So my first blog entry is about the Dodgers, a team I hate (go Giants!), not to mention that this isn’t meant to be a sports blog.

That said, they’re becoming an interesting case study about leadership and how that has the power to change a brand more than anything else. Think about it – one year ago, the Dodgers were a laughingstock, mostly due to a lame duck owner who was selfish and in over his head. Now however, one year later, they’re on a historic streak and set to challenge for the championship. Why? Some say it’s because they have a leadership group that is loaded with $. Yeah, that helps. But, there’s lotsa sports teams with big payrolls that aren’t successful.

I think it’s more about personality and confidence among this leadership group.

In terms of personality, style and charisma go a long way to inspire and captivate our imaginations. A big smile is well…big. Substance definitely needs to back up style, but style perks our ears, gets us to listen to the vision. Deliver the same vision without panache and nobody listens, nobody buys in.

Then there’s this sense of confidence. It’s not an eff you bravado, and it’s not a quiet confidence either. Somewhere in between. A sense of swagger mixed with a genuine, “Follow me, I know what I’m doing” approach. The Dodgers made a giant trade last summer that cost them literally hundreds of millions of dollars in new player salaries. Who triples payroll the first couple months on the job? Confident dudes. And confident dudes with a singular vision at that. Confidence breeds unity. A shared purpose.

Will the Dodgers win it all this year? Let’s hope not. Will they add even more content to the many leadership books and philosophies already out there? Let’s hope not. But, sometimes, it’s the simple things that can teach us all over again. Personality and confidence – let’s not forget their power.