This past week superstar Lebron James announced via "the decision" aired on ESPN that he would be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers and joining the Miami Heat. He has every right to have made this decision, it was a business decision for him and his family. He is arguably the best player to ever play the game ( in my opinion he is not, but many think he could be). Many criticized him for leaving Cleveland and also for the way he went about announcing his decision. I think it could have been done in a different way, but on the other hand he raised 5 million dollars for the boys and girls club, so who could argue with that.
The NBA is a business and it always will be. After the decision aired the Cleveland Cavs owner came out publically with a letter that in my opinion was childish and unprofessional. To me, it sounded like a rich man not getting what he wants. He personally guaranteed that the Cavs would win a title before Lebron does. The question I have for you, what do you think of the letter? As managers we will be faced with employees leaving all the time and must realize that most times this will be a business decision of our employees and wont be personal.
This letter by the owner of the team was a terrible display for his organization. He should have written a letter to the Cleveland fans exclaiming they will survive and wishing Lebron well, not berading him for a decision that he had every right to make.
I would love to hear your thoughts.
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ReplyDeleteWe can only imagine what it would be like to live in their world (either Lebron's or the owner of the Cleveland team). I watched "the decision" on TV and also the show that aired a day or two later from Miami where they introduced the "3 kings". I think the hype is all about marketing. You're right, the owner acted childish, but on the other hand he probably fired up his fans and in some way rallied them around the remaining Cleveland team. Maybe this had some incremental effect on the level of continued financial support that they will have. The NBA commissioner obviously didn't like the letter since he fined the owner (over $100k I think).
ReplyDeleteMiami is soaking this up. I think I heard their season tickets sales went through the roof. They probably can't stock enough merchandise surrounding Lebron and the others.
Time will tell. I wouldn’t want to be in "the 3 kings" shoes going into the next season. Talk about pressure and having a lot to live up to.
...from a purely marketing standpoint... think about how much I was able to rattle off about this situation... and I don't even care to watch NBA games…pretty successful from that standpoint.
Good topic Dave. The aftermath of this whole incident has surprised me with its "reach", as even non-athletic news organizations have given this topic so much coverage. And I think in part, the reason is similar to the issues you are bringing up. The disgruntled owner, and the infamous letter you referenced...all of this ultimately, as you pointed out, has to do with employee relations.
ReplyDeleteI take both sides of the fence with regard to my reaction to Dan Gilbert's letter. First, yes it was extremely unprofessional. But also, as the days have gone by, I'm beginning to think it may have been a shrewd business move on his part. It may have been a way to galvanize/energize his target market...Cleveland Cavaliers fans. This guy just lost roughly 1/2 of his investment's worth, with James' decision. Perhaps it was a calculated move to salvage some of his investment...by making those wild proclamations, and they were wild, maybe he had dollars and sense at the forefront of his mind, and knew that his statements would act as a smokescreen for his true intentions. Just a thought.
And more to your question: I think it was unprofessional because as you said, Lebron made a business decision. As a manager, I could never be bitter if an employee were to leave. The employee is leaving for their own reasons, and I may never know what they truly are. You wish 'em the best, and move on. Adapt and overcome.
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