Powills: What Derek Jeter Can Teach Us About Business

Matt Diaz, an account manager with No Limit Agency*, put it best with his Facebook status last week: “Pretty sure Jeter sold his soul for baseball glory #IsThisRealLife.” That night, Jeter capped off his storied career with a walk-off RBI single in his last game at Yankee Stadium and the final game he’ll ever play. This is exactly the kind of retirement party we all wish to have — I suppose maybe a walk-off home run in Game 7 of the World Series would have been better. Jeter may not have been the greatest shortstop in Major League Baseball history, but he certainly ranks among the greats, not just for his on-field heroics but also his off-field responsibility. While Jeter did not sit in the CEO chair and report to a board — though that’s debatable, given the larger-than-life stature of late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner — he did report for duty with dignity, class and patience, all skill sets we should admire and strive to achieve in our own careers. Jeter’s career should be a book (and might be, since he launched Jeter Publishing, an imprint of Simon & Shuster) about how to do right in business, and it could be titled, “Lessons Learned from the Field of Dreams.” Here are five things I have learned from one of the greatest sports heroes I have interacted with: Persistence Pays Off: When Jeter was fighting to make it into the majors, he struggled with his glove, committing 56 errors in a single 1993 minor league season. Part of the reason could be the pressure of hype, but some of it could be his commitment to his family and missing them (just look at his $400-per-month phone bill he built up calling his parents when in the minors). What great scouts reported was that Jeter had great fundamentals — and that he was the perfect Yankee. Jeter ultimately took his foundation, created momentum and turned it into velocity. When things don’t go right, but you absolutely believe in the goals you want to achieve, anything is possible. Always revert back to the fundamentals and foundation you have worked hard to achieve through this part of your life and career. Power of Positive Thinking: Great things truly happen to those who believe great things can happen. Jeter knew that if he worked on his glove, he could build some momentum into his bat. He continued to outwork everyone else because he believed he could be great. In business, you can achieve anything you want, be it sales goals, PR goals or business goals, simply by planning. Failing to plan is failing to succeed. Stay Classy: Jeter may have clowned around in his career and been the funny guy. Yet he has always stayed classy when doing it: in the game, in protecting the Yankee brand, in remaining loyal. Jeter personifies class. Loyalty typically brings remarkable moments. Just watch this Gatorade commercial. Have a Sense of Humor: I am sure a million people have Jeter stories. Mine came in the summer of 2000. Working as an unpaid intern, who negotiated press credentials to the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox for the summer instead of cash, I entered the Yankees’ locker room seeking an interview with Jeter. At that point, he was in his mid-20s and already a hero in the world of baseball. I approached him with a, “Hello, Mr. Jeter, I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions for an article I am working on?” He replied with an, “Of course.” The story was about remembering your childhood and if you always wanted to be a ballplayer. He laughed at my question, grabbed my arm and walked me over to Scott Brosius and said, “I bet this guy can’t even remember when he was a kid.” The interview went on for about 10 minutes and it was one of my favorites from that summer. Jeter was funny, kind, respectful and optimistic. Having a sense of humor will help you get through business slumps and struggles. Remain faithful to your foundation and you will find success again, even when the tides are not turned in your direction. Be Modest: Jeter didn’t go off the field saying, “I did this; it was all me.” He was committed to it being a team effort throughout his career. For this, he captained the Yankees to an expectation of always winning. When you win, celebrate as a team. When you lose, don’t place blame on others. Modesty is a wonderful trait of great captains and great winners. In March, my buddy Steve Beagelman and I had the pleasure of meeting Jeter at the Atlanta Braves spring training facility. I met Jeter when he was a youngster in the league and when he was the elder statesman this year. I don’t know him personally but am thankful for the few meetings we did have. He is a sports hero worth celebrating. In my next entry-level job posting, I am going to just post, “Looking for someone who embodies the traits of Derek Jeter.” A career well done, and certainly a lot we can learn from what a good public person looks like. #WellDone