"Welcome to your interview, Coach. We reviewed your resume and your packet. The committee has only one question. This is a turnaround situation with limited resources. What is your edge?"
Coaching isn't a monolith. Sport fosters lifelong relationships. In a recent Zoom conference with Harvard classmates, relationships stood out. Several recalled a teammate who would yell "weakside help"...on the streets of Cambridge. Relationships build loyalty, trust, and respect. Build those bridges.
It continues with superior organization and clarity to implement philosophy, culture, and identity. To do your job you must know it and "pursue excellence daily" (Jon Gordon) to surpass expectations at every level from the managers, the entire roster, and the coaching staff.
Our philosophy is that our play reflects our life. Life requires positive habits, preparation, and attention to detail. Be fired up and ready to go every day. Bring energy and energize your teammates.
Culture matters. Adopt elements from winning cultures like Erik Spoelstra's Heat:
Basketball rewards symmetry. Offensive separation creates quality shots; defense denies them by forcing one bad shot.
Ability to ask better questions. Self-assessment of strengths and weakness allows editing.
- What does our team need now?
- What are the hardest actions for opponents to defend?
- How can we do more of what is working and less of what isn't?
- How can our team play longer and harder?
- How can we separate ourselves using special situations?
- What can we steal from others to improve?