The former CEO left three numbered envelopes behind. A month later, problems arise. The new chief opens the first. It reads, "Blame your predecessor." He announces, "we need change because previous leadership left us in bad shape." Things pick up, but issues ensue months later. He opens the second, "Reorganize." He gathers staff, "we're realigning operations and responsibilities." The company improves. But again, there's backsliding in attitudes and performance. He opens the third envelope, "prepare three envelopes."
Authentic leaders solve problems. Wannabes find and create them. Traffic in specifics that impact winning.
Promote core values (for home, business, sport). Ours:
- Teamwork - what does teamwork mean to you?
- Improvement - track points/possession, shot charts, turnovers
- Accountability - hold ourselves to high standards (including academics), win quarters
Process overview. "Every day is player development day" for four keys:
- Technique (skill)
- Tactics (strategy)
- Physiology (athleticism)
- Psychology (attitude, resilience)
Incorporate our philosophies, drill book, and playbook. For example, work on three-level scoring (prioritize shooting), basketball moves (e.g. post, box drills, wing series), and finishing around the basket (either hand, off either or both feet, from either side).
Tactics... have some "Bests" BOB, SLOB, Man, Zone actions
SLOBs... Fake handoff, pivot, drive. with hammer option. Fake handoff with hammer option.
Versus Man Defense... post to wing ball screen PnR +/- slip.
Zone offense. Staggered ball screen into screen attacking the middle of the zone.
Inventory strengths and weaknesses.
- Where do our points arise? Transition, sets, special situations, second chance?
- What is our early offense? (This is problematic for a lot of teams. Drag screen, pistol, etc.)
- Do our turnovers come from decisions or execution?
- What are our defensive and offensive rebounding percentages?
- Analyze fouling. Are we "fouling for profit?"
This could include analysis using "Four Factors" as applied to our team.
MUST/NEED/WANT assessment
- This helps prioritize training
- It emphasizes specifics
- Reduce to cone down on most important
Intangibles count.
Players can't read minds. Write them down. Explain. Repeat. And repeat.
We shared Jay Bilas' Toughness criteria and distributed Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success.
- Commitment. Are players participating in offseason opportunities?
- Toughness. Win 50-50 battles, be first to the floor, take charges.
- Attitude. We had only one award, voted by players, "Best Teammate." One player who won starts at U of Illinois on scholarship this summer.
Summary:
- Promote core values.
- Process.
- Inventory strengths and weaknesses
- MUST/NEED/WANT
- Intangibles count.
Lagniappe. Individual workout drills.