They said of legendary Alabama coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant, "he can take your'n and beat his'n, or his'n and beat your'n." I'd want the basketball version.
Let's expand the conditions. I can choose anyone to help me during that time. Anyone. They want the challenge. Okay, I can't choose John Gotti.
Whatever our ability, it's finite. We can grow it through study, commitment, discipline, and by collaboration. In this month's Success magazine, John C. Maxwell gives a preview of his new book Intentional Living. "Picking the right partners is crucial to taking our lives to the next level."
Which brings us back to choosing our partner for the big game. When Gene Hackman picks an alcoholic Dennis Hopper in Hoosiers, he does so in hopes of righting Hopper's ship, not his own. How do we choose the right partner?
Maxwell shares his list (? chapters in his book). With apologies to Cognitive Load Theory, I share his bullet list:
- Thinks about others first.
- Thinks bigger than self.
- Has a passion that's contagious.
- Offers complementary skills.
- Is great at support.
- Possesses a can-do spirit.
- Has an expanded influence.
- Holds an activist mindset.
- Is a proven ladder builder.
- Stands out from the crowd.
- Creates teamwork.
- Makes a difference.
For my two week experience, I would want to enjoy working with my collaborator. I'd want them to be an exceptional communicator, teacher, motivator, and process-oriented.
Some of the names that come to mind might not be the first on your list...maybe you're thinking Gregg Popovich, Geno Auriemma, Phil Jackson, Bob Knight, Mike Krzyzewski, Bob Hurley, Sr. , a healthy Pat Summitt?
Here are some of the faces I'm imagining:
Above from top, Lawrence Frank, Kevin Eastman, Jeff Van Gundy, Etorre Messina, Brad Stevens, George Raveling. Who's on your list?