Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Basketball and Servant Leadership

Coaches have a chance to share holistic education. Let players know, "it's about the team and each of you." Robert Greenleaf developed the philosophy of "servant leadership." It embodies principles of serving others and your community. 

First, a ChatGPT summary: 

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy and style that emphasizes the leader's primary role as a servant to their team or organization. In contrast to traditional leadership models where the leader's main focus is the accumulation of power and control, servant leadership prioritizes the growth and well-being of others.

Here are some key characteristics and principles of servant leadership:

  1. Service Orientation: The leader's primary motivation is to serve others, including team members, colleagues, customers, and the community at large.

  2. Empathy: Servant leaders strive to understand and empathize with others. They listen actively and seek to understand the needs and perspectives of those they serve.

  3. Healing: Servant leaders are concerned with the personal development and well-being of their followers. They support their emotional and personal growth.

  4. Awareness: They possess a strong awareness of the context and environment in which they operate. This includes understanding their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the needs of their team and organization.

  5. Persuasion: Rather than relying on authority or coercion, servant leaders seek to persuade others. They build consensus and encourage collaboration.

  6. Conceptualization: Servant leaders have a clear vision for their organization's goals and mission. They are able to think beyond day-to-day tasks and focus on long-term objectives.

  7. Foresight: They anticipate future trends and consequences, helping to prepare their organization for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

  8. Stewardship: Servant leaders view themselves as stewards of their organization's resources and talents. They take responsibility for the well-being of their team and the wider community.

  9. Commitment to the Growth of People: They believe in the inherent value of each individual and are committed to helping people grow and develop.

  10. Building Community: Servant leaders foster a sense of community within their organization. They promote cooperation, trust, and teamwork.

The concept of servant leadership was popularized by Robert K. Greenleaf in the 1970s. It's often seen as a more ethical and people-centered approach to leadership, focusing on serving the needs of others as a pathway to achieving organizational success and personal fulfillment.

Servant leadership doesn't reject ambition. It advances the notion that the well-being of the community comes first. Done well, that leaves ample room for personal growth. 

 Pay it forward. Often young people have received mentoring and support that "cleared the path" for their success. Do the same for others. 
Lagniappe: Kirk Goldsberry... 

 Analytics aren't about "Revenge of the Nerds." For me, analytics provide another domain of tools for improvement. Excellence is measurable. Rules changes redefine the game.


Lagniappe 2. In a recent Managing Director conference, JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon fielded questions, including this one from my daughter, "How do you use AI in your daily work?" It's worth considering. Dimon answered that he uses it to help with preparation of reports and lectures. 

Lagniappe 3. Something to consider if you have 'adequate' practice time. 
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