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OPINION
Changeups and curveballs
By taking lessons from the dugout, we can better handle change – turning challenges into opportunities, and transitions into a winning season.
B aseball season is here! As I watch my favorite college team move through the new season, I’m reminded of how baseball offers so many lessons on managing change. Coaches are always reworking lineups and tweaking strategies – that’s just part of the game. Same goes for leaders who must continually adjust and prepare their teams to handle the challenges that come with change. But managing change doesn’t have to be overwhelming – it can be proactive, smart, and even fun if you approach it with the right mindset.
Greg Sepeda
Jeff Angus makes a great point about this in his book, Management by Baseball . He talks about how baseball managers continually adjust their strategies to accommodate new players, shifting game dynamics, and unexpected developments. Angus believes good leaders in business need the same mindset, staying flexible and proactive rather than getting stuck in old ways of thinking. Jim Collins, the author behind Good to Great , adds that effective leadership means facing tough realities head-on and recognizing challenges before they become bigger problems. He emphasizes the “Hedgehog Concept,” suggesting that while change is important, it should align with what your organization does best, what your team is passionate about, and what makes good economic sense. Collins’s idea of disciplined innovation – testing new strategies slowly
and thoughtfully – is a lot like baseball managers trying new player positions or batting lineups during practice games rather than critical matchups. Patrick Lencioni’s take? It’s all about team health – build trust, stay clear, and keep everyone in the loop. For him, strong communication and a cohesive team culture are nonnegotiable when managing change. According to Lencioni, leaders need to clearly communicate why changes are happening and involve everyone in the process to keep the team aligned and motivated. And there is no shortage of good baseball quotes. Alvin Dark once said, “There’s no such thing as taking a pitcher out. There’s only bringing another pitcher in.” This is such a powerful reminder that once something
See GREG SEPEDA, page 4
THE ZWEIG LETTER JUNE 16, 2025, ISSUE 1590
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