Spring Training is upon us bringing with it the hope and excitement of a new season to baseball fans all over this country. As a life long fan of the Chicago Cubs, I have gone through this cycle of excitement ending in disappointment many times in my life. At this time of year, it’s a thrill just to see people throwing a baseball or swinging a bat. It brings about some visceral reaction that takes me back to my childhood. Waiting for the snow to finally melt from the near by park and the ground to become dry enough that all the kids in the neighborhood were willing to risk not getting too muddy playing ball. I can only imagine what it must feel like as a professional baseball player or a coach on a professional team. There is nothing but possibility at this time of year, and questions, and wonder. Will the rookie phenom be all he is expected to be? Does the grizzled veteran have one more year in him? Can the talented player who has always been a bit of a “head case” get it together enough this year to play to his potential. The excitement at this time of year is all about the anticipation I think. What does this have to do with coaching, or leading? Hell I don’t know. I have baseball on my brain. Come to think of it, I guess there is a lesson here for leaders and managers though. What are you doing to build up that level of excitement and anticipation with your employees? At the end of the project, or fiscal year, or whatever the relevant time frame might be… how are they likely to feel? Do the end the year with the euphoria of feeling like a champion? Do they walk away discouraged like so many Cubs fans at the end of another year of disappointment? Its up to you to guide your team to fulfill their potential. it starts today. Play Ball!