Learning From the Favre Drama

Finally, yesterday, the Brett Favre madness came to an end...at least until next Spring.


Here is just a high level summary: (I'm probably leaving out a million pointless details.)

January 25: Favre says he very likely will not play next season, citing an upcoming ankle surgery.

May 21: Favre has ankle surgery.

July 29: The Minnesota Vikings begin training camp (normally required of all players) without Favre.

August 3: Several Vikings players report receving text messages that stated "This is it." alluding to retirement.

August 4: Favre denies sending text messages.

August 4: Reports claim Vikings are upping their contact offer to Favre by $3.5 million to $7 million for 2010 season.

August 17: 3 Vikings teammates fly to Favre's home to persuade him to play.

August 18: Favre officially announces returns to football, practices with team, returning on exactly the same day as last season.

Why am I sharing this? (It's not to drive you crazy, promise!) I feel that regardless of whether you side with Favre, the bigger question is do the benefits of having the quarterback return to the team outweigh the precedence and example that you're showing the rest of the organization that: "all players are not treated even close to equal."

If faced with the same decision within your organization, is Favre back on your payroll? What would you do to keep your star employee happy?

On one side, it is universally accepted that Favre makes the Vikings better. You could argue that the team should do whatever it takes to get him back in uniform. The revenue, wins, and potential Super Bowl he brings to Minnesota make him a bargain even at 20 million per year (not bad for 5 months work!) In your organization, you can say that a person that valuable shouldn't be treated like everyone else.

The other side of the coin says that it sets a horrible example that the organization can be pushed around. Practice is optional, if you don't like your contract just ask for more money, and one person is above the rules. Teammates reportedly were upset with Favre at times last year, and it was clear he was running the team, not the coach. The deliberate actions of management are potentially creating terrible company morale now, and down the road.

Regardless of how you feel, it's great theater and provides a great discussion point, should we ever be faced with a similar decision with our star employee.