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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--jo...164505133.html
Just mentioned on SiriusXM, apparently after the Texans loss the team took issue with a practice in pads on Halloween and it became a great therapy session instead of dysfunction.
Fascinating story.
Very fascinating.
This article needs to be stickied, tattooed, whatever to all of those who think Harbs is a tyrant or stubborn, incapable of flexibility. It takes a lot of guts and even more leadership to admit you're wrong and to then turn the moment into getting the team on board again.
Time will tell if this propels the team into the playoffs and beyond but it's a great start!
did Cam say he's been wrong?
That article further reinforces my opinion about Harbaugh being a great leader. Clearly, Harbaugh has read How to Win Friends and Influence People multiple times because everything he does is taken straight from that book. And if you haven't read that book, it's a must read.
Great story. People who doubt Flacco is a leader in the locker room, look no further than this:
"By meeting's end Flacco and linebacker Jameel McClain had given constructive speeches that helped bring the team together, and Harbaugh actually felt enriched by the experience. "
After that, is it any wonder the Ravens went 4-0 in November.
That's pretty amazing. It's one thing to own up to your mistakes. It's another to have the clarity to do it in the exact moment where, as a coach, you've just been challenged by multiple players in front of your whole team.
I think the vast majority of people would become terrified and defensive in that situation, resorting to attacking (verbally) those that challenged them, dolling out punishment, and/or doubling down and basically saying "this is how it's going to be, so deal with it."
I'm truly impressed by this.
I find it odd that Cam was the one pushing for the no huddle. Hes the OC if he wants it, shouldnt that be the end of it? Its kind of implying Harbaugh is sticking his two sense into the offense, maybe not to its benefit?
I think Harbaugh as a leader has and continues to be good and fair. As a player, i couldnt imagine a much better scenario, especially with how many stubborn coaches are out there. However, i dislike that our players get upset about practicing in pads after an ass kicking the week before. It may have led to a greater conversation, but the fact that they didnt want to strap pads on and got their way seems like they werent "embracing the grind".
Great article.
Personally, I LOVE Harbuagh. The story about Torrey and his brother and how HArbaugh handled it, how he took issue with people questioning how excited he (Harbs) was for Torrey after the Patriots game, it all enforced what I think of him as a person.
Great Leader, still disagree with the overly conservative approach (At times, and clock management (at times), but ya gotta take the good with the bad.
:wordQuote:
Originally Posted by JAB1985
What a great story! For Harbs to have that many Alpha-Male personalities in an Alpha Male sport and be open to critique in front of said players and staff speaks volumes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dade
That part struck me too, I'd love to have been a fly on the wall for that one.
What a great time for the team to start to rally around one another.
I am far more impressed with this than the win in SD. This is far more the catalyst for a SB run than a win against a team what we, on paper, should have blown out.
This is the stuff that propels teams to a higher level.
i.e. The San Deigo come back ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by HoustonRaven
Exactly!Quote:
Originally Posted by NCRAVEN
agreed. Adversity and then bonding and strengthening by overcoming such a thing is typically a catalyst for teams that carries them.Quote:
Originally Posted by HoustonRaven
That kind leadership and bonding session can definitely help teams, but I would argue not every team, and it is a very tricky thing to accomplish, so kudos to Harbs.
On some teams, especially teams that are not quite as good, and/or lack the respected veteran leadership, that kind of "everyone is equal" atmosphere can lead to blame-game distractions, where a more firm hand might keep things together. But the Ravens are good, and do have veteran leadership (player-coaches almost), so the risk of an inmates-running-asylum kind of implosion is almost non-existent.
Also very important to have each member of a team to have a voice and feel their opinion matters. Seeing it in my work experience nothing fractures a team environment when 1, just one, ONE person, feels they're voice is not heard or doesn't matter.Quote:
Originally Posted by JAB1985
Awesome awesome read. I'm more than convinced that we have the right Harbaugh. There's nothing easy about dealing with decorated veterans and strong personalities and this story proves that Harbaugh just has great people skills.
And the part about Cam pushing for the no huddle? Really? If that's true then I might have back off Cam a little.
I have mixed feelings about this. I love what Harbaugh is able to do with social relationships. I am troubled about how practicing in full pads could have instigated this.
Yeah in High School I didn't like practicing in full pads (which also meant knee, thigh, hip, and butt pads unlike NFL players) but I just accepted that it was something you have to do. Our team at JMU practices in full pads two days a week. The new rules in the NFL only allow so many full pad practices. Having the shoulder pads on for a day cannot be that catastrophic of a difference.
I just wish I could hear everything that was said. I will be wondering that... forever. Or until we get to see America's Game: The Story of The 2012 Baltimore Ravens.
Great article, but I have to call BS on this Harbaugh quote:
Harbaugh most definately has a doghouse, which I would equate to holding a grudge.Quote:
"I've got a rule: I never, ever, ever hold a grudge," Harbaugh said. "And I kind of have a rule that nobody else is allowed to hold a grudge, either. There are no grudges. We're a bunch of guys. We don't hold grudges. Right? We move on."