Texas Tech University fired its high profile football coach this morning, December 30, 2009. Coach Mike Leach helped put the football program into the national conversation. He was accused of mistreating a football player who may have been suffering from a concussion.

Two sides of the argument: The player was a slacker, and the coach can discipline a player anyway he wants. Kids need to obey authority. OR,the AD and the coach have been at odds for years, and when this controversy became public, and the coach was due a huge contract bonus, he was fired.

What can this teach Corporate America and employees?

• Managers and supervisors must be on the same page as their boss on as many issues as possible.
• Managers and supervisors must check with their bosses before disciplining and employee.
• Employees have more power to speak up and report abuses by authority figures.
• The better the communication between leaders and employees, the better the company can perform as a whole.

Dr. Brian Grossman is a communication expert. He has been a consultant and trainer working with businesses and individuals to optimize their communication and performance throughout the U.S.and Australia.Contact Dr. Brian or Karen Marzo talk@genderlyspeaking.com