"Mentoring is the only shortcut to excellence." Someone asked the Dali Lama how he accumulated wisdom. He explained that he has great access throughout the world and listens carefully. Great advice adds unique information or insight we can use.
Application: find a mentor or better still, a team of mentors. Four-time state championship coach Kristen McDonnell explains she regularly participates in coaching conference calls.
"If you don't speak up, nobody knows what you know." A young doctor informed the younger medical student to speak up.
"Your job is to make the senior look good." Everyone learns quickly in medicine about the importance of making your boss look good. That advice works in every profession. Don't embarrass the boss.
Application: when receiving media opportunities, give credit to coaches and teammates.
"See one, do one, teach one." Learn by watching, by doing, and by teaching. But ask ourselves is there a better way and even if not, can I do better?
Application: ankle braces are superior to ankle taping (tape loosens).
"The ball is gold." Take care of the ball. Value the ball. Make the most of opportunity by not wasting chances.
Application: turnovers destroy offensive efficiency (points per possession)
"The best way to get respect is to give it." Respect fosters trust and loyalty. It takes time.
"Always do your best." As children we hear it. As parents we share it. As coaches, we demand it. In basketball that translates to playing in a stance, to moving on the pass, to communication, and toughness with and without the ball.
Application: "soft skills" like focus, listening, effort, and eye contact produce tangible benefits to preparation and execution.
"You don't have to like it; you just have to do it." Doing the work often takes less time and less effort than trying to shift the work to someone else. When a supervisor tells us that it's for our own good, it usually is.
Application: repetition makes reputations
"Every day is player development day." Success comes from superior execution and superior execution comes from superior training.
Lagniappe (something extra). "Two is one and one is none."
