Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

When I've read one-too-many spreadsheets, or when the thought of another decision turns my stomach, I turn to sports radio.

It is simple.  Enjoyable. And perhaps mindless.  The perfect island get-away when I need to clear my mind. 

Earlier this week, Mike and Mike graced my radio dial. The discussion concerned the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys.  He just signed a $108 million contract extension.  And believe it or not, the dollar amount didn't catch my attention.  It was this comment from team owner, Jerry Jones.

Jones said he and Cowboys coach Jason Garrett would love to see Romo spend the majority of his waking hours at the team facility.

“If Tony, for instance, would be here Monday through Saturday . . . from seven in the morning to six o’clock at night all over this place then that’s better than the way it’s been,” Jones said. “We’ll have more success, and Jason believes that. It’s certainly at quarterback but he believes it at the other positions. Tony is going to have more time, more presence, not only in the offseason but when the season starts, beginning Monday, assuming we played Sundays. He’s going to have more time on the job. A part of what we agreed with was extra time on the job, beyond the norm.”  

One of the sports radio hosts raised a good point, which I want to repeat.

If you read that comment, it smacks of a left-handed compliment.  If Tony Romo spends more time in the facility, the Cowboys will succeed.  And they had to put that extra level of effort into the contract from the sound of it. 

The radio host argued that Tony Romo is who he is.  He's been in the league 11 years.  His commitment, the way he trains, the way he interacts...it is likely set in stone. Or something nearly as inflexible.

Are the Cowboys making a mistake?  Are they trying to improve Tony Romo, or create a new Tony Romo that doesn't exist.  And won't exist.

And so it is with us.  We read articles and seek self improvement.  But are we trying to improve ourselves, or re-invent ourselves? 

Personally, I think the key to success is working toward the best version of ourselves.  Reinventing ourselves?  I think there is a risk there - a risk that the new you will ring hollow.  Come off a bit insincere.  Or worse yet, it could lead to eternal tension as you repeatedly try to stab a square tab into a round hole. 

Thoughts?  

***

At NAFCU, we're busy preparing for our annual conference, which takes place July 9-13, in Boston, Massachusetts.  Early bird pricing ends May 10th, so be sure to take advantage of that price break if you're coming.  

And you should come.  We'll send Fred Becker off in style.  The speakers will be great. And Boston is a great city. 

I'm going to make a few presentations, but I'm very excited about one in particular:  20 Ideas in 60 Minutes.  

My theory is that if you can walk away from a conference with one or two good ideas, it likely is worth the price of admission.  My goal in this talk?  Discuss 20 big ideas in 60 minutes.  While it will be fast-paced, I'll provide a detailed handout that should allow folks to sit back and listen. 

Here's a presentation that I did along those lines a few months ago.  I'll certainly update it for this year's conference. Anything you'd like to see me add?

If you are coming, let me know.  I'd love to see you there!