Leadership Discussion

[Purple Punishment]

This will be a long post so I apologize in advance.

 

Watching the Ravens this year, some would say we have the Superbowl hangover, some will blame Castillo, Pees, Caldwell and essentially Harbaugh. Some will blame Joe, Rice, Gradkowski etc. You see how this list goes on. In the end you would just say we flat out stink.

 

Before, I go any further, to let some of you know that don't already, I have been in the military for 5 tours of duty, and have a total of 13 years in now. As a leader, I feel I do amazing with my soldiers, and they would tell you the same. BUT! I can always improve as one.

 

I have read many posts overlooking one thing that many don't think is important or treat as an after thought. A simple intangible known as Leadership. I have sat back and read people saying Flacco is "the leader" now. Ummm no. If you lack the capability to lead, influence, and motivate, you cannot be a real leader. He can't just be the leader because he threw a bunch of TDs and didn't make mistakes in the playoffs. It doesn't work that way.

 

This goes much further than Joe Flacco though. There is a certain duality here in terms of total overall leadership in the Ravens organization being very subpar.

 

Lets go with players first. Knock our vets that aren't here for losing steps all you want, for we are doing the youth movement now. With a youth movement, don't expect a ton of wins. Many don't understand here and I don't know why, but with youth, comes massive inexperience. You cannot teach instinct, intuition, or whatever you wish to call it. Its gained over time. I sit down to see the Ravens play and I see NO, absolutely NO urgency, passion, or fire in this team to even get out on the field to play football. The immediate thought in my mind is, poor leadership! If Joe is our offensive leader.....He has some work to do because he is not motivating and his unit is giving up on him. They aren't giving that extra effort that shows a willingness to go above and beyond. 

 

Now, why would a great, play like a Raven group of players lack that total overall effort? Im not saying its every player, but it is the majority of our team lacking effort. I push the pendulum over to the far worse culprit here. The Head Coach.

 

In the military, as a leader, we separate, business from friendship. We can be friends outside of the uniform, but if you aren't performing up to snuff, Im going to be unbiased about your performance and hold you accountable for it. A second thing I would like to say is the best leaders, they hear their subordinates out because the ones doing the work, fighting on the battlefield, they know way way more than you will about the fight or mission as the one commanding them.

 

This is where our Head Coach fails miserably. Hiring friends is fine, but as a leader, you need to concern yourself with the greater good. Our team winning is the goal. If a coach can't get the talent to perform, off you go. Firing Cam was eventual, but was it Coach Harbaughs decision? He' didn't fire Mattison either. He chose to walk away because he knew he wasn't getting us where we needed to be. I greatly respect Greg Mattison for walking away. Castillo was brought in and given a position that was non existent and handed the reigns to our entire blocking scheme. You don't fix something that isn't broken. Instead of saying Castillo is the problem, and having the gumption to fire his friend, we trade McKinnie away. Maybe, McKinnie wasn't playing amazing, but our entire line isn't either which makes it Castillos fault. Passing the buck is not a good leadership quality in my opinion. An even worse issue is not hearing your guys out. Releasing players because of disagreement with the way things are run....not good! You have to know that its okay to hear your guys out and that you may not always do whats best for them, even though you are trying to. The days of my way or the Highway crap is over. Success is limited with one mind being the deciding factor in everything.

 

Last year we had an immense amount of leadership, to fire our guys up, help influence the younger guys to buy in to what was laid out to them, and to serve as buffers between players and coaches. We don't have that, and our team is suffering. 

 

Please, state your arguments if you have any, but in my 100 percent honest opinion, we don't have a single outstanding Leader on this team. I didn't say, outstanding player, or person. I am saying Leader......

 

My argument is simple, we lost a ton of leadership. John Harbaugh wants to be our leader, its his team, and we aren't half the team we were 1 season ago with real leaders amongst our troops

 

Poor leadership at the top will trickle down to the lowest man on the totem pole and that Ladies and Gentlemen are your 2013 Baltimore Ravens

[GrimCoconut]

I'm in the military as well and know things about leadership. I know there are different types of leadership. Flacco is a leader on this team. He's quietly had sessions with guys like Doss, Smith, Dickson, etc. Just because it's not broadcasted doesn't mean he doesn't lead.

We are lacking accountability on this team. I agree with you fully on that and that's a leadership issue. No doubt. Nobody is holding these guys in check. They either don't fear their veterans or are indifferent. Ngata isn't a leader but he's made it to be. He's one example of poor leadership.

I think we need someone these players fight for when things get tough. I think a change at coordinator could do this. Players' coaches are the best shot we have. Guys fought for Pagano and Rex.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

i'll play here...

Grim hit the nail of the head... we're missing accountability a lot! that's why John Harbaugh decided to cut Huff and Spears last week... it's a start

​we need to make things simpler in the coach's department too with just one layer only and without strange titles and/or ramifications that can get the players confused... we need to get them focused on who's advice they follow

i wanted Pees' head all year long last season... his lack of personal and play-calling inspiration is not helping us at all... this "bending" stuff is really getting on my nerves

player-coaches... hard to find somebody now... Joe's not that kind of person, Sizzle's left the locker-room last night, Webb's play's not helping, Ngata is not interested, maybe we missed the boat not keeping Ed around (especially with the way things are developing in the secondary)

[Ravenseconbeast]

Pretty much what i've been saying since preseason.  

[ravensdfan]

Let's make it even simpler:

 

Fire Castillo and reverse everything he's done since coming in. He broke our O line & our run game. Even the announcers can see it. Everyone knows it. Everyone is talking about it. He should have been gone first thing this morning.

 

Fix the O line which helps fix the run game (not saying there isn't any other issue at all) which makes us not so one dimensional which means teams can't just send the farm every play relieving some of the pressure on Flacco which allows those deep routes to develop and allows us to play a vertical game. Which we are very good at when the O line holds up.

 

It won't fix everything right away and not even completely but it will go a looooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggg way to make us competitive again.

[easternshore97]

I don't normally read the long posts, unless it comes from Grim, but I'm glad I did this time. You make a great point about leaders trusting their subordinates on the battlefield. I don't get the impression that John does that.

 

I think right along with Ngata is Suggs. I don't get the impression that he rallies the defense. I don't believe he was calling up all the free agents when they signed like Ray would do. I don't know which player has Matt Elam studying in the film room. I'm not saying Matt's not doing that, but I remember crystal clear a Monday Night game back when ABC still had it where they did the feature with Ed Reed at Ray's house...Ray schooling him on studying film.

 

I would be surprised if we had guys on this squad leading in that way.

[ratedr]

We miss Matt Birk.

[easternshore97]

Let's make it even simpler:

 

Fire Castillo and reverse everything he's done since coming in. He broke our O line & our run game. Even the announcers can see it. Everyone knows it. Everyone is talking about it. He should have been gone first thing this morning.

 

Fix the O line which helps fix the run game (not saying there isn't any other issue at all) which makes us not so one dimensional which means teams can't just send the farm every play relieving some of the pressure on Flacco which allows those deep routes to develop and allows us to play a vertical game. Which we are very good at when the O line holds up.

 

It won't fix everything right away and not even completely but it will go a looooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggg way to make us competitive again.

2 words for you: Play Action. It will fix a lot.

In fact, the big play could very well fix the 4 losses they've had of 1 score or less

[easternshore97]

Castillo was brought in and given a position that was non existent and handed the reigns to our entire blocking scheme. You don't fix something that isn't broken. Instead of saying Castillo is the problem, and having the gumption to fire his friend, we trade McKinnie away. Maybe, McKinnie wasn't playing amazing, but our entire line isn't either which makes it Castillos fault. Passing the buck is not a good leadership quality in my opinion. An even worse issue is not hearing your guys out. Releasing players because of disagreement with the way things are run....not good! You have to know that its okay to hear your guys out and that you may not always do whats best for them, even though you are trying to. The days of my way or the Highway crap is over. Success is limited with one mind being the deciding factor in everything.

So much of THIS. It needs to be framed. And then give them a copy of The 21 Irrefuteable Laws of Leadership by John C Maxwell

[ratedr]

2 words for you: Play Action. It will fix a lot.
In fact, the big play could very well fix the 4 losses they've had of 1 score or less

Can't use play action without a run game.

[ravensdfan]

2 words for you: Play Action. It will fix a lot.

In fact, the big play could very well fix the 4 losses they've had of 1 score or less

 

We can't use play action with no run game. But that is my point, remove the cancer that is Castillo and it is very close to fixing a multitude of issues.

[easternshore97]

We can't use play action with no run game. But that is my point, remove the cancer that is Castillo and it is very close to fixing a multitude of issues.

I know that.

 

I was simply adding to what you said. You said it wouldn't be fixed right away, but I'm saying if they fix the run game, that makes the threat of Play Action so much more effective

[Dfence4champs2052]

I agree accountability is the biggest thing right now as far as the players. The coaching I really have no words for other than horrendous.

[TwinRivers]

IMO John Harbaugh has made all the right moves with the players. He hasn't with the OC position. Unfortunately he doesn't know how to get what he wants in that area. When the system of play calling is successful the players buy into it and adapt very well. Steelers hired Todd Haley as OC. Another retread and look what it has done for them.

[Poes Crows]

Can't use play action without a run game.

 

Precisely

 

But there is a leadership void.

 

Some believe it is absence of Platoon leaders like Boldin, Lewis and Reed and it most certainly is that.  Lewis thought very early that was a factor.

 

But the leadership void goes far further up the chain of command.  It goes all the way to the top.

[PolishRifle]

We can't use play action with no run game. But that is my point, remove the cancer that is Castillo and it is very close to fixing a multitude of issues.

 

The way our run game suffers this season, it's not the fault of just one coach. People like to believe that, but it ain't. When Cameron got fired our offense still looked okay and had some nice flashes, but it's just couldn't take the next step necessary to win a SB. This time it's different and we can't get anything done running the ball.

 

Firing Castillo won't magically heal KO and Yanda or turn Gino into an All-Pro.

[ravensdfan]

The way our run game suffers this season, it's not the fault of just one coach. People like to believe that, but it ain't. When Cameron got fired our offense still looked okay and had some nice flashes, but it's just couldn't take the next step necessary to win a SB. This time it's different and we can't get anything done running the ball.

 

Firing Castillo won't magically heal KO and Yanda or turn Gino into an All-Pro.

 

Really? Because being removed from Castillo's scheme certainly improved McKinnie's play. don't you realize that if players are being forced to play a scheme that does not fit their talents removing it could indeed up their level of play drastically?

[ratedr]

Really? Because being removed from Castillo's scheme certainly improved McKinnie's play. don't you realize that if players are being forced to play a scheme that does not fit their talents removing it could indeed up their level of play drastically?

McKinnie isn't a great example. He has a history of motivation issues. I agree with the gist of what you're saying, though.

[Hardbaugh]

Good post, OP.

 

I'm a Harbaugh fan hence the moniker but am wondering if this guy has been given too much power within the organization.  He's a coach not a personnel guy.

 

Thank you for your service, you're a star!  Stay safe!

[runamuk]

Let's make it even simpler:

 

Fire Castillo and reverse everything he's done since coming in. He broke our O line & our run game. Even the announcers can see it. Everyone knows it. Everyone is talking about it. He should have been gone first thing this morning.

 

Fix the O line which helps fix the run game (not saying there isn't any other issue at all) which makes us not so one dimensional which means teams can't just send the farm every play relieving some of the pressure on Flacco which allows those deep routes to develop and allows us to play a vertical game. Which we are very good at when the O line holds up.

 

It won't fix everything right away and not even completely but it will go a looooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggg way to make us competitive again.

Yea that was embarrassing yesterday the announcers said it several times. I wonder if it fell on deaf ears John doesn't seem to care .

[runamuk]

Op is dead on . I agree with everything said . I'm ex military and leadership and accountability is lacking. I also think leadership should be challenged when it is dysfunctional and you shouldn't be punished for doing so if you have a valid argument. I can't overstate enough that deliberately breaking something that was functioning at an above average level is insane . I'm going to leave the whole making up titles and giving them out to friends alone my views will get me an ip ban suffice it to say why does Steve and Ozzie allow it .

[runamuk]

Precisely

 

But there is a leadership void.

 

Some believe it is absence of Platoon leaders like Boldin, Lewis and Reed and it most certainly is that.  Lewis thought very early that was a factor.

 

But the leadership void goes far further up the chain of command.  It goes all the way to the top.

In terms of lewis Reed and Boldin we not only lost there leadership we also lost there coaching ability and that's a huge void to fill.

[Ragin'Raven]

A good leader is a person who takes a little more than his share of the blame and a little less than his share of the credit. —John Maxwell

That's one of my favorite leadership quotes. Do we have any of those on our team?

[Militant X 1]

 I have been in the military for 5 tours of duty, and have a total of 13 years in now. As a leader, I feel I do amazing with my soldiers, and they would tell you the same. BUT! I can always improve as one.

 

I have read many posts overlooking one thing that many don't think is important or treat as an after thought. A simple intangible known as Leadership. I have sat back and read people saying Flacco is "the leader" now. Ummm no. If you lack the capability to lead, influence, and motivate, you cannot be a real leader. He can't just be the leader because he threw a bunch of TDs and didn't make mistakes in the playoffs. It doesn't work that way.

 

Lets go with players first. Knock our vets that aren't here for losing steps all you want, for we are doing the youth movement now. With a youth movement, don't expect a ton of wins. Many don't understand here and I don't know why, but with youth, comes massive inexperience. You cannot teach instinct, intuition, or whatever you wish to call it. Its gained over time.

 

In the military, as a leader, we separate, business from friendship. We can be friends outside of the uniform, but if you aren't performing up to snuff, Im going to be unbiased about your performance and hold you accountable for it. A second thing I would like to say is the best leaders, they hear their subordinates out because the ones doing the work, fighting on the battlefield, they know way way more than you will about the fight or mission as the one commanding them.

 

Last year we had an immense amount of leadership, to fire our guys up, help influence the younger guys to buy in to what was laid out to them, and to serve as buffers between players and coaches. We don't have that, and our team is suffering. 

 

 

i'm a prior military vet as well!  hence the username: Militant.  great post my brother!

 

I'm in the military as well and know things about leadership. I know there are different types of leadership. Flacco is a leader on this team. He's quietly had sessions with guys like Doss, Smith, Dickson, etc. Just because it's not broadcasted doesn't mean he doesn't lead.

We are lacking accountability on this team. I agree with you fully on that and that's a leadership issue. No doubt. Nobody is holding these guys in check. They either don't fear their veterans or are indifferent. Ngata isn't a leader but he's made it to be. He's one example of poor leadership.

I think we need someone these players fight for when things get tough. I think a change at coordinator could do this. Players' coaches are the best shot we have. Guys fought for Pagano and Rex.

 

I knew I liked you for some odd reason Grim.  lol!  i'm prior military and served with tours in Germany and FT. Hood, TX.  stay safe my brother!

Op is dead on . I agree with everything said . I'm ex military and leadership and accountability is lacking. I also think leadership should be challenged when it is dysfunctional and you shouldn't be punished for doing so if you have a valid argument. I can't overstate enough that deliberately breaking something that was functioning at an above average level is insane . I'm going to leave the whole making up titles and giving them out to friends alone my views will get me an ip ban suffice it to say why does Steve and Ozzie allow it .

wow!  another military man in here!  awesome!  as previously mentioned above, I served as well.  nice to meet you brother!

 

#Mili

[TSizzle00]

IMO I think the leadership thing is really overrated. Players are just not performing well this season as a whole which was bound to happen after 5 straight playoff runs. They were many times the Ravens were covered in leaders and still ended up 5-11. Some decisions they made just didn't go in their favor and those who were around didn't play the way we thought they would. Now does having strong leaders help? Of course but I do not feel it is why the Ravens where they are right now. The Ravens have taken many steps to try and improve during the season which is a heck of a lot more than they have ever done in the past. They do need to get rid of that zone blocking mess though, its one of the few instances where coaches need to follow what EVERYONE else is saying. Just my opinion.

[billick]

Leadership is getting people to do what you want done because they want to do it.

 

That implies that they have the ability to do so.

 

We are in such poor shape that we have no strength to fall back on.

 

At this point in time, we have the worst YPC in NFL history. Hard to accomplish.

[ratedr]

IMO I think the leadership thing is really overrated. Players are just not performing well this season as a whole which was bound to happen after 5 straight playoff runs. They were many times the Ravens were covered in leaders and still ended up 5-11. Some decisions they made just didn't go in their favor and those who were around didn't play the way we thought they would. Now does having strong leaders help? Of course but I do not feel it is why the Ravens where they are right now. The Ravens have taken many steps to try and improve during the season which is a heck of a lot more than they have ever done in the past. They do need to get rid of that zone blocking mess though, its one of the few instances where coaches need to follow what EVERYONE else is saying. Just my opinion.

I agree. We've had those "leaders" before, why weren't we perennial winners until 2008?

[Guest RBates]

Leadership requires loyalty.  We showed that we are less than loyal by letting one of the all time greatest players to play the position walk in Ed Reed. If players feel like they can be gone tomorrow no matter who they are, they are not going to play as well as a player that the team has shown that they will not trade or cut.

 

Anquan Boldin trade is really resurfacing in the locker room i bet.  A professional on and off the field,.  Traded for nothing. Do you think that will sit well with players.  I doubt it.  We have probably all played some sort of sport in our life.  Imagine if you played for a team and they traded one of your best players and a good friend for a 6th round pick.  How would you feel.  Its not just a business people moves like that are personal to a lot of people.

 

We have no leaders on offense there is no one that gets the offense going.  Boldin would make a play on third down and have me ready to beat up every non Raven fan in the room!  LOL J/K  but he would inspire the offense with a nice catch or a good block.  We dont have another player like that on the roster.