The Paradox of Praise: When 'Excellent' Meets Adversity
There’s something deeply intriguing about the way we talk about success and failure, especially in the world of sports. Take the recent comments from Ben Cherington about Paul Skenes’ ‘excellent year,’ for instance. On the surface, it’s a straightforward endorsement of a talented athlete. But what makes this particularly fascinating is the timing—it comes amid what many would describe as the worst stretch of Skenes’ career. Personally, I think this juxtaposition reveals a lot about how we perceive performance, potential, and resilience.
Why Praise in the Midst of Struggle Matters
One thing that immediately stands out is the intentionality behind Cherington’s words. It’s easy to celebrate someone when they’re at the top of their game, but acknowledging their excellence during a low point? That’s a different kind of statement. In my opinion, this speaks to a broader strategy—one that’s less about the present and more about the future. What many people don’t realize is that public praise in moments of adversity can be a powerful form of psychological support. It’s a way of saying, ‘We see your potential, even when you’re not at your best.’
From my perspective, this also highlights a cultural shift in how we talk about athletes. Gone are the days when criticism was the go-to response to poor performance. Instead, we’re seeing more leaders adopt a nuanced approach, one that balances accountability with encouragement. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about Skenes—it’s about how we handle setbacks in general. Are we quick to write someone off, or do we recognize that even the best have off days?
The Psychology of ‘Excellent’ in Context
A detail that I find especially interesting is the use of the word ‘excellent.’ It’s a bold choice, particularly when the evidence might suggest otherwise. But what this really suggests is that excellence isn’t just about results—it’s about effort, character, and the ability to keep going when things get tough. This raises a deeper question: Are we too fixated on outcomes? In a world that often equates success with winning, Cherington’s comments feel like a reminder that there’s more to the story.
What’s also worth noting is how this narrative fits into the larger arc of an athlete’s career. Every great player faces slumps, injuries, or moments of doubt. The ones who emerge stronger are often those who had someone believing in them when they couldn’t believe in themselves. This isn’t just about Skenes—it’s about the power of perspective and the role leaders play in shaping it.
The Broader Implications: Beyond the Field
If we zoom out, this situation becomes a microcosm of a much larger conversation. How do we define success? What does it mean to have an ‘excellent year’ when the results don’t reflect it? Personally, I think this is where the real insight lies. In a culture obsessed with metrics and measurable outcomes, Cherington’s comments challenge us to reconsider what truly matters.
What this really suggests is that excellence is as much about the journey as the destination. It’s about showing up, even when things aren’t going your way. And it’s about the people who stand by you, reminding you of your worth when you’re at your lowest. This isn’t just a sports story—it’s a human one.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Perspective
As I reflect on this, I’m struck by how much we can learn from moments like these. Cherington’s praise isn’t just a pat on the back—it’s a strategic, thoughtful act that speaks to a deeper understanding of what it means to excel. In my opinion, this is the kind of leadership we need more of, not just in sports but in every field.
What many people don’t realize is that the way we talk about performance shapes how we experience it. By reframing Skenes’ year as ‘excellent,’ Cherington isn’t ignoring the struggles—he’s redefining what it means to succeed. And that, to me, is the most interesting part of this story. It’s not about the numbers or the stats; it’s about the mindset. If you take a step back and think about it, that’s a lesson we could all stand to learn.
