Ingredients of a Good Leader
When I think of the best leader I have been around I think of Dean Smith. He was my basketball coach at the University of North Carolina. I strived to be like him when I coached and often fell short. Nevertheless, I continue to try to lead like he led our teams in the earlyContinue reading “Ingredients of a Good Leader”
Mindset of a Champion – The Four E’s
With LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers winning the NBA Championship I wanted to share with you what I believe is the “Mindset of a Champion”. One of my favorite leadership books is Jack: Straight from the Gut, by Jack Welch. He was the CEO of General Electric. He shared “The Four E’s” listed below.Continue reading “Mindset of a Champion – The Four E’s”
Pivoting
“With an ever-increasing number of career choices, 30 percent of the workforce will now change careers or jobs every twelve months.” — Career Change Statistics In today’s workplace, you need to be prepared to pivot into a new job or career. People get fired, positions get eliminated, and companies are bought out on a regularContinue reading “Pivoting”
Protocols
Protocols keep your priorities in check. Legendary North Carolina Coach Dean Smith prioritized his time in this order: 1. Current players 2. Recruits 3. Former players If a former player was on the phone with Coach and a recruit called to talk with him, he would have to hang up and talk with the recruit.Continue reading “Protocols”
Decisions
“Put a picture of your family on your desk. This will be a reminder that every decision you make should be in their best interest.” — John Black When I was a head coach, I felt the need to fire an assistant coach. It was the first time I was going to do this. ItContinue reading “Decisions”
Beyond the Speech
“What is beyond the speech?” As the November election approaches, Donald Trump and Joe Biden stand before us giving speeches about their beliefs and policies. They often say negative things about each other. The candidates and their political teams do everything in their power to make each candidate look good while trying to make theContinue reading “Beyond the Speech”
Discipline
Do you have what it takes? Does our country have what it takes? I doubt it! It would be a great time to attack our nation. Oh, yeah, it is under attack! COVID-19! Why can’t we improve our nation’s COVID numbers? Why are so many people overweight? Why are so many people in debt? Discipline!Continue reading “Discipline”
The Importance of Training
Great athletes train. They prepare for competition through practice. Practice includes drills to create winning habits. Practice includes simulations that create game like situations and game like pressures. Practice also includes mental preparation. Seeing yourself being successful in live action. Visualization. The mind is a powerful tool. Coaches then need to trust the preparation thatContinue reading “The Importance of Training”
Respect
As our country deals with civil unrest one word continues to be in the forefront of my mind. RESPECT! I run a leadership practice and I teach about values driven behavior. Core values are critical in every organization and in every human being. The core values I tried to instill in my teams since 2005Continue reading “Respect”
Take a Knee
We are at a critical time in America. Racism has divided our country. It has gotten ugly, but maybe it needed to get ugly for people to become uncomfortable enough to change. Change needs to start at the grass roots level. Laws and policy won’t change one’s belief system. Belief systems change through education. EducationContinue reading “Take a Knee”
Personal Board of Directors
Just like a big company has a Board or Directors to advise the CEO on making strategic decisions that are in the best interest of the corporation, people need a Personal Board of Directors (“PBOD”) to help us navigate the big decisions in our lives. I have been blessed to have valuable members on myContinue reading “Personal Board of Directors”
Truth Tellers
We all need truth tellers in our lives. Whether you are leading a company or leading your household you need someone that will tell you the truth. Easier said then done! Keys: You need to invite people to tell you the truth. You need to create an environment that is safe for that person toContinue reading “Truth Tellers”
Leadership is like Golf
Leadership is like golf. You have some whiffs and you have some great shots! When you think you have it figured out you hit one out of bounds! Then you have to calm your nerves, address the ball and take another swing at it. It the end, you can’t forget to get regular practice sessionsContinue reading “Leadership is like Golf”
Coaching Scars: E+R=O
Every leader has moments that they can look back on and cringe. A moment where they reacted harshly in a staff meeting or in a game where someone said something or did something they didn’t like. That harsh reaction by a leader will leave an emotional scar, not only on the employee or player, butContinue reading “Coaching Scars: E+R=O”
Three Keys to Leading during Crisis
It is easy to lead during good times, but true leaders earn their stripes during crisis. I have witnessed many leaders over the years mismanage the basics of leading during crisis as they succumb to the pressures around them. The keys are simple. Executing them….not so much. 1. Tell the truth Don’t sugar coat aContinue reading “Three Keys to Leading during Crisis”
Intention vs Interpretation
I experienced many challenges as a leader. After being forced to resign as the basketball coach at UNC in 2003 I went on a leadership journey. I wanted to “Learn & Grow”. I have finally put my thoughts to paper in preparation of writing a book. It is a lengthy and, sometimes, emotionally draining process.Continue reading “Intention vs Interpretation”
Sales is like Fishing
Sales is like fishing. If you want to catch big fish you have to be strategic in your pursuit. There are several steps to put yourself in position for a successful expedition. Step 1: Plan. Where do you fish? When do you fish? What tackle do you use? What will give you the best chance toContinue reading “Sales is like Fishing”
The Power of Remembering a Name
Rogers Healy is a longtime friend from Dallas that I got to know when I coached at SMU. He recently sent me a random text. Here is the exchange: Rogers: Coach, just sending you love. You mean a lot to me and you played a major part in me gaining confidence in my 20’s. BeContinue reading “The Power of Remembering a Name”
