Dave Carroll and his guitar flew United, but the guitar didn't make the trip intact. In a highly-connected world, customers punch back. Carroll released the video above, lampooning United Airlines' ham-handed customer service. The video has over twenty million views.
The count was two-and two, two outs, runners at the corners. Protecting a 4-1 lead late, I faced a right handed slugger who had reached Double A. The catcher called for a curve away. I shook him off. He threw down the index finger and I threw a fastball inside corner above the waist. Strike three swinging. The pitcher has the final say, "extreme ownership."
In Team of Teams, General Stanley McChrystal notes that empowering troops was tough, but on time, frontline decisions were better. "We found our estimates were backward-we were getting the 90 percent solution today instead of the 70 percent solution tomorrow." Silos fell, performance rose.
Coach - Player silos. Every play involves judgment. Players and coaches sometimes live in separate silos. Some players misunderstand the importance of the scorebook versus the scoreboard. They may not grasp how pieces fit together on the board. Claiming a bigger role only works with the skill and will to fill it.
Coaches remember Bill Parcells' truth, "I can't think for everyone." Coaches can't micromanage real-time action.
Player - Player silos. Players may have different agendas. Some seek exposure, numbers, and publicity over teamwork and winning. That dog won't hunt. The coach holds the ultimate tool, minutes. The bench beckons, "that is not how we play."
Organization silos. Some communities have integrated programs from elementary school through high school. Others run independently. It makes sense that unified philosophy and teaching leads to better results.
Players own many developmental decisions that go astray:
- Shot selection
- Player and ball movement (cutting and passing)
- Setting and using screens
- Pace
- Conversion and transition
- Defensive coverage and protection
How many individual conversations have we had with players, reviewing film, discussing shot-by-shot decisions and quality? I don't mean a "are you kidding me" glance or general conversation.
"See one, do one, teach one." Get players to teach.
And Zak Boisvert classifies turnovers as either decision-related or execution-related.
The long-term answer blends education, communication, and time.
Lagniappe: These Guys Are Good (Storm-Sky)
The Storm run the pick-and-roll to perfection.
Cut hard and throw crisp passes.
"You own your paycheck." Breanna Stewart earns 2 by running hard.
Horns-like action where gravity pulls defenders (draw 2) and the Storm get two.
Lagniappe 2: Slow motion, hot Curry.
Lagniappe 3: Nate McMillan Quotes
