Being a good leader is like being a good umpire

Published May 17, 2010
By Col. John C. Sell
21st Medical Group commander

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The count on the batter was two balls and one strike, nobody on and two outs in the third inning. The pitcher in his windup threw a fast ball over the heart of the plate about waist high. The batter with a steady, balanced, and powerful swing launched the ball over the 375 foot sign in the left center alley - a home run. Spectators and teammates cheered wildly as the proud player cruised around the bases and then headed to the dugout for more slaps on the back.

Seconds later, the opposing coach yelled, "Hey, Blue, I'm appealing that the batter didn't touch home plate."

He didn't. The batter was called out, no run was scored, three outs, inning over and instantly the cheers for the player turned into jeers and boos toward the person we affectionately know as the "umpire."

As a baseball umpire for more than 15 years (from Little League to the college level) and calling close to 800 games, I think I've seen and experienced it all (from parents pulling their kid off the field because the coach didn't let them swing away on a 3-0 count to needing a sheriff escort following a conference championship game) only to see something new again and again. Some call me crazy to put myself under the scrutiny of the subjective criticism game after game. The passion of being an umpire continues to grow each time I step on the field. Interestingly, I've also learned that being a good leader is very much like being a good umpire. The similarities and parallels are more obvious than you think.

A good umpire is one who can be totally objective and one who cannot allow himself to get too emotional during a game. He must keep his presence throughout the game and as the game progresses, more than likely he will be confronted with tough decisions and angry participants. It's not different in the workplace where people will approach you as the leader with their problems and concerns. Are you a leader who gets frazzled easy and yells at your people when things aren't going smoothly? Or do you stay in control, assess the situation, and bring calm to chaos?

A good umpire is one who is approachable, is a good listener, and is able to assess and react to the various personalities of the coaches and players he will deal with during a game. Some will be very high strung and emotional while others will be steady and calm. Some will try to bend the rules to their advantage. Just like an umpire, an effective leader should be engaging, be a good listener and be consistent and professional. A little empathy and understanding can go a long way both on and off the field.

A good umpire is affiliated with an umpire association and both he and his association are judged by his action and appearance. Is his uniform pressed and clean? Are his shoes shined? Does he look sharp as he walks onto the field? If an umpire shows up to the field looking and acting unprofessional, they should get ready to be treated unprofessionally. Each day when we put on our uniform we represent the U.S. Air Force and take on the responsibility of being part of something bigger than ourselves. We will constantly be judged by how we wear our uniform, if our hair is trimmed and within standards, and how we conduct ourselves whether on the base or at a function downtown. Call it what you want - underneath the microscope, living in a fish bowl - that's the way it is when you wear the blue.

Finally, a good umpire like a good leader must possess two essential personality traits - integrity and courage. Integrity can never be compromised because once it is, it's very difficult to earn the respect and trust back from player, coach or subordinate alike. Courage is perhaps the pre-cursor to integrity. It takes courage to stand up against the temptation to hide or not make a controversial call. It's easy not to notice a balk or a runner who missed a base when the umpire knows it will cause controversy. It's easy to look the other way when someone continuously misses suspenses, no shows for their medical or legal appointment, or is acting unprofessional in their workplace. An umpire or leader that lacks courage will see their integrity slip away slowly.

A good leader or a good umpire will be the first to tell you: "If you're afraid to make the call, don't step on the field." As leaders you must be able to make the call.