Crain’s Chicago Business: What CEOs Can Learn from the Cubs’ Joe Maddon

For the first time in 71 years, the Cubs are headed to the World Series. The success they have seen this year is not only a result of the tremendous talent from each individual player, but also from the team’s top-notch leadership. According to a recent Crain’s Chicago Business article, management principles often taught in B-schools can be seen throughout the work of the Cubs’ management.

Everyone can agree that this year’s roster is full of stand up guys. Joe Maddon has used emotional intelligence to bring new players into the clubhouse for their stats and personality. He knows that emotional intelligence is a key for the team on and off the field.

While many fans may expect overnight success out of a new manager, it is important to gain respect before making big moves. The Ricketts family made sure to start with subtle changes before changing everything about the Cubs and Wrigley Field all at once.

Develop a simple plan of attack and make sure everyone can understand it. Cubs President Theo Epstein and the Ricketts family created a strategy with three founding principles: 1) be a good neighbor; 2) preserve Wrigley; 3) win the World Series. With the three simple principles in mind, management can easily make decisions that follow the path to each goal. This year Wrigley Field has been updated and the team is currently on their way to the World Series.

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