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Sunday, September 18, 2022

The Pizza Guy: What Makes It the Best, Anyway?

Be inspired by everything. Take a moment to reflect on 'the juice' that some coaches have. 

"Chef's Table: Pizza, Episode 1" profiles Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco from Phoenix, Arizona. Acknowledged the best pizza maker in America, he might be the Michelangelo of pizza. 

He's adamant about the ingredients. Growing up in New York, he said, "the Yankees are the best or Mom's meatballs are the best, but what makes it the best anyway?" What makes great, great? 

When he dropped out of high school, he knew two things, "I could be kind, and I could work as hard as any person I ever met." 

When making mozzarella, he says, "you know when it comes together." 

"It's not about manipulating the ingredients, it's about finding them."

Later for health reasons, he had to withdraw from cooking to leadership and mentoring his restaurants. He grew and thrived on a new challenge. 

The most knowledge in the world couldn't guarantee good coaching. Passion alone wouldn't. What elevates raw ingredients into magic? 

Who teaches us? In "Soup," Jon Gordon writes us, “When it comes to building a successful business, it’s not the numbers that the drive the people, but rather the people and relationships that drive the numbers." Later he shares that the secret ingredient is love. 

Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than information."

Bill Russell explained, "Imagination leads to innovation leading to differentiation." 

Edison said inventing takes imagination, persistence, and analogies.

That's all well and good, but quotes can't play. 

What ingredients belong in the special sauce? Think about great coaches and how that applies. Nobody pretends that great coaches win with mediocre talent. 

Awareness of changing assumptions. Coaches work with different generations and personalities, players from different backgrounds and even different countries. When Coach Popovich educated players about Eddie Mabo Day, he impacted Patty Mills and the Spurs. 

Compassion. Great coaches know the impact of events on teams. During the Donald Sterling fiasco, Doc Rivers shared how his parents had taught him, "never be a victim." 

Communication. Teams sports involve collaboration, player-player, player-coach, and among coaches. When it devolves into "us" and "them" the problems are only beginning. 

Teaching. Great coaches like Pete Newell, John Wooden, Jay Wright, Coach K, Bob Knight, Geno Auriemma, Dawn Staley and many others all excel at both finding and developing players. Wooden won a title in his sixteenth year at UCLA. It won't happen overnight. 

Problem solving. Part of problem solving involves all of the above. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said diplomacy wasn't a chessmatch with players sitting silently across. It's more like billiards, where balls collide impacting a host of other balls (countries), each with unique interests. That applies to basketball as personnel, training, and tactical decisions impact players differently. One style of play may not suit everyone equally. 

Attention to Detail. Great coaches like Nick Saban prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Lightning delay? Alabama returned to the locker with room with game plan folders on their seats. Strong teams have clarity about their intended attack. Coach Dave Smart's says his team plays "harder for longer." Watching Jay Wright's video highlights, we see the translation to the court. 

Buy-in. One of Chuck Daly's best lines was "I'm a salesman." Influence demands attention, respect, and belief that the coach adds value to both individuals and the team. Players spot phonies a mile away. 

Take time to see how we can get more from our teams. Everyone has ideas about what separates special coaches. Use them. Worst case... your homemade pizza will improve. 

Lagniappe. 

Lagniappe 2. This might deserve a clip and save. 

 Lagniappe 3. The life lessons matter most. 

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