The Formula for Success

By Joe Tidei

The formula for success is one simple word; accountability. Accountability breeds responsibility. That responsibility, which starts at the top, will filter down through an organization and create a winning environment. That filter down effect will hold general managers, coaches and players' feet to the fire and will result in a quality product on and off the playing surface. Look no further than the Chicago Blackhawks for an example.

Current Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz took the reigns on October 5, 2007 after his father, Bill, died and his brother, Peter, declined the ownership position. That change in guard signified the re-birth of one of the greatest franchises in sports. Some will argue that the selections of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane were the real reason, but I'm a firm believer that when good change occurs at the top the effect will be felt throughout an organization, corporation or nation. As Julian said in Remember the Titans, 'attitude reflects leadership, Captain.' That change in attitude lead to the greatest turn around in sports history. The Hawks were once the laughing stock of the NHL and in 4 years became Stanley Cup Champions not solely because of a talent influx, but also because accountability was created. Rocky Wirtz decided that he was going to do anything to bring a Stanley Cup to Chicago and get the fans back. An owner committed to winning and devoted to fans can never fail unless it's a selfish proclamation and Rocky is anything but selfish.

Accountability was what triggered the hiring of President John McDonough from the Cubs and he has been instrumental in marketing and public relations. Accountability resulted in the hiring of Executive Vice President Jay Blunk who has been progressive and innovative in business strategies including fan accessibility. Accountability was the appointment of long time nemesis Scotty Bowman to the scouting department and naming seasoned coach Joel Quenneville as the head man on the bench. Then there was the return of the voice, Pat Foley, and the addition of best color commentator in the league, Eddy Olczyk. 

As a fan though the most memorable change was naming Bobby Hull, Stan Makita, Tony Esposito and Denis Savard team ambassadors. They were cut off from the organization for so long and it was quite surreal to see those four legends back with the team. The hertige nights were nothing short of pure brilliance by the organization. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die and the Blackhawks brought them back to life.

Players and coaches get sole credit for wins and losses, but behind every great team is a great organization that starts with ownership, management and fans. Creating an environment devoted to responsibility, loyalty and winning is the first step and a big one at that. Getting talented players is also vital, but talent doesn't always breed success. Making that talent accountable breeds success.

Rocky Wirtz turned the Blackhawks organization upside down and the result was a Stanley Cup. The scene on Michigan Avenue was something I'll never forget and cured a decade long of emptiness, frustration and anger. A decade is not as long as some other fans had to wait, but as a fan base the culmination of all that happened was a Hollywood story. It pieced itself together perfectly without a hiccup and almost seemed too good to be true.

The key for the Hawks now though is to create a dynasty a la the Red Wings. They need to be in contention every year and instead of rebuilding they need to reload. I know this season has been a major disappointment and they are currently out of the playoffs, but there is still half the season to go and I don't think General Manager Stan Bowman is going to sit on his hands much longer if things continue to trend the way they are.

Rocky Wirtz saw a drastic situation when he took over the Chicago Blackhawks back in 2007 and believed it would take drastic measures to get it where it needed to be. He took risks and sacrificed jobs, but in doing so he revived a historic franchise from the dead and fostered a winning environment.

We need to look no further than this season as evidence. In years past an 80 point season, which is what they are on track for, would've been considered somewhat of a success. Instead it's considered a failure because we've all had a taste of what accountability can really do. It has been done here before and it can be done again, but it's going to take some more accountability from the front office to get things rolling again. Unfortunately it may mean the sacrifice of some beloved players, but sports are a business and the business is winning. Rocky won't stand for this, John won't stand for this, Stan won't stand for this and neither will Joel. Drastic situations require drastic measures and the apple cart may have to be upset once again to turn this seasona around.

Most Blackhawk fans were in awe after winning the Stanley Cup because of where we were a few years ago. We went from the bottom of the barrel to the top of the mountain, but now that we have had a taste of true success we want the entire pie.

The formula for success isn't solely adding or subtracting players. It's not just tinkering with lineups or playing the hot goalie. The forumla for success is the variable at the top that produces an infinite residual below it. It cannot be quantified on paper and it can't be measured with numbers, but it certainly can be recognized with the banners that hang from the rafters and I expect this formula to equal many more of them when it's all said and done.