The Role of Character

Character is who you are when no one is watching. Legendary Italian basketball coach Etorre Messina speaks often about character. He has said, "character is job one." Here is a brief summary from ChatGPT.  

1. On the qualities of a team: Messina believes that character is fundamental to the success of a team. He values players who are not only talented but also possess strong moral fiber and discipline.

2. On building a winning team: According to Messina, building a successful team involves selecting players who are not only skilled but also possess the right character traits. He emphasizes that character influences how players handle pressure, adversity, and success.

3. On leadership: Messina has highlighted the role of character in leadership. He believes that leaders must exhibit integrity, resilience, and a strong work ethic to inspire and guide their teammates effectively.

4. On team culture: Messina stresses the importance of fostering a positive team culture based on respect, trust, and mutual support. He believes that a team with high character is more likely to achieve its goals and overcome challenges together.

Asked about success in business, Warren Buffett said that it requires intelligence, energy, and integrity. He noted that the first two without the latter are dangerous. 

Character is revealed in both words and actions. The great author Maya Angelou explained, "when someone shows you who they are, believe them."

Character shows up in everything we do at home, school or work, and sports. Caring about teammates, about winning, and doing the right things to succeed consistently show sports character. 

Part of the MVB success relates to the high character of the coaches and players committed to sacrifice and success. 

Lagniappe. Coach Jack Clark (rugby) has won 24 National titles without scholarships at Cal. He discusses the requirement for "conditional love" in high performing organizations.