Winning Vs. Being a Winner

The 2012 documentary film “Beware of Mr. Baker” is an awkward watch — in large part because the show’s star, Peter “Ginger” Baker, is a cantankerous, self-indulgent, grumpy man who just so happens to be an incredible drummer.

His talent subdues his disruptive nature; yet, his personality becomes toxic when he has to be a part of a team. During Baker’s career, he became a legendary drummer who redefined the drummer’s role in bands throughout the 1960s. His style of play had an enormous impact on anyone who dreamed of becoming a rock-roll band drummer.

Baker played briefly in the legendary band Cream, and with his red hair, and flamboyant personality, he wanted to steal the show and become the main attraction.

He had a hard time fitting in — partly because of his ego and temperament. Despite his enormous talent, he went from one band to another, never reaching his full potential.

In 1973, Bruce Springsteen, after releasing his second album, “The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle,” was looking for another drummer. He wasn’t happy with Vinnie Lopez, and wanted to make a change, so he took an ad out in the Village Voice:

“Wanted Drummer for the E Street Band, but No Junior Ginger Bakers apply.”

Springsteen sought someone talented but someone who also understood how to fit within a team setting. He was clear and concise with his desires regarding hiring his next drummer.

He had heard all the problems of Baker — and wanted to make sure whoever came for an audition would understand his role.

The “Baker” problem can be explained simply as the difference between winning and being a winner. Winning and being a winner have distinct meanings.

Winning means achieving victory or success in a contest or competition with your skill set dominating the game. A winner is someone who achieves success and demonstrates grace, respect and appreciation for his/her team members and opponents.

A winner does what it takes to help his team. People who focus on winning only want to win their way, with their talent being the main cause of victory. Ginger Baker might have been winning, but he never was a winner.

Winning focuses on personal achievement, recognition, personal success and self-pride.

Winners focus on making a positive impact, inspiring others and having great integrity, sportsmanship and humility.

For any team to reach its ultimate goal, whether it’s in music, sports or business, the leader’s main job is to make everyone understand the difference between what winning looks like and what being a winner is.

Once this happens, the team will take off — much like E Street Band did after hiring Max Weinberg, who never acted like Ginger Baker.