Following up on a previous post that began reviewing eight leadership lessons from ESPN's CEO, George Bodenheimer:
5) Have fun along the way. I oftentimes need to remind myself to appreciate and enjoy the journey. I think that many in ministry share this challenge. One of ESPN's mantra's is "We take sports seriously but we don't take ourselves seriously." I love that!
6) Build your brand. Branding is about intentional communication with every person your organization reaches. It includes how you communicate vision visually and how your tell your story. Have you asked the question recently, "What do people think of when they think of you?"
7) Innovate, Innovate, Innovate. ESPN has always demonstrated a relentless pursuit of innovation. In June of 2007, Keith Clinkscales was named senior vice president, content development and enterprises. As head of ESPN Content Development, Clinkscales launched a new ESPN incubator media lab designed to develop and create new sports-driven content for all ESPN media platforms; expanding the ESPN Content Development brand. A place for innovation, experimentation and breakthrough programming and initiatives, since its inception, ESPN Content Development has created and aired initiatives like Varsity Inc. and E:60. The ESPN is famous for its new components and early adopter practices at ESPN.com; from things like the video sidebar, to mobile ESPN, ESPN fantasy sports, and ESPN 360 to name a few.
8) To empower people is to lead. The impact of an organization is always determined by the leadership ability to raise and release other leaders. Its no surprise that ESPN promotes empowerment as a core tenet. Read more.