The Power of One

I realize I am borrowing a title from at least one book and a motion picture. I can't help it. For what I have in mind in this blog, it just really works. Some of you will have to indulge me as I create a context for my thoughts. It is about the Texas Rangers. I am not talking about the law enforcement group. I am talking about the major league baseball team. You don't have to love baseball or the Rangers in order to appreciate the power of a move they have recently made.

His name is Cliff Lee. For several years now, he has been recognized as one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball. The Rangers recently signed him for what they hope will be a post season race culminating in a World Series victory. I know it sounds like a long shot. I don't really want to argue the soundness the probability. I want to discuss the difference Lee has already made. He lost his first game. He won one. And, he had a no decision in another one. On the surface, not spectacular. Look a little closer and you will see the rest of the story.

From the time he arrived on the scene, he has made the rest of the team better. In the three games he has pitched, he has pitched most of, if not all of, nine innings in each outing. He has thrown the highest percentage of strikes the Rangers have every seen in their history. Between each performance he takes time to talk to all of the young pitchers. As a recognized star, He doesn't stand apart. He stands effectively in the midst of them.

Here is the point. One person can make a real difference. They may cost a little more. They may not be with you long. Their presence, however, can raise the bar and elevate the sense of possibility for the whole team.

Think about it. If you are not exposed to something greater than yourself, if you are stuck with the way you have always done it or seen it done, then you will never be able to reach higher. The bar will not be raised because it is frozen in place. You become your greatest limiting factor.

I believe Cliff Lee will be gone next season. What he has done and is doing for the Rangers now, however, is more than worth the time and money invested. It may be time for you to let you and/or your team (company) be exposed to greater possibility. It may be time to add one or more who can represent excellence you never thought possible. If you think it takes three or more professionals to pitch nine innings then you will always be stuck with the limitation that represents. Until you witness a professional who shows you that it can be done be one then your perspective will change and maybe even your strategy. By the way, isn't that the way it used to be done? Names like Koufax and Gibson and Ryan come to mind.

Take the risk. Make the investment. Expose yourself to greatness. Reach higher and farther than you ever thought possible. Your game will change. People will be impressed. New value will be recognized. Do well, my friends.