Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Look in the Mirror. We're Imperfect. Are We Capable of Change?

The Dalai Lama approached the hot dog vendor seeking "One with Everything," handing him a ten dollar bill. The vendor returned the dog and his holiness asked about change. "Change comes from within." 

Marshall Goldsmith's What Got You Here Won't Get You There offers advanced leadership ideas. Goldsmith shares that behaviors more than technical competence determine elite leadership. 

Goldsmith includes twenty habits to overcome. They're on his "To Stop" list. There's a partial summary here. 


I don't know you but some apply to many coaches. Mea culpa. 

You say, "that's not me." Have we every made destructive comments, ranging from sarcasm, putdowns, backstabbing, or unflattering comments about someone's knowledge or appearance? Are we delusional that we're among the best and that everyone likes and admires us? 
  • coaches are highly competitive, creating consequences - bad behaviors cause dissatisfaction among players getting fewer minutes, lesser role and recognition 
  • "adding too much value" includes ignoring the wisdom and advice of others or freezing out some entirely
  • angry outbursts offend people at every level, both superiors and those at lower levels
  • failure to share credit with others in the program is common ("are we building a program or a statue?")
  • coaches have favorites; when we have the great student or 'great player' (I've had two) that causes some envy and unhappiness 

Do we recognize our issues? Can we solve them?

  • Apologize when apologies are due.
  • Advertise that we're changing. Expect to be monitored.
  • Follow up after we make changes (am I doing better?).

Are we committed to change? It starts with self-assessment.

Lagniappe. What works for elite players may not be ideal for young players. But watch what some do. 


Lagniappe 2. 15 seconds of action from Chris Oliver... a clearing cut, Iverson action, and high ball screen lead to a roller layup. 
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