“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few”
― Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
Use what works. Many of us have seen a lot of coaches in action. The best combine knowledge, communication, teaching, psychology, and motivation. For example, in Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (an inspiration for Phil Jackson), Shunryu Suzuki writes, "The best horse will run slow and fast, right and left, at the driver's will, before it
sees the shadow of the whip...the fourth will run after the pain penetrates to the marrow of its bones." But he adds, "in your very imperfections you will find the basis for your firm, way-seeking mind." The implication is that we need both effort and time to overcome our weaknesses.
There's only so much you can do. At the end of the day, execution reflects PEOPLE, STRATEGY, and OPERATIONS. When you have the right people, it's technique over tactics.
Can we categorize elite coaches? Realistically, nobody is a 'pure version' as each overlaps elements into a unique recipe.
The Patriarchs (Red Auerbach, Gregg Popovich, Jack Clark)
The Philosophers/The Zen Master (Phil Jackson, Pete Carril)
The Generals (Bobby Knight, Mike Krzyzewski, Tom Izzo, Bill Belichick, Nick Saban)
The Professors (John Wooden, Pete Newell, Dean Smith, Brad Stevens)
Bad Guys (?)
Examining coaches on the list above, we see that different coaching and personality styles succeed. But we learn more from the commonalities than the differences - knowledge, teaching, connection, preparation, attention to detail. As I reminded players who practiced yesterday, "the magic is in the work."
