Coach in the Clubhouse: Why?

In 2012 the Detroit Tigers paid $26 million to a once-great player, whose best years were behind him.  I could not figure out the rationale for the hire.  The Tigers were getting much fewer hits per buck with Hunter than any other reasonable option.  Was General Manager Dave Dombrowski crazy?  Why would the Tigers do that?

I found out why when I was watching a game during the 2014 season.  The Tigers’ new Manager, Brad Asmus, had great natural ability.  But had never managed or coached at any level before.

The Tigers’ catcher, Alex Avila got hit in the head by a hard-thrown ball that deflected off a bat and hit him on his mask.  Avila went down immediately and didn’t get back up right away.  Ausmus and the trainers rushed to his side.  A long conversation ensued.  The inning was over and Avila went back to the dugout still talking to Asmus. 

On the dugout camera as replayed later, you could see Avila pleading with Asmus.  Eventually, Asmus nodded his head and Avila starting putting his equipment back on.  Torii Hunter could be seen in the background observing this interplay.  After Asmus stepped back out of the dugout to watch the game, Hunter sat down next to Avila.  They talked quietly for a while, at which point Hunter bolted upright and walked over to Asmus.

Conversation again ensued.  Asmus listened carefully.  Then he returned to Avila and delivered the bad news.

It became clear later that Avila’s bell had really gotten rung.  He was such a motivated player that he talked Asmus into letting him stay in the game.  Hunter, with years of experience saw the problem and took matters into his own hands.  He wasn’t going to let his inexperienced boss make a decision that would be bad for Avila and for the team.

Asmus recognized the wisdom of his senior player, changed his mind, and the right outcome transpired.

Torii Hunter was what is often called an Individual Contributor.  His place on the Tigers’ orgchart did not have anybody reporting to him, not even the batboy.  Nevertheless, he saw an opportunity to contribute and was of great value.

That’s why the Tigers paid him the big bucks. They wanted a coach in the clubhouse; somebody who

• Understands the game from the players’ point of view, but who also knows what management is trying to accomplish
• Can translate management’s objectives into language that is understandable to the players, and
• Most importantly, is trusted by the players.

High performing organizations want leadership to be diffused throughout the orgchart.

If you’re a boss, of course, listen to what your people tell you.  But act upon what your senior people tell you.

How about you?  Do you have a similar story?  What has worked best for you?  Comment below.