I've had a difficult time focusing on writing my blog this weekend as I've been consumed by the National Championships Basketball game. Living in Lawrence, KS and being a fan of KU, it has been a somewhat dramatic weekend. So, today's blog post stems from interviews I've watched of the team members and coach and how we can apply their lessons in the business world.
Nobody is more shocked that KU is playing in the National Championships than the KU fans. All year they have been doubted by the media and this has been labeled as a "rebuilding year." There were no expectations they would make it this far. What's the secret? Of course, they are a great team and have a great coach, there is no denying that. When I analyze interviews however, I see two other qualities that differentiate them and could have a great deal to do with their success.
They believe they are good. It may sound arrogant but it doesn't come across that way. They don't act like they are better than everyone else but they believe they are capable of winning. There is a big difference between being arrogant and being confident. They believe they can make the shots. Over and over again you hear them say "we have confidence . . . " They take responsibility for their mistakes quickly and easily AND (critical component coming up) they learn from them and adjust accordingly.
The other key component I see from the KU team is complete respect and confidence in their coach (i.e. leader). They trust him, they protect him, and they have no problem making comments such as "That's all on Coach Self, he's brilliant . . . (Tyshawn Taylor)."
As a leader, here are some thoughts to consider:
1. Are your team members playing as a team? Are they looking out for each other and focused on a common team goal or is every man out for himself?
2. Do they trust you? If not, why? Have you demonstrated your ability to help them succeed?
3. Does your team believe they can win? And what are you doing to instill that confidence in them?
Showing posts with label KU. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KU. Show all posts
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Learning from KU Basketball Team
I don't watch sports very often but when I do, I can't help but analyze the dynamics and leadership of the team. It's a curse really. Years ago, I played sports. Throughout my professional career I've heard the analogies between sports and business. Those analogies were largely about winning. Although I have to admit, winning is the goal for all business endeavors, I picked up more from watching the KU vs. MU nail biter than just winning.
Being a blog about leadership I want to focus first on the coach and his role as it relates to a business leader. If you watch Bill Self as the leader and you hear what the team members say about him, it's not surprising that KU does so well. KU was down by 19 points in the first half of this particular game - the largest deficit in program history. They came back to win by one point in overtime. This was on their home court.
Just about every sports announcer that televises NCAA says being in the KU stadium (Allen Fieldhouse) is at the top of their list as an announcer. Why? The fans are amazingly enthusiastic. We'll get to that in a minute though.
At the press conference after the game, one of the players was asked what the coach said at half time that made them turn the game around. His response was very thoughtful and calm. I don't have a quote but he said something to the effect of "He told us games are won one play at a time. Settle down and focus on each play." The announcer even asked if there were stern words and the player responded "No. He knows we're professionals and we know what we need to do." You never get the sense from Bill Self that he's yelling and screaming at the team. That's not to say he never does but I'm guessing it's the exception rather than the rule. There is just this calm peace. They practice, he makes sure he has the right players in the right spots, he makes sure they have the training and tools they need to succeed and then he trusts them to play the game. You notice he doesn't run out on the court and play the game with them. He guides and directs them from the sidelines. And with 8 consecutive Big 12 Championship trophies, he must be doing something right.
Now let's talk about the fans. I was sitting in my living room watching the game but I could feel the energy, support, and excitement from the stadium. At certain points the camera focused on a device indicating the decibel level of the room. Let's relate that to business and the importance of having an enthusiastic and excited team. What does it take to have a team that bands together? Using the KU game as an example - a common purpose and a sense that you are a part of that win in even the smallest way, simply by being present. The fans in the stands weren't playing the game but they were very much a part of it. Can you imagine what that must feel like to know that everyone around you wants to see you succeed? Maybe I'm a bit Pollyanna but I don't understand why we can't have that atmosphere at work. As a leader, you can create that atmosphere by being inclusive, enthusiastic, and creating the common purpose.
I could go on and on making the comparisons but I've promised myself ti make my blog posts a little more digestible (i.e. not so long). If you are a leader, think about the concept of a winning team, engaging your team, treating them like professionals and trusting they want to win just as much as you want them to. More than anything else, help them to stay focused on the goal.
Mari
Being a blog about leadership I want to focus first on the coach and his role as it relates to a business leader. If you watch Bill Self as the leader and you hear what the team members say about him, it's not surprising that KU does so well. KU was down by 19 points in the first half of this particular game - the largest deficit in program history. They came back to win by one point in overtime. This was on their home court.
Just about every sports announcer that televises NCAA says being in the KU stadium (Allen Fieldhouse) is at the top of their list as an announcer. Why? The fans are amazingly enthusiastic. We'll get to that in a minute though.
At the press conference after the game, one of the players was asked what the coach said at half time that made them turn the game around. His response was very thoughtful and calm. I don't have a quote but he said something to the effect of "He told us games are won one play at a time. Settle down and focus on each play." The announcer even asked if there were stern words and the player responded "No. He knows we're professionals and we know what we need to do." You never get the sense from Bill Self that he's yelling and screaming at the team. That's not to say he never does but I'm guessing it's the exception rather than the rule. There is just this calm peace. They practice, he makes sure he has the right players in the right spots, he makes sure they have the training and tools they need to succeed and then he trusts them to play the game. You notice he doesn't run out on the court and play the game with them. He guides and directs them from the sidelines. And with 8 consecutive Big 12 Championship trophies, he must be doing something right.
And when they win, he is just as excited as they are (see image above).
Now let's talk about the fans. I was sitting in my living room watching the game but I could feel the energy, support, and excitement from the stadium. At certain points the camera focused on a device indicating the decibel level of the room. Let's relate that to business and the importance of having an enthusiastic and excited team. What does it take to have a team that bands together? Using the KU game as an example - a common purpose and a sense that you are a part of that win in even the smallest way, simply by being present. The fans in the stands weren't playing the game but they were very much a part of it. Can you imagine what that must feel like to know that everyone around you wants to see you succeed? Maybe I'm a bit Pollyanna but I don't understand why we can't have that atmosphere at work. As a leader, you can create that atmosphere by being inclusive, enthusiastic, and creating the common purpose.
I could go on and on making the comparisons but I've promised myself ti make my blog posts a little more digestible (i.e. not so long). If you are a leader, think about the concept of a winning team, engaging your team, treating them like professionals and trusting they want to win just as much as you want them to. More than anything else, help them to stay focused on the goal.
Mari
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