It has been a painful season for many in the club, on and off field staff, members and supporters.
Having seen the interview with the skipper, I really don't believe it was necessary. I'm struggling to see any justification in putting someone up for interview who is obviously tired, hurting and just repeating what we've all seen. Someone else should be fronting up, either Mickey or one of the coaching staff, and taking responsibility for things like that. I admire the skippers bravery in doing it, but it wasn't necessary, and the media team could and should have done more to make David comfortable.
There some great people in the club, but the culture isn't anywhere near where it should be. The buck has to stop somewhere, and occasionally a manager/ coach has to really reflect on whether their own style fits those particular circumstances, and be prepared to be the change.
Leadership isn't about clichés and trite, bullish one liners, uttered on repeat until seasons end. It is about change and development and the personal ability and strength to some times say 'I got that wrong, and this is how I'm going to fix it', then delivering. I've been there, and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do in terms of team management and development. Get it right, it's so powerful. That's leadership on a personal level that allows others to feel safe in questioning their own ways and helping each other.
There's a good piece in the Times today by Lizzy Ammon, about Surrey's consistent success. It ends "Stewart can end his time at the helm of Surrey highly proud of the success and culture he has bred".
Personally, I would put culture first, as that is THE basis for any success, and that is not a negative comment on one of my favourite cricket writers. Get that culture set right, make that change achievable, and you have a chance of success.
The question for me is 'what is our culture'? How is it set and who oversees that process? It cannot just be an on field mindset. It has to be about setting a definite way forward for the whole club, freeing folk up to be at their best, accepting that some days it's not going to work but believing, really believing that, long term, it can.
The fact is, we aren't suddenly going to turn into repeated finals day or QF/ SF contenders, but the start point has to be some real honesty from those charged with managing and coaching the lads.
The final question from me is, do they want to change or are they capable of changing their approach, because we now have several years of evidence that proves, with a few brighter moments, that the current 'way' is not working. Culture and mindset, right now are more important than technical improvements.
Try hard against the Foxes lads, then get away from it awhile, recharge and go again, and thanks for your efforts this year. Some of us 'get it'.
Andy
Having seen the interview with the skipper, I really don't believe it was necessary. I'm struggling to see any justification in putting someone up for interview who is obviously tired, hurting and just repeating what we've all seen. Someone else should be fronting up, either Mickey or one of the coaching staff, and taking responsibility for things like that. I admire the skippers bravery in doing it, but it wasn't necessary, and the media team could and should have done more to make David comfortable.
There some great people in the club, but the culture isn't anywhere near where it should be. The buck has to stop somewhere, and occasionally a manager/ coach has to really reflect on whether their own style fits those particular circumstances, and be prepared to be the change.
Leadership isn't about clichés and trite, bullish one liners, uttered on repeat until seasons end. It is about change and development and the personal ability and strength to some times say 'I got that wrong, and this is how I'm going to fix it', then delivering. I've been there, and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do in terms of team management and development. Get it right, it's so powerful. That's leadership on a personal level that allows others to feel safe in questioning their own ways and helping each other.
There's a good piece in the Times today by Lizzy Ammon, about Surrey's consistent success. It ends "Stewart can end his time at the helm of Surrey highly proud of the success and culture he has bred".
Personally, I would put culture first, as that is THE basis for any success, and that is not a negative comment on one of my favourite cricket writers. Get that culture set right, make that change achievable, and you have a chance of success.
The question for me is 'what is our culture'? How is it set and who oversees that process? It cannot just be an on field mindset. It has to be about setting a definite way forward for the whole club, freeing folk up to be at their best, accepting that some days it's not going to work but believing, really believing that, long term, it can.
The fact is, we aren't suddenly going to turn into repeated finals day or QF/ SF contenders, but the start point has to be some real honesty from those charged with managing and coaching the lads.
The final question from me is, do they want to change or are they capable of changing their approach, because we now have several years of evidence that proves, with a few brighter moments, that the current 'way' is not working. Culture and mindset, right now are more important than technical improvements.
Try hard against the Foxes lads, then get away from it awhile, recharge and go again, and thanks for your efforts this year. Some of us 'get it'.
Andy
I totally agree with it. The interview with David Lloyd was unnecessary and should have been done by the Head of Cricket.
Excellent stuff, Andy. Sort the culture, improve the club...
Many thanks Steve, that's really kind of you
ReplyDeleteAndy
My pleasure, Andy. Excellent post, deserved the widest audience. Thank you!
DeleteAn excellent point about the culture. I cover another sports team that were in a similar position. A hard nosed older coach who's style often led to accusations of bullying. Though once reasonably successful it clearly wasn't working with the current team. Those in charge made a brave decision to move on and bring in a new first time coach, who all he would talk about was they need to set the right culture. Results immediately improved and the first season was good, the second season didn't go as planned but the coach wouldn't budge on sticking to his beliefs. In year 3 the wins are back and he's already regarded as one of the best coaches in the league.
ReplyDeleteTo get to my point, this other team has a positive culture, a belief that its being built the right way from the ground up with a clear direction and allowing everyone involved with it to flourish to the best of their ability. You can't say any of that for Derbyshire right now. The vibe coming our of the county ground is a toxic one. This club needs a fresh start and a fresh approach. I do believe its time for MA to leave but have consigned myself to the expectation that he will see out his contract.
Very interesting piece indeed.
ReplyDeleteThe culture isn't right and frankly this is more important that the money side at this time.
It got me thinking how to go about this. Firstly no extension to MA's contract and he should be told as soon as. Secondly the board should get a report from the cricket side of the business of how the 'culture' is and what needs to be done to improve matters, with a proviso there are no recriminations.
I have wondered how this should be done, and whilst we could have this done at a cost externally, I do wonder if the board should seek out Maddo to do this.
I certainly don't want to put pressure on Maddo, and it would be entirely up to him, but I really can't think of anyone who has more experience, intelligent, considerate and more respected that this man.
I don't know what Maddo want to do after his playing career is up, however if he is to continue in cricket, I would prefer he had time away from Derby before perhaps coming back in a coaching capacity at a later date.
Much as Wayne is a great club man, and legend, if they are going down the route of trying to understand what is going wrong (and right) then it needs an outsider to go in with no preconceptions, no name, no 'club' voice, and not connected to the current or past admin' of the club, to get to the heart of what needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteThe club has been far too reliant on DCCC names, past and present, relationships, mates and connections, and where, exactly, has it got us?
If there are things to be discovered, they won't be repeated in front of anyone who has the possibility of a connection that may be involved.
Time for fresh eyes, analysis, evidence and going where that takes them.
There will be folk in and around the club who have things to say, that others might feel uncomfortable in hearing. Maybe it's time for just that?
Andy
Back in the early 2000's, we moved to the Wirral to take on a pub. Known locally as 'the Cathedral' due to its size, it had once been a Beefeater, but had been left to its own devices for a number of years and consequently had become known as a rough house and tough to run. By no means a hard man myself, we moved in with no knowledge of reputations or which character was whom.
ReplyDeleteIt proved a blessing in disguise. We changed the culture (which is the point of this story) by treating everyone the same from sday one.
If people did transgress a stern talking to, or a short ban did the trick. The pub became the busiest in the area, even outstripping the local Weatherspoons, until the smoking ban destroyed us. But that's a whole different story.
Think you'll all get the idea here, a fresh start with no misconceptions could be the way forward come 2026.
However, what happens if next season does click into place for MA? Hmmmm
Regardless, I suspect he will want a change by then and we will realise we are paying over the odds for a HOC. There are less expensive options out there who would be equally good or better.
DeleteI am prepared to wait and see, but the culture change is needed and possibly beyond him..
Indeed Steve. I remember your Grant Bradburn article without having to re-read. Agree totally, which makes it hurt that little bit more..
ReplyDelete