A Texas Tiger’s thoughts on the Firing of Les Miles…

Forever grateful to be a Tiger.

These dolls tap their tiger toes in rhythm to the LSU Fight Song.

They came from Santa Claus (okay, Macy’s really!) – as gifts to my sons – when they were very, very young.

Our two boys have long left the nest – but our Tiger Dolls remain.

They face the TV and cheer for their namesakes – The Fighting Tigers!

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As you have read in previous posts, I am conducting interviews and researching material for a book on Millennials and Baby Boomers.  In my book, I offer a unique perspective on both of these remarkable generations.  

This morning, I want to offer a quick, short post on one small area of my findings.  This is a nugget of advice for parents of millennials to pass on to their career-bound offspring.

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If you follow FBS football, you are well aware that we (LSU Tigers) fired our longtime, beloved head coach, Les Miles, at the beginning of this season.  

There’s not enough kind words to describe Coach Miles.  And there’s certainly not enough superlatives to give accurate tribute to his positive impact on the Baton Rouge community – especially in tragic times during unprecedented weather-related events.

In short, Les is a wonderful man who has gained the respect and affection of TigerNation.  (Myself included in that population.)

But… Les Miles was hired to be the Head Football Coach of the Louisiana State University Fighting Tigers.  Period.

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It became well-publicized on national sports talk radio shows, from ESPN analysts’ comments, and in the writings of local blogs – late last fall during the 2015 season – that our Athletic Director and a host of other powerful university officials…. requested?  hinted?  suggested?  pleaded? demanded? implored? Coach Miles to change our offense.  (Who really knows how the actual conversation went down! No one in Tigerland truly knows the tone and tenor of that meeting!) 

Change it or evolve it….into a more contemporary, offensive strategy with more players touching the football.

Do not send engraved announcements to the opposing team that the “Best Player in the Universe – our beloved #7 Leonard Fournette” would be running the ball for the next 3 downs….without exception.  

And to that note:  Please arrange your secondary accordingly because our playbook will not be including “North-South passes”… and in fact, the football will never be remotely in the air.  

From a spectator’s perspective, it appeared as if our opponents stacked the box with 20 defensive players on every play. Torture.  Pure torture.

So why is a life lessons blogger writing to you about her purple (and gold) passion?

There’s an obvious life lesson in this story to teach your Millennials.

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If your boss tells you to do something….anything….you must do it.

Just barring unethical or illegal practices, you must abide by your supervisor’s wishes or your job will be in jeopardy. Pure and Simple.  No surprises here.

As I have told my own two sons and all employees who worked for me, if the person signing the front of the paycheck each month and conducting the performance reviews each year – gives direction and instruction, you must acquiesce even if there is a stark difference of opinion.  

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Many things have been written and said about the dismissal of Coach Miles.  Some say that expectations were too high and unreasonable.  

As a fan, a mom, and a lifestyle writer – I say this:  To all young, career-minded adults – it isn’t a mystery or a puzzle or a secret formula.  Demonstrate enough respect to your boss and follow directions carefully.

In the end, it may not be enough to keep your job forever if you are consistently underperforming.

But I promise you this:  If you demonstrate that you are listening and learning according to your boss’s demands, you will – at least – get your shot to stay. 

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This post is dedicated to my husband, David.

I have always cheered for my Tigers.  But it was my husband who taught me to absolutely love the game.  It is no secret – that every Fall – our marriage was interrupted by SEC football.  So in order to be a part of his life – I’m now obsessed with the weekly SEC-West match-ups.

GEAUX TIGERS!