Author: Don Yaeger

When Leadership Misses The Mark: Willie Taggart, FSU, And The One Thing You Need To Keep Handy In Times Of Transition

Written on November 5, 2019.

Okay—complete transparency here. I live in Tallahassee, I’m a Florida State University season ticket holder, and I know there are other sports stories I could write about this week. But I’ve got something to say on this one, and I think it’s a leadership lesson that hasn’t been well-discussed in the midst of one of the biggest stories of the weekend. After a lackluster performance against their football rival, the...

No Place Like Home? The Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, and When Home Field Advantage Might Hurt More Than It Helps

Written on October 29, 2019.

It wasn’t long after Sunday night’s World Series Game 5 came to an end that I sat down to write this. Between the Series returning to Washington DC for the first time in six decades, President Trump being booed by some fans, and two Instagram models being ejected for flashing Gerrit Cole during the seventh inning, it was a game with more than a few storylines. But the weirdest one might just be the biggest: Through...

Become Someone Worth Following: New Cubs’ Manager David Ross Shows Us How To Go from Teammate To Team Leader

Written on October 23, 2019.

When you write a book with someone, it’s kind of hard not to become a devoted admirer. I’ve partnered with some amazing people in my career, and I’ve come away with some relationships that I’ll always treasure. And then there’s David Ross.

Kyle Carpenter

Written on October 18, 2019.

Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient

David Ross

Written on October 18, 2019.

Two-time World Series Champion

Brittney Payton

Written on October 17, 2019.

Daughter of Chicago Bears Legend, Walter Payton

You Are Worth It: Kyle Carpenter On Grenades, Marathons, Marine Service, And Taking Advantage Of Your “Bonus” Days

Written on October 14, 2019.

It seems fitting, after a weekend that saw Eliud Kipchoge break the 2-hour mark for a marathon, that I’m writing about one of my favorite marathoners. You might have heard of him, but he’s not famous for his running. He’s more famous for his diving. Kyle Carpenter is the youngest recipient of the Medal of Honor in history, but what earned him the medal was his brave decision to dive on an enemy grenade that landed...

Feel the Heat: Dan Snyder, Bruce Allen, And The Washington Redskins’ Dumpster Fire Culture

Written on October 10, 2019.

I travel sometimes for work, which means I spend a lot of time in airplane seats next to people I don’t know. I go out of my way to be a good seatmate—I’m polite, I share the armrest, and I go out of my way not to do spit takes at ridiculous sports stories I read. I failed at that last one Tuesday night.

Now Hear This: Joe Maddon, Clint Hurdle, And An Honest Discussion About A Leadership Voice Growing Tired

Written on October 3, 2019.

As Major League Baseball prepares for the opening of the Divisional Playoffs, the excitement of October baseball is settling in. For fans of the game, it’s time to turn the page on the regular season and look forward to the march to World Series. But there are other fans who have their attention elsewhere. Just after the season came to a close, the four teams with the longest tenured managers—the Chicago Cubs, the...