Editorial: Matheny impresses despite emotional, challenging day

More than 1,600 people had the pleasure of hearing St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny give a talk about leadership on Monday at the Arrow Leadership and Success Summit, sponsored by Saint Francis Medical Center.

But it may be the story behind the scenes that will leave a greater impression. More on that later.

Matheny's talk was what you might expect about leadership. He said to be an effective leader, there were six categories that he feels need to be examined, and they are encompassed with the acronym EDGES.

* Education (never stop learning)

* Discipline

* Goals (Always be striving for something)

* Energy (stay positive)

* Service (Great leaders serve their people)

Matheny is an inspiring person. He has gone through many ups and downs in his personal and professional life. His Christian values lay the groundwork for his leadership style. Regardless of anyone's opinion of his managerial game decisions, there is no question, that Matheny is a person who inspires others, and leads with a calm confidence.

Matheny couldn't have been more gracious during his time spent with some Southeast Missourian editorial board members, who helped organize the event, which was done for the Southeast Missouri State University student Arrow newspaper.

Matheny was kind and accommodating to the many people he met over the course of the event. He cut his meal short when the schedule was running behind, so he could mingle with the fans who had paid to come see him. You might have seen several photos of Matheny posing with your friends on Facebook. The Cardinals skipper was so very nice to everyone he met. But it was a long, grueling day for Matheny.

Hours earlier, Matheny was a pallbearer at a funeral. The adult son of one of his close friends was being laid to rest. It was an emotional day, to say the least.

That very same day the Cardinals announced a major trade. Matheny's phone was buzzing nonstop with people wanting to talk to him, but he stayed committed to the event and the speech. And he gave a great talk. He was prepared, speaking from memory. He was engaging, and at times, funny.

We couldn't be more impressed with how the manager handled himself on a day that he could easily have given less than his best. He certainly gave us energy and service during his trip to the Show Me Center.

His remarks at the summit were spot on. The way he carries himself on off the fields is impressive. It's a challenge to all of us to become better leaders and to always remember to serve others.

Thank you to the title sponsor, Saint Francis Medical Center, and the following sponsors for their support: First Missouri State Bank, Auto Tire & Parts, Chap Arnold Insurance, Wood & Huston Bank and the Office of the President at Southeast Missouri State University.

The Arrow Leadership and Success Series continues through April with weekly interviews conducted by the student journalists. These features have included community leaders, students and others who are in positions of leadership. In addition to appearing in the Arrow print edition and online at SoutheastArrow.com, you can read these interviews on the Monday Southeast Missourian Business page. We encourage you to follow the series.