I like to read and I have been working on applying what I read and learn to my life.  Biggest lesson I have learned in 2019. Leadership is the transfer of belief.

We are all in leadership positions.  It transcends IBA and work. Leadership starts at home, with my wife and kids. It is something I have noticed the hard way. When I don’t transfer that belief and vision I end up stuck and it prevents me from leading people the vision. This is an attempt to live my WHY, to live OUT LOUD and in turn to transfer the belief.

Book – Drive.. Motivation 3.0

Motivation 1.0 – To survive and ensure the succession of the species. We were motivated to stay alive and healthy and to procreate.

Motivation 2.0 – Motivation via sticks and carrots. Encourage good or favorable behavior with rewards. Discourage bad or unfavorable behavior with punishments.  Extrinsic behavior –  Motivation comes from external factors.

Motivation 3.0 -Encourage growth and mastery. Own the experience. The growth mindset where you pursue mastery in a discipline. It is the pursuit i.e the journey that motivates you. This intrinsic motivation.

How does it apply to IBA: I find it funny because we all say “we cant want it more than you” or “You have to want it”. All this speaks to motivation 3.0 and yet we operate in motivation 2.0. We don’t allow the players to own their journey.  We complain that the players are over coached but we try to dictate every action down court with instructions.  We want to encourage players to use their skills but we manage playing time and touches based on mistakes and miscues.

Take away: Allow players to own the game. Expect mistakes and expect struggles. Use the games as feedback. That is all games are are. Feedback to the players and how much they have learned and how much they understand.  Use the feedback to guide players through the journey. It is their journey..you are just a guide.

Energy is transferable. What you project you will get back. If you are stressed and frustrated, the players will reflect that. The universe is always trying to stay in balance. That is why you become the average of the five people you interact with the most. The energies will try to sync. It is why women who interact frequently with each other will sync their menstrual periods. So..if you have positive and encouraging energy, your players will match it. Encourage what you want to see repeated. Don’t be afraid to smile and laugh..it has a relaxing impact on the team. A master teacher once told me that he didn’t want players to see as the energy guy because I had good basketball knowledge I could share. Lol..for the record, I think I am a great coach! But I do it for two reasons. One, I love being at the gym with the players! Two..I want to send out positive energy to have the players match it.

Remind the players of what you taught them. The games are not about teaching..it is about feedback and reminders. Players do not rise to the level of moment, they sink to the level of their training. Use the same vocabulary you used in practice. Call out the name of the drill to remind players. Words have power…use them wisely.

The rule that 80% of results come from 20% of work. We plan and talk alot during the games. Be mindful of what words and actions that garner the most results. Sometimes, clapping and encouraging the players to get back after a mistake has more impact than calling out the play. Cut out the fat and focus on what produces the most. Less is more.

We tell the players to Chop Wood and Carry Water…but there is another story in the book  that applies to teachers(parents, coaches) everywhere.  When you plant a bamboo seed..water it and nurture it for one year. Do you know what happens? NOTHING..water and nurture it for two years..do you know what happens? NOTHING.. Do it for three years.. do you know what happens? NOTHING. But in the forth year..as soon as the bamboo breaks ground. It will grow 90 ft in 60 days. That is 1.5 feet per day. the bamboo farmer does not dig up the seed in the first three years to see if it is growing. He is patient and persistent; Knowing that the bamboo is growing deep roots to support its growth.

As teachers we want see that seed grow fast.  We get frustrated when we don’t see growth that we can equate to success. But many times real growth happens after they have left our garden. We were part of the journey that allowed for the deep roots to grow. Have faith in your teachings, have patience.. and water the bamboo..