Words of wisdom show up in the oddest places. Watching the Yankee game Friday, announcer Michael Kay was talking about a conversation he had with the manager of the Red Sox, Terry Francona, whose team has started the season a lamentable 0 and 6. According to Kay, Francona was saying that no, the team wan’t down and certainly didn’t think it’s season had been ruined, but, “you know, you have to respect the loss.”
Respect the loss. Now, there is an honorable attitude. Humble, realistic, professional, serious, modest. It’s an attitude that bespeaks a willingness to examine why a game was lost, to apportion responsibility, and to make improvements. If only business and political leaders could be as honest with themselves–and us.