Monday, January 15, 2024

More on Leadership...Intangibles Inform Leadership

Intangibles inform leadership. Yes, coaches see talent and its impact on winning. Nobody wins without talent. Coach K didn't change from criticizing Calipari to becoming him with one-and-done for nothing.

Leadership skills stay with players long after graduation. Which makes teaching them essential elements. 

1) Be punctual. With younger players (developmental) they need transportation (parents). Older players mostly don't have that excuse. Remember "Dean Smith Time," where early is on time. Carolina guard Phil Ford set his watch ten minutes ahead. 

2) Never be a distraction. Don't be drama queens at home, in school, or on the team. Nobody wants to hear it. Even if you've been a productive player, think Draymond Green, hold yourself accountable. 

3) Be positive. Nobody builds a positive life from a negative attitude. Everything won't reap a "Panglossian" life, "all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds." But everyone isn't against you. 

4) Energize. Bring energy to yourself and to your teammates. Verbal encouragement, touching, and consistency elevate people around you. 


5) Outwork the competition. Set the tone by being the hardest worker in school and on the court. 

6) Communicate. "Silent teams lose." Verbal and nonverbal communication count. 

7) Model excellence. "Your actions speak so loudly that I cannot hear a word you say." Mentor underclassmen don't 'dog' them. 

8) Share. I can't do better than Phil Jackson, "basketball is sharing." Share the work, share the ball, share the shots. 

9) Be a great teammate. Everyone can't be a great player but everyone can become a great teammate. Think empathy, about how actions feel from the other person's perspective. 

10) Be coachable. Listen. Have great eye contact and a firm handshake. Great players always want to be coached.

11) Excel in your role. Everyone cannot be a star. Coach Erik Spoelstra reminds players that most players, even in the NBA are role players. "There is always a pecking order." 

12) Commit to daily growth. Whether called "growth mindset" or commitment to become your best, do the work. 

Lagniappe. Wisdom from Coach Collins. 

Lagniappe 2. Defend better. 

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