesting results.  

Inmates who followed his teachings of respect, dignity, and honesty not only remained out of the prison system, many prospered by becoming entrepreneurs. The motivational speeches I had the pleasure of witnessing were stunning, refreshing and contagious. 

Mr. Siegfried’s analogy turned some businesses off, they couldn't accept change. The drastic approach broke down the foundation of the top-down management theory. It basically operated on “The Golden Rule” and Christian based-principles. A simple, effective approach with a solid motive for everyone involved. Control, dictate and fabrication are nowhere to be found in this approach.

The role of management is to accentuate the experience, massage the outcome and empower the employees to do the right procedure based on the principles taught.

This unique and remarkable customer service experience provided is the idea that spreads.

World Champion On or Off the Court

I wish Larry Siegfried had published a book on the principles he stood for, lived by and gave to us. I somehow believe the accumulation of those ideas originated through his Mother, Sunday school teachings,his coach at Ohio State(Fred Taylor), the Boston Celtics organization, family and his life adventures of success. Although he is not properly credited for advancing this philosophy of change, I can’t help but think his idea slowly spread prior to the days of the Internet.

 And Larry is warmly smiling down on us- right now!

Thank you Larry!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

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