Posts tagged fun

Coaching Pitch

May01
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

Yesterday morning, I made my usual stop at Starbucks after spending some time at the gym. I got to witness (overhear) a set of parents, their son and a potential youth football coach talking about stuff. Being a coach, for a very long-time, I really love to listen to coaches do their thing. This situation has happened to me many of times, so I thought why not sit and listen to a younger coach. I know, I was listening in on a very important discussion between a coach, parents and the player sitting there (in the middle of Starbucks). Should I have listened in? Probably not, because what I overheard really made me a bit angry. The young coach was probably doing what he thought would impress the parents enough to let their son play for him. From my vantage point, I saw a huge miss. (Let me apologize now for the length of this post, but I think it is worth it!)

Here are some of the topics:

  • The young coach was talking up his resume. From his younger playing days to high school… How he was a star high school athlete that just did not get any breaks to get a scholarship to play in college. I shortened it quite a bit… He moved to his coaching resume. Which consisted of assistant coaching at one of the local youth leagues and the past 2 as a head coach.
  • I was hoping to see if the parents would ask him for his coaching philosophy, but he sort of led them to it (in a round about way). He discussed how difficult the first year was – with not getting to really pick his team. He was handed a very rough and low in talent team. They did not win a game. The second year was
    better as he was really doing more scouting and recruiting of players to play for him. This year, he promised that he will win it all. He has that much talent.
  • Next up, the young coach circled back to his playing days. He was going to use what he did in high school to pass onto his players now. From looking at the family and their son, I think he was in 5th or 6th grade. Are they really ready?
  • The discussion overall, to me, was a sales job of picking that coach…

As said before I have been a coach for a very long time… When meeting parents of players and players – I have developed a short overall talking points to what to expect. Here is an overall breakdown:

  • Introduction – Simple who I am, where I come from, my experience (only the number of years or certifications) in playing, referee and coaching, and how I am excited to offer my experience to their children.
  • Coaching philosophy – I believe that it is my honor to be teaching the game that I love. I want my players to love the game and want to keep coming back, year after year. The overall experience is important. It is much more than the X’s and O’s.
    Safety is #1. Placing education and character development ahead of any wins. Our practices will both help the player master their sport, but most of all build confidence in their abilities (both in sports and in life).
  • Next up – I will discuss with the players in the room – their responsibilities.. Simple list of: Show up on-time. 40 minutes before practice and 1 hour before game time (since this is hockey – there is dressing time besides coach talk). Be ready to work hard. Be respectful to players, coaches, referee’s and parents at all
    times. Keep your grades up (parents can use hockey as a tool for keeping grades up, all I ask is, have them come to games (they get to sit on the bench) to see what they are missing). Don’t ever have a repeat offender – when they sit and watch.
  • Lastly – I discuss the parent responsibilities! This is important.. Simple list just like the players.. Of course, most of the players I have coached – don’t drive. So, the parents get the same be on-time. I usually talk about the zero tolerance policy (which is a bit more detailed than be respectful to players, coaches, referee’s and parents at all times). Since they know I will support them with grades or behavior issues – they just need to let me know. Please refrain from coaching your young athlete on the way to and from games. This one is tough for me, as I am a coach, but trust me – leave the ride to and from the game for “other” things. Lastly, if something is not going well – with practice, game situation or anything with me or my coaches, please do not confront the situation at the rink. Call me, email me and we can set up some time to meet or discuss on the phone. Cooler heads all the way around. Players, coaches and parents get into the heat of the battle of a game. The player is usually over with it, right after the game. Adults take more time to cool down.

I don’t usually talk about winning championships or titles or trophies, those are not what this is about. Sports to me, is about learning teamwork, physical exercise, applying sports to life lessons and building character. I want to provide the best experience for each of the players and parents that I get the privilege to coach. If you happen to win, well, treat that like having and eating your cake too…

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First Round Done – What Are Your Picks Now?

Apr28
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

Round one of the NHL play0ffs is in the books. Done! I have to say it was a very exciting round one.. Can’t wait to see how this next round goes. How did you do in round one? For me, I was just okay. The picks that I made that are did me proud are – Vancouver, San Jose, Washington, Boston and Tampa Bay. That’s right I got 5 out of 8. My two teams that I picked from my original post – are still in it (Washington and Vancouver).

Now that we are down to 8 teams – time for me to keep going with my picks..

  • Vancouver and Nashville (Vancouver).. I know round one was shaky for my overall winner pick.. I am sticking to this pick (for now).
  • San Jose and Detroit (San Jose).. Simply put, the Red Wings beat up my Coyotes pretty bad. I know the Red Wings played well, but the Sharks will do me proud. Have too many friends that are in the San Jose Area.
  • Washington and Tampa Bay (Washington).. The style change for Washington has proved a very good move. My pick to make it to the finals moves on.
  • Boston and Philadelphia (Boston).. I really had the Flyers leaving in the first round, but they played an awesome game 7 to stay in. Do I think they can continue? Not really, shaky goaltending. This pick is more for me, to give a nod to my Boston friends.

So, like my picks? Think I am full of it? What are yours?

Posted in Hockey, Observations - Tagged , ,

Is Hockey Gone in Arizona?

Apr22
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve
Phoenix Coyotes

Image via Wikipedia

What a stupid question to be asking? As a life-long fan of the NHL and hockey in general, I just can not believe that this maybe the reality for the place I live.  I have been involved in hockey in Arizona for many years. As a adult league player, coach (youth, travel and high school), referee and HS board member. I have been to many professional games in the state (IHL and NHL), youth games (too many to count), college club games and junior games. I am a fan!

There is one thing for sure, those that follow hockey are a family. The “hockey family” is hurting right now. I don’t want to see the Phoenix Coyotes move! I now completely know how the Winnepeg folks felt when the very same team moved to Phoenix. It is very tough. The players have done an amazing job with helping make hockey a success in Arizona. For the past two years, they have had to be in the center of not knowing what is going on. But, they still kept working hard and doing the best that they can. Rumors of staying, relocating, staying, going. They are people and no one needs to be put through that.

So what gives? From a life-long fan of the sport. From a person that gets up extremely early to take his kids to practice. From a person that played well after midnight. From a coach that has had the pleasure of meeting thousands of players, parents and other coaches. I would like to say that politics, strikes again. Let’s look at some stuff:

  • Past ownership needed their own building for hockey.. No doubt! America West Arena was designed for basketball and not hockey. Going to the game was difficult for certain seats. Scottsdale location fails.. Hum, political?
  • Glendale steps up and wins the location of the stadium. Of course, the owner at the time was a developer of much of the site. Hum… Glendale for those that don’t know metro-Phoenix – is on the West side. The stadium is off of the freeway system. Die hard fans – make the drive. Winning “new” fans when you have to drive a bunch is difficult.
  • Goldwater Institute has been actively stating that the sale of the team to the new ownership is breaking some of the gift rules of the state. Seems that some of the work that Glendale officials have proposed for the sale – have the hairs on the back of some of the Goldwater folks neck standing up. Is that political?

I was asked a simple question by a very small person (kid) – “What is going to happen to the stadium now?” I did not have an answer – other than they will have to find another tenant. Maybe more concerts or something like that. 

Next questions was probably the one that got me the most, “What about all the people that work there? Will they lose their jobs?”  Definitely will be a problem for many folks. Arizona economics will be impacted. Now, that is a political hot potato. Don’t we want to keep people working? Don’t we want the other teams fans coming to Arizona to spend their money? I just that is not important.

I may sound like I am on a soapbox. I really would like to see the Phoenix Coyotes stay. I really would like the ownership situation to get settled. I want the players to not go through anymore of this turmoil. I want the team to move forward and continue to build on the success of the past two seasons. Maybe this it too much to ask for.

How about this? Hey Goldwater Institute – TIME TO MOVE ONTO SOMETHING ELSE! You did your due diligence, but move to something more pressing… If you are a political watchdog – then what about all the other stuff that our state government folks are proposing – focus on some really meaningful, please.

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Spring Break Travels

Mar22
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve
Las Vegas Strip

Image via Wikipedia

This past week, was spring break for my wife from school. She gets 2 weeks off to get ready for the reminder of the school year. Those 2 weeks have been a blessing over the years, we have used them as a way to get out and travel some. Since I am now on a limited retired budget, we did not have any big plans or any trip way out there. So, we did a nice little trip to Las Vegas and then drove over to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Not too far from Arizona, but out and about, just the same.

Las Vegas was way of celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. We usually like to give Las Vegas a couple days during the year. See what has changed and if any of the construction that we saw the last time get finished. Usually we add a show to the mix, but not this time. I surprised my wife with reservations out to dinner on our anniversary. We ate at Alize! We had an awesome time. From the moment that we were greeted downstairs until we left – the staff welcomed us with happy anniversary. The view from the 56th floor of the Palm’s was awesome. When the food came, we were not disappointed. 30th wedding anniversaries do not come around often (maybe less now than ever) and we did it up nice!

After coming home for a day, we set out to drive to Albuquerque, New Mexico to meet up with family that lives there. Driving across country for some people a welcome task. For me, I am not so sure about sitting in a car for 8 hours or so, when you can get there within 45 minutes by plane. The drive there took us through Payson, Arizona. We had not driven that route before and it was nice to get a look at spring time in northern Arizona. Our time spent in Albuquerque was to catch up with family! We did that and enjoyed a nice soccer game while there (Myles way to go)! Heading home we went another route down through Tonto National Forest and Globe, Arizona. All in all, we got to see much of the countryside between Arizona and New Mexico. There is not a lot to see, but some of the views are just outstanding.

We got accomplished what we set out to do… Enjoy ourselves, celebrate and have special time with family. Mission accomplished!

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Retired Guy Series: Vacation

Mar17
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

What a title! Retired Guy and Vacation on the same line. Some would say, retired people are on vacation everyday. Well, that my seem true, but it far from the truth. Since my time table for doing stuff now, is different; I run into plenty of retired people. We don’t go about doing the same things with the working folks at the same time. When I run into a retired person and we start talking – I ask them, “What do you fill your day with?” Here are some of those responses:

  • Exercise – almost all of them commented on going to a gym, trainer or walking programs at the mall.
  • Work around the house - there is always something to do (gardening, fix stuff or just clean)
  • Volunteer - I found that almost all of the retired folks that I have come across they volunteer helping out one charity, non-profit or whatever at least 2 to 3 times a day. I wonder how many hours of volunteering goes on from retired folks? I also wonder if the potential budget cuts to programs – how many fewer volunteer opportunities will be available? What a loss of some value resources that will be when volunteer opportunities dry up…
  • Read and social network - The reading part I fully understand. I have been very busy getting in some reading time. I have more time to just sit and power through books. At first, the social networking part caught me off guard. I knew that Facebook was going to be pretty heavy use (just look at the growth statistics). When I ask deeper, I get other things like community forums, message boards via LinkedIn and others.
  • Spring training baseball games - the Cactus League is alive and well.. Many of the folks that I have come across go to or volunteer at spring training games. They are out there having fun… I got to go with my daughter, son-in-law and grand daughter to the Dbacks and Angels game! Was the first game for my grand daughter – what a day.

For me, the past two weeks were filled with meeting up with many of my old collegues. We got caught up on each others lives and happenings. I had a couple of folks that used the time to get my perspective on something that was happening at my last place of employment. I guess the retired guy has some wisdom to part. I continue my quest for my second career. With a few real opportunities taking shape (after vacation).  From my last post, my wife and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with a couple of small trips. I hope that the next installment of the Retired Guy will have some breaking news…

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Teachable Opportunities

Jan18
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

Last week, I was recognized by my former employee for the work that I did in 2010. I was awarded Instructor of the Year for my support in teaching fellow employees. As employees were are encouraged to instruct other employees. I have done this many times throughout my career and it has always been something that I have enjoyed. I had been recognized in the past, as one of the many instructors that the company has, but to be one of a handful of instructors of the year – that was special. I was asked to share a few moments with the other high performing instructors on what I have done and what it meant to me.

Here is the basics of what I discussed:

  • My subject matter this time around was a newly formed “New to Management” series. Since I write about management and leadership inside and outside the firewall – I thought this was subject matter I could get totally passionate about. When asked, I jumped at the chance.
  • When I made my decision to retire, this also was a very great opportunity for me to give back. Since I had spent most of 27 of my 28 years as a supervisor and manager – I have plenty of experiences to share with my fellow managers.
  • Going through the material helped me in two ways. When you sign up to instruct, you pretty much have to be one with the content. I went back and refreshed myself with the what’s, why’s and how come’s. The other big area that the material helped me with – is looking back on those 27 years – I got to relive lots of experiences. All the good and the bad, but teachable moments.
  • Armed with all of the content and my experiences off I went to instruct. I just have to say, I loved it! I truly had fun doing it. Whenever another instructor had a conflict – I was quick to volunteer to cover. I looked forward to teaching and sharing.
  • After the first class, I started to get the comments from the student surveys. Those comments were just awesome. They fueled me to want to do more. I started to get emails from students telling me what a great job I did. I even got a few of them that wanted to sit down for additional discussions. I was hooked!
  • In the new to management program – they set up a virtue community and I shared lots of content there for the new managers. The comments, questions and discussions were slow to come in, but after awhile I saw it was working.

Key takeaway: Find that subject matter that you are passionate about and care to share your good and bad experiences with being yourself – you can have an impact on the future.

I didn’t set out to be instructor of the year (I didn’t even knew we had such a thing). When I was a new manager, we had no program to help out those newbies. We pretty much learned on our own, be it reading, going to additional outside training or OJT. I liked the idea of the program. The material was good. Best of all, getting together and sharing made the classes well worth it. I am thankful that I had that opportunity.

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Field Trip – Tonto National

Jan17
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve
Lower Cliff Dwelling, Tonto National Monument,...
Image via Wikipedia

Volunteering is a special activity for me. Since I am not working at the moment - I have a bit more time to volunteer.  I was lucky enough to volunteer on my wife’s fourth grade class trip to Tonto National Monument. In the past, this all day event was hard for me to attend. Having to work and all. I wish I would have made time for it all along. This is one very special trip. I had a small group of four students that I was responsible for. Making sure that they did not get lost, learn something, followed the school rules and probably most important is having fun on the trip.

From my vantage point, here is what I got out of the day:

  • Those students in the fourth grade at Haley Elementary are a pretty special bunch. We had to start out the day ahead of the rest of the school day starting. Loaded up the bus’ and drove 2 hours. For me riding on a bus full of students before 8am – I had thoughts that were overall scary. Well, I am here to say, it was a very well behaved group! The trip was actually a complete opposite of my expectations.
  • There was work that needed to be done. Each student had a booklet that helped them to learn much about the desert and the Salado indians. As we walked around on the paths, there were questions that the students needed to answer. My job, was to help if needed. After the first couple of questions, my group was rolling along.
  • Hiking up to the Cliff Dwellings was an adventure for all. It was some good exercise for me, I think my group of students they had little difficulty making it up the slope. We talked about what we saw, what it may have been like living back then and just about the jumping cactus. Those jumping cactus got more attention then truly necessary. Fear of the cactus.. Which probably is a good thing.
  • Once at the dwelling, the ranger explain everything they needed to know about the rules around the dwelling and the history. He pointed out that the lake that we see today, was actually just a little river back when the Salado indians used the dwelling. So, think about hiking up and down for water. The students had time to fill out their booklets doing measurements in the dwelling and trying to figure out how many could sleep in each room. Some moments were spent drawing what they saw from up at the dwelling (art time).
  • We walked back down, insuring that we answered all of the questions that we needed to get. Next up was lunch.. We all sat together and talked about what we saw and then I listened to them just talk about anything and everything fourth graders talk about.
  • There was more work to be done. Reflection time on their overall day in the form of writing an essay. Almost like me know, writing my blog post. Lastly, we watched a video on Tonto and then loaded back up for the trip back to the school. Bus ride like the ride up was all good!

I have to say, I truly enjoyed this trip. I will make sure that I plan on this one – every year that I can. Tonto National Monument is definitely a sight to see. Going up there with some young minds – made it that much more special. My group was awesome! They followed the rules without me having to do anything. They did their work! The said, “this is their best field trip, ever!” I think they had fun… I know, I had fun!

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New Year, New Beginning

Jan03
2011 1 Comment Written by Steve

Well, the day is here! That first Monday of the new year. This first Monday is even more special, it is my last day of my 28+ year career at Intel. I have been communicating in my blog from time to time on this day coming. My thoughts on should I retire or not, a list of some of the folks that made my time special at Intel and my last internal blog post. I have had a retirement party or two… Got time to talk old war stories with many of the folks that were with me on my journey the past 28 years. We looked back and laughed! We reviewed the good times and some of the “not so” good times. The fact over the past months of making my decision, I was still going into the office the next day. That is not true today. This is the last day!I will be riding an emotional roller coaster today!

This was not an easy decision to make, but I know I made the right decision. My wife asked me this morning, “how you feeling?” My simple answer was, “pretty strange.”

  • I am excited about what the next journey will bring. A little scared at the same time!
  • I am happy for all of the people I have met over those 28 years. A little sadden by the fact, that I know I will not get to see some of them in the future.
  • I am happy that I will not be sitting in a gray 6×8 “veal pen” or better known as a cubicle. A little sadden by the fact, that I have to empty out that cubicle – looking at those memories one last time.
  • I am not looking forward to saying “good-bye” to folks.

Well, I guess I better get to it! One last drive, one last time parking the car, one last time walking in with an employee badge on, getting that last “free” soda – I think you get the point!

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Night Before Christmas And All….

Dec24
2010 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

It is the night before Christmas and all through Steve’s house nothing was moving around, not even Steve. With the holiday season comes many thoughts on the past year and what is coming in the new year. Some folks have listed many of their accomplishments for 2010. Others are planning hard for 2011. So, what I am going to do?

  • List of 2010 accomplishments: Many of them I have shared within Spin-O-Rama. Replay: Completed my fourth sabbatical and the trips for 2010 were some of a lifetime (Baltic Sea, Bahamas); Decided to retire; Kept writing; enjoyed time with my family and friends; celebrated 28+ years with many of my co-workers.
  • Plans for 2011: This year will definitely be different… As many of the past 28 years, I would go to work for the same company. In 2011, I will be searching for that second career.. Many of my posts for 2011 – will be around my experiences in the job market again. This should be interesting. 2011 will be an increased writing period for me – here in Spin-O-Rama and other opportunities. Travel will continue – especially as my time is open (for now). Time with family and friends will always be the biggest part…

Have you done your 2011 planning yet? I still have much more to do… But, I have the critical items pretty much figured out. I hope that 2010 was better than you expected it to be. Here’s hoping that 2011 is really special for all of us…

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Last Internal Blog Post

Dec14
2010 2 Comments Written by Steve

Many people outside of Intel, heard or read the tweet about my last internal blog post. Looking at that post, I can not see why I would not share this with everyone. I hope you enjoy reading it!

Well, the time has come and this is my last blog post in Planet Blue. I have looked back on my career, time at Intel, time blogging and the relationships that I have formed. Many of my posts have already covered some of that. I have thought for awhile, “what would be my last post.” Many of you have sent me emails – wondering what that last post will be about. It has been a struggle to decide. I can honestly say, I have written and rewritten this post 10 to 15 times. Sounds silly, doesn’t it?  What do you say to a bunch of folks that you have spent many hours, weeks, months and years with? What last words of wisdom could I share? Here goes…

  • Thank-you’s: Check – I have said my thanks to many key folks in my career – either in a blog post, email, hallway, cafe and on the phone.
  • A glance back upon my 28 years: Check – many blog posts have shared stories. Many teambuilding dinners, happy hours, tweet-ups, 1:1, I have shared my stories.
  • What I like about having worked at Intel: Check – have many blog posts that bring up the very best of my likes. Over the past month, many of you have asked that question directly. I have given you my honest opinion. I truly have enjoyed myself. Sure, there were tough times – times that I had to do things that I really did not like, but I had to them anyways. I believe that the good far outweighed any of the bad.
  • Shared my knowledge: Check – I have been blogging to put down forever my thoughts and knowledge – so that when I have completely left the building – I have left a piece of me digitally. I also have spent a lot of my time as a manager coaching my people. I hope that my coaching will be passed on by them to others.
  • Given my all: Check – I don’t know what more I could have given. I was blessed with working in the factories and doing some amazing things. Accomplishing milestones that no one thought possible. Working around the clock on first silicon to insure that nothing was slipped in my area. Attempting to be a role-model for whatever I was doing. I truly believe that I have given my heart and soul to every task that I was assigned.
  • Had Fun: Check – without a doubt, I have had fun. Even in the toughest of situations, I have tried my best to make sure that we had fun at work. Maybe sometimes folks thought it was a bit too much – well, it can never be too much.

My old team in Oregon got together one last time to hold Last Supper with Steve. They opened up the Wellington house and brought food, drinks and fun – one last time for me.  We did many of the mentioned above that evening. We thanked each other, we shared stories, they asked me my best times at Intel, I shared my knowledge or opinion on anything asked and we had fun. Goes back to my previous post – all about the people.  I was completely humbled by their gesture. Dedicated bunch of Intel employees, but most of all great people.

Coming up soon is my official retirement party! I have been thinking about that moment and how it will be for me and my family. It is hard to really put into words. Of the 28 years, 25 of them have been wondering the Chandler Campus. I have had a cubicle in all buildings but CH6. I wonder how I missed that one? Anyways, I want to end my last post with a clear message… It is something that I have lived with and communicated out to my teams as my simple philosophy.

  • Be knowledgeable in your field. Stay on top of your skills. Be the Subject Matter Expert!
  • Do what you say you will do; everything. Your words and actions are the only things that you totally control.
  • Have fun doing it!

I wish each and everyone of you nothing but success and happiness in the future! I know Intel will remain successful, due to the people that work there!

What do you think?

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