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What business can learn from the Cubs, Maddon

When the Chicago Cubs were swept by the New York Mets in the National League championship series, the inclination was to shelve this story.

Or, as any self-respecting Cubs fans would say: "Wait 'til next year."

But while the Cubs failed to make it to the World Series, most fans would agree that this year's team exceeded expectations.

Meanwhile, Joe Maddon just won the Manager of the Year award and Jake Arrieta took the Cy Young.

So the assignment stands: What can businesses learn from the 2015 Chicago Cubs?

Let's recap their accomplishments.

After going 73-89 in 2014, the Cubs won 97 regular season games this year, beat the Pirates in the winner-takes-all Wild Card game, and topped the archrival Cardinals in the Division Series.

Are there lessons in long-term planning to be garnered from Theo Epstein, the Cubs' president of baseball operations?

What did Maddon teach us about balancing hard work and dedication with staying loose and having fun on the job?

Was the breakout season a tutorial in how finding the right young talent can take you far?

Some suburban business leaders - and die-hard Cubs fans - share their thoughts on what the team can teach us about running a successful business.

• Emir Abinion, president, Fox Valley Auto Group Volkswagen - Buick - GMC, West Chicago - Schaumburg - St. Charles

Finding talent

"The first key was finding good people. They had four talented rookies - Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell and Jorge Soler - and that talent took them far. But it was also good management. Joe Maddon knew how to manage them, and he built up their trust in him. So they were committed to him. I work hard to earn the trust of my employees so they will be committed to me."

Keep things loose

"Joe Maddon also knew how to have fun. His motto was: 'Don't permit the pressure to exceed the pleasure.' He had them dress up in onesie pajamas for a flight back home. And he did other things to keep them loose. We try to keep things fun in our three dealerships by throwing parties and other events. People perform better when they're loose."

Stay calm

"Maddon also kept things on an even keel. Some managers are shouting when they're happy, and rant and swear when they lose. Maddon doesn't let the high get too high. And he lets the tough times become a teaching moment."

• Patrick Stakenas, president & CEO, Determine Inc., Libertyville

Team first

"The Cubs taught us the power of everyone working together as a team. The team trumps one individual. It wasn't just (star pitcher) Jake Arrieta. There were different players who stepped up at different times to give the team a lift. Then you had a coach, Joe Maddon, who applauds the team effort."

Know your market

"Determine is in the business of using software to help companies manage their suppliers and contracts. We preach three things: Know your market. Offer a good product. Treat your customers well. The Cubs did all three well this year. They knew their market and went out and got good talent to provide a good product on the field. And while Cub fans will show up no matter what, more people came this year because they treated their customers well."

• Bob Ibach, president, Ibach & Associates, Arlington Heights

Stay the course

"One thing the Cubs showed this year was, you've gotta have a plan. Theo Epstein built things from the bottom up. He got some young talent in the minor leagues and built the team up over three years. That's a tough thing to do when you have a fan base that hasn't seen a championship since 1908. But he came up with a plan and stayed the course."

An insider's perspective

"I bring a lot of perspective to this. I was a sports writer and I covered the Baltimore Orioles from 1971-79. I owned the Continental Baseball League, an independent minor league. I was director of public relations for the Cubs from 1981-89. And I've written five books on sports. Now I run a public relations and marketing firm."

Don't panic

"Now, the Cubs may be second-guessed for not going out in July, before the trade deadline, and getting another starting pitcher and maybe a closer. But they stuck to their plan. They didn't panic and say, 'Let's change to something different.' They said, whatever the plan, we're sticking with it."

• Michael Gustafson, executive VP, JohnsByrne Co., Niles

Know your players

"Joe Maddon showed us how a good manager gets to know his personnel and knows how to use them. He had many different lineups and played people in different positions. (Shortstop Starlin Castro was benched before moving to second base. Catcher Kyle Schwarber was moved to the outfield.) He clearly knew when to use the right person at the right time. He knew his players and who would succeed."

Stay with the plan

"The Cubs stayed with the plan. Stayed the course. Theo Epstein's strategy was to develop young talent and build the team into a winner. He executed that strategy well … However, I think the success of the team surprised him, and I think when he had the chance to acquire more talent, he should have taken it. It might have gotten the Cubs past the Mets."

Be flexible

"We're in the premium packaging and custom printing business, which is very competitive. In our business, you have to make quick decisions. It's good to have a plan and stick with it. But you also have to be flexible enough to change course when the opportunity arises. I think the Cubs could have acquired some talent to help the team this year. You can't say, 'Wait 'til next year.' You've got to make moves when you have the momentum."

Michael Gustafson
Emir Abinion
Bob Ibach
Patrick Stakenas
'Don't permit the pressure to exceed the pleasure,' says Manager Joe Maddon, whose staff staged a beach break for Pedro Strop on his day off from pitching.
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