My bracket stinks!

My friends say that I’m the consummate “homer,” having most Wisconsin teams and Big Ten conference competitors going deep into the tournament. I still hold out hope for a few of my picks … for now.

How are your brackets holding up?

I’m amazed, again, seeing the number of underdogs that surprise the bigger, more visible and traditionally “better” programs. That’s part of why I love March Madness. The playing field is equalized and anything can happen.

Like I said, I’m a Wisconsin Badger fan. I grew up in the Madison area, went away to college and, somehow, ended up back here. If you’re a Badger basketball fan, you’ve had a great run … the team has achieved fantastic success winning its own way for the past 13 years. This is due in large part to the coach. Bo Ryan’s leadership has set a high standard of performance at Wisconsin during his tenure: you don’t turn the ball over, you play relentless defense, and you run patient, but productive, offensive sets.

Despite their past success, the Badgers actually entered this season as somewhat of an underdog. Their performance – finishing second in the Big 10 Conference and earning a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament – far exceeded this year’s preseason predictions.

So, when Wisconsin bowed out of the Big 10 Tournament in the semifinals, many fans – including me – were not overly disappointed. Instead, we applauded how much the team did achieve during the season.

I was not in Indianapolis for the Big Ten tournament, but my understanding is Bo Ryan WAS overly disappointed. My sense is Ryan did not use his post-game comments to congratulate his team on all they had accomplished during the season. Instead, I’m guessing he conveyed quite the opposite. I’m also confident he used the loss to remind his team – in no uncertain (and, perhaps, colorful) terms – that his expectations were NOT met.

For leaders at all levels, recognition and celebration are absolutely important. But, high expectations and the drive to succeed – at whatever you’re doing – are essential! And a common foundation to what I see in successful leaders everywhere.

Becoming complacent is THE common enemy.

For my company – a mutual company owned by those who buy our products and who we serve – we must always strive for improved customer satisfaction and customer value. And when we see hiccups in our performance, we cannot rely on our past success and simply hope they will go away. We must have passion and urgency to improve, using data and facts to guide our actions.

What’s most important for you and your organization? How will you make sure you’re never complacent?

And, who’s your pick to win this year’s NCAA tourney? Because I believe Bo will get the Badgers to win their way. That’s why I have Wisconsin making it to the Final Four!