The Importance of Identification Part 2

As a University of Michigan alumnus, I have followed the football and basketball programs. In 2015, Jim Harbaugh took over, and became the leader for the football program. I knew that Jim was previously a quarterback for the Wolverines, played for Bo Schembechler; was a successful NFL quarterback; was a head coach at the University of San Diego , Stanford; and the San Francisco 49ers. His whole career was about high-performance, dominating and winning. Michigan’s illustrious football program was in decline after coach Lloyd Carr retired. Coaches Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke did not rescue the Wolverines. The Wolverines had been previously elite. It was difficult following them, and I was resentful about their mediocracy and poor play, especially against Ohio State. It was an embarrassment to say the least. Jim Harbaugh was brought in to resurrect the football program and restore it to its former glory. He had a reputation of being a narcissist, powerful, controlling with an authoritarian personality style. Identifying with the Wolverines resulted in my experiencing either jubilation or despair, depending upon the outcome of the game. The hiring of Jim Harbaugh resulted in an unconscious identification with Jim. Translated, this means that his personality, his rationality, and his conscience became like mine. In other words, Jim was correct or right, regardless of what he said or did. He could do no wrong, and I was unable to evaluate him and his accomplishments rationally. Further, no one could effectively reason with me about any of his negatives. He could walk on water, and I would experience hardships [having a poor won and loss record] if necessary. To Be Continued