Have favorite authors. Some of mine include Michael Lewis, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Jon Gordon.
WHAT DO ELEPHANTS AND VAMPIRES HAVE IN COMMON?
— Jon Gordon (@JonGordon11) April 29, 2024
What do elephants and vampires have in common?
They will both sabotage your team if you let them.
Elephants in the room are the issues that you have not addressed, and they will stomp on your morale and teamwork if you don’t…
An elephant in the room is a serious but not fully addressed issue. That could be an unruly student in the classroom or a disruptive player on a team. Strong cultures manage the elephant in the room directly.
Vampires are mythical 'blood-sucking' monsters. Energy vampires metaphorically do the same, holding culture hostage to their needs.
Melrose hasn't had many of either. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra reminds coaches, "there is always a pecking order." Every team has its 'alphas' who drive performance and leadership.
From Jon Gordon
This reminds us of key points in team sport.
1) Coaching is about relationships. Brad Stevens says, "coaches get more than we give." The best way to get respect is to give it. When asked about success as an actress, Helen Mirren said, "Always be on time" and "don't be an _______ ."
2. "Ego is the enemy." Live Bill Russell's quote, "my ego demands the success of my team." Russell's teams went 21-0 in elimination games. Some say he doesn't belong on the Mount Rushmore of basketball players. I agree. He belongs on the Mount Olympus of winners, winning 14 championships (2 NCAA, 11 NBA, 1 Olympics) in 15 years.
3. Be positive. "You cannot have a positive life with a negative attitude." Bring your best to the team every day. The best players are those who make everyone around them better. Samuel L. Jackson says to bring "the best version of yourself" every day.
Lagniappe. Contact.
Lagniappe 2. Intentionality and hitting contact.