Being a good boss is like being a good umpire
— -- Over the last month more people may have come to realize how the best leaders are those who can make a quick decision, under pressure, without partisanship, and in the face of extreme unpopularity. Perhaps, no one does all those things more often than an umpire. Baseball survived the Great Depression to reach the 104th World Series, which starts Wednesday. USA TODAY management reporter Del Jones spoke to Randy Marsh, 59, who has umpired five World Series. Following are excerpts, edited for clarity and space.
Q: What advice do you have for those who now must make the right call without the luxury of time?
A: Know the rules, have a vast knowledge of what your job is. You can't stop learning about your job. Stay on top of it from day to day and be aware of new things coming along.
Q: Sounds like quick decisions are really the result of exhaustive preparation?
A: Absolutely. You're putting the percentages in your favor by being knowledgeable ahead of time. I was in the minor leagues for 13 years, and I did everything possible to improve. We have an expression: fair play and common sense. When something happens that's not covered by the rules, when something totally unusual happens, you do what's right and what's fair and use common sense.
Q: Fans probably think the toughest calls are the close calls, the bang-bang play at first base or the tag at home. True?
A: No, the tough calls are the unexpected. I was at first base doing a playoff game in 2006 when there was an errant throw. I was where I was supposed to be, but I wasn't expecting to have two fielders stand right in front of me when I was trying to see the play. The runner (intentionally) knocked the ball out of the fielder's hand, but I didn't see it. You can't have an ego, so I got the entire crew together, and we got it right. We corrected another play later in the game. These were not popular decisions, but we did the right thing. You can't say: "I'm the boss, I'm not going to change this." When something unusual happens you must do what is best for the game, what is best for the company.
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