What's Your "Wow" Factor?

Tony Hsieh at Zappos discusses "wowing" his customers. Zappos uses 'wow' as a verb. What can we do as coaches (or players) to wow our program? 

To wow prioritizes relationships and exceeds expectations. 

Communication. Relationships come first. Build relationships, trust, and loyalty. Greet every player by name within the first minutes of practice. Catch people in the act of doing something right. Find successes to praise, "I believe in you." 

Investment. We invest in our teams in many ways. They don't have to be expensive. Notebooks and handouts are simple and inexpensive.

Add value. Teach. Encourage a growth mindset. Share something great. 

Last night I distributed this inspirational quote poster to each player and to my assistant (to hang in his high school classroom). Almost all of the girls knew of Mia Hamm. "How did you know she was my favorite?" 

Lagniappe. Lagniappe means 'something extra.' Find ways to help them do more and become more. Last night I had them play "Ultimate." Ultimate 1 is full court, no dribble pass and cut with the goal of getting a "touchdown" in the end zone (two feet catch over the end line). If the ball touches the floor it's a turnover and the other team plays the ball from the spot. Ultimate 2 changes to the goal to scoring and allows bounce passes. Ultimate helps 'cure' the disease of excess dribbling. In our world, we make the rules.

Authenticity. "You can't fool children, dogs, and basketball players." Don't let the short-term (a bad loss on Sunday) corrupt the big picture. We change lives but it doesn't happen overnight. 

Purpose beyond passion. Can I help create better people, who care about their teammates and their community as well as themselves? I hope I live long enough to find out. 

Last Night's New Drill: "Bradleys". 

Each group has a shooter and a rebounder. The shooter holds the ball (at the block) at least at shoulder level. She "bounces" three times, maintains balance and shoots. I tell them to say "bounce, bounce, bounce, shot." The goal: get more elevation, balance, and better releases in close.