Old school is cool, but be careful of generation gaps.

I heard on local sports talk radio that Matt Williams, a former star with the Arizona Diamondbacks, would become the team’s first-base coach. The interviewer asked Williams how well his admittedly old-school ways would go over with younger players in the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse. “I don’t know,” Williams replied, “but I don’t care.”

The interviewers chuckled. There’s something refreshing about an old-schooler’s directness and candor. In fact, many of the most successful and popular coaches, teachers, business leaders, and politicians have been old school – charmingly so. They don’t care what you think of their calcified opinions, their brusque management style, and whether they’re stepping on toes. And often times, “my way or the highway” is the most effective way.

Old school is cool, except when old school goes too far and is exemplified by the belittling boss, the physically confrontational coach, the sexist politician. Old-schoolers are, by definition, older. Some are slow to comprehend that times have changed. Behavior that was the norm in their day is now frowned upon, or even illegal – often with consequences. ESPN Radio’s Colin Cowherd spoke to this, saying the advent of camcorders, YouTube, etc., has made every misdeed public. Lay a hand on an athlete and your act could be viewed by millions online within minutes. Cowherd said it’s no longer acceptable for Armed Services personnel to swear at recruits. Can you imagine how the Jack Nicholson character from “A Few Good Men” would respond to that?

One of the most popular T-shirt slogans in recent years has been “Old Guys Rule.” Dang right we do. We just can’t do so with an iron fist.

Jody Olson, Chapter Two Communications

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