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Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Basketball - Threshing Our Philosophy Includes Inversion as Validation

Begin with a core clear and simple philosophy. Mine is TIA - teamwork, improvement, and accountability.

Teamwork means total collaboration, doing together what is in the best interest of the team. Simon Sinek wrote, "Leaders Eat Last." The game is about the players. We're fortunate to be part of organizations where teamwork is the default structure, the norm. Nelson Mandela's father led community meetings where he spoke last, listening to hear others' opinions, which also allowed a more nuanced response.   

Improvement. What's the paragon, the best example? In The Score Takes Care of Itself, Bill Walsh creates a "Standard of Performance" which applies to everyone from the secretary answering the phone, the guys who stripe the field, and coaches and players. Kevin Durant wakes saying, "how do I improve today?" Improvement is a harsh master. 

Accountability. Accountability means "holding ourselves to a high standard" in whatever we do. Do it right the first time. "If you don't have time to do it right now, when will you have time to do it right?" Accountability crosses domains of home, school, and sport. Accountability includes sportsmanship, adhering to the 'rules of the game' and relationships. 

Our philosophy also allows us the mental model of inversion, turning our core values inside out. 

Teamwork. Inversion yields selfishness and agendas. The Red Sox didn't win a championship for 86 years. The media dubbed them "25 guys, 25 cabs." Selfishness and agendas mean placing personal needs and desires above those of the team and teammates. 

Improvement. Inversion leaves us stagnation or slippage. In a world of harsh competitors that means falling behind. The best enterprises deliver quality and enhanced products or services. They raise both their floors and their ceilings of performance. A big ask? Why are we here? 

Accountability. Lack of accountability leaves us denial "not me" and excuses. The road to success is paved with neither. The classic Four Agreements illustrates the personal values and reminds us to be "impeccable with our word" and "always to our best." The opposites manifest no commitment to truth or high performance. 

Lagniappe. Proficiency at catch-and-shoot threes matters. 

Lagniappe 2. Don't be a needy player. Coaches have enough headaches already.  

Lagniappe 3. Simplify your moves to get into a shot. 

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