Can one person really make a difference? I think they can and so do general managers in the NHL. The following three individuals were the top picks in the draft and changed the fortunes of their organizations.
- Alex Ovechkin, the 1st pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, has won multiple Hart Trophies and turned Washington D.C. into a hockey town.
- Sidney Crosby, the 1st pick in the 2005 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, rescued the team from bankruptcy, allowed the team to get a new building, and has become the face of the league.
- Patrick Kane, the first pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, would score the goal that brought the Chicago Blackhawks their first title since 1961.
So the question begs how did they find these individuals?  Craig Custance in the November 22nd edition of The Sporting News identifies the three strategies used by these teams that will also work for your church, non-profit, or business as well.
- Multiple Viewings – It was apparent early in their careers that these three were superior talents that you would want on your team. Therefore, numberous interviews were conducted by those closest to the players and it was estimated, that in Overchkin’s case, team officials saw him play live at least 25 times.
- Signability – Thanks to a rookie wage scale, signability is not an issue. Therefore, you do not have to pass over top talent.
- Competition – One of the reasons you can watch players so frequently is because of the large number of international tournaments in which the best players are in constant competition with each other.
Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Jay Feaster says “We spend so much time and money and human resources that we put into watching these guys. I think you know the player as well as you know anybody.”
So leaders, have you identified the individual(s) who can help your team go to the next level? Have you been following them for years? Can you get them to fit into your salary structure? Have the performed against the best?
If the answer to these three questions is “Yes!”, then add them to your team TODAY!!!
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