In professional sports – and life, if we are being honest – there are several types of leaders.
Some lead by example: Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge are the perfect examples of this.
Some are more vocal: think of Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas in the 80s.
Others try to connect with their people, on levels that go beyond the field.
This is what Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona is trying to do.
He gets nervous in team meetings and speeches, he cares about the human being and not just the player, and he knows that life goes on if the on-field result was a win or a loss.
“’I don’t want to apologize for being too close to our guys or caring about them. What we’re doing is all about the players,’ Terry Francona. Compassionate leaders understand the balance between sports and life,” The Winning Difference tweeted.
“I don’t want to apologize for being too close to our guys or caring about them. What we’re doing is all about the players,” Terry Francona
Compassionate leaders understand the balance between sports and life. pic.twitter.com/qICczAwMog
— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) March 28, 2023
That’s why Francona has earned the love and respect of his players and the world of baseball.
He is an extraordinarily talented manager who has won multiple World Series, but he is not the only skipper to do that.
The way he treats his players, by being firm but fair and compassionate, is what sets him apart.
He has been leading the Guardians for several years and was even at the doorstep of winning the Fall Classic with them in 2016.
With him at the helm, the team has been mostly competitive in the last decade, even without a top budget.
It’s guys like Francona that find success even when circumstances are adverse.
NEXT: Guardians Analyst Shares A Shocking Feat For The Franchise
