The people of Toronto welcomed a new saviour last week. A man chosen to somehow do what his predecessors have been unable to do.
All of his predecessors, like the new man, were smart, well meaning, experienced, and successful in their ascension to the role. Each of them was intensely scrutinized before being chosen. Each was interviewed by an experienced board, comprised of talented and highly successful individuals in their own right. Each was trumpeted as the new hero, the change agent, the newest saviour.
It’s a challenging job. All eyes of the city are upon you. Every person, whether they have relevant expertise or not, has a strong opinion on how you should do your job. The media trails you constantly. Every aspect of your life is uncovered for all to see. Every decision is questioned, challenged, and debated. Every situation you manage has far reaching implications. Every personnel change you make, every strategic shift you plot, every motivational tactic is cause for debate.
Your bosses don’t get along and worse have competing interests on many matters. But they have told you that won’t affect your job. You of course know they have been saying that for years. So what will really happen in a few months when you run headlong into an opponent that you’re having trouble solving?
You get criticized for what you say, and sometimes moreso for what you don’t. You need to surround yourself with talent, but sometimes existing contracts get in the way. You’re being asked to be an overnight success, when the truth is a strong foundation is the only path to success. You understand that Toronto is the most unique challenge in Canada, but saying so too often will only earn you grief.
If you falter, perhaps the guy we kicked to the curb before you will suddenly seem not so bad. The people that supported you might not be there to lean on. Suddenly every finger, camera, and microphone will be pointed at you to hear your replies to the accusations that you messed up.
I can only hope we give you time. I only hope we allow you to do your job. I only hope we grow a collective sense of patience.
I am not talking about the new Head Coach of the Maple Leafs. When you started reading this, you heard Babcock, yet I was talking about Saunders. You put your mind to hockey and I was discussing public safety. You were imagining a Stanley Cup Parade and I was referring to protesters on parade.
It’s unfortunate that our new Police Chief, Michael Saunders, was sworn in the same week that MLSE dropped $ 50 million on a man who will never take the ice. Sure I am as excited as the next fan about Babcock. I once had the unique opportunity to have breakfast with him, six other marketers, and the Stanley Cup. He is super smart, focused, and genuine. His take on leadership I actually have applied to several professional and personal settings.
But as a father, citizen, businessman, and volunteer I wish that Chief Saunders swearing in received the same exhaustive media coverage as Coach B. Toronto is an amazing place to live. But not for everybody. There are areas haunted by violence, fear, economic challenges, and inadequate access to resources.
Chief Saunders replaces Chief Blair, another man whom I have met and was also very very impressed by. One thing that struck me was how much the well-being of this city meant to Chief Blair. But politics did him in. So hear is hoping that a new Chief, coupled with a new Mayor, can rally the city together. To help those who need it the most. To ensure all are treated fairly. To protect the way of life we expect as Canadians.