bcg blog

Moments of Truth

We are slow to add things to our program and culture. I believe what you choose to add, or not add, is very indicative of the clarity of your culture. I clearly remember the days of sitting in coaching clinics, scribbling every word down, and mentally committing to changing pretty much everything we were doing. 

The same was true with each book I would read. Everything was a good idea. Everything was better than what we were doing. But at some point I realized, while I was spending time being someone else, I wasn’t being myself. Rather than incorporating some ideas that would enhance what we were doing, I was constantly trying to change it all. 

That’s one of the clearest signs of a lost culture. 

Why Should We Care?
As we gain clarity of what we value, our culture will solidify. Our core values serve as the foundation for that clarity and provide us with a distinct guide to what should, and what should not be, a part of our culture. 

Strong cultures know exactly who they are. They know when to say yes, but, more importantly, they know when to say no. Their moment of truth is pure. It never waivers. If an opportunity enhances their core values, they’re all in. If an opportunity compromises any aspect of their core values, they’re all out. 

Moment of Truth is a term we added to our program this season. Its addition has provided us with a great platform to discuss several topics in and out of basketball. 

A Moment of Truth, for us, is the instant of a decision. Particularly a decision in which you can choose a path of character or compromise. Character is what you should do, your job, your values, what would make you proud. Compromise is taking the easy path, cutting corners, giving a substandard effort, what you might regret.

Honoring the Moment of Truth is always the goal.

REAL TALK - Action Steps
The application of the Moment of Truth is literally endless. In basketball, we apply it to running in transition, boxing out or rebounding, and screening for teammates. It seems we find a new way to apply it each week. Here are a few more general ideas for adding it to your culture.

• Response to Failure 
  
  • At that moment, who do we want to be? Will we be true to what we say we want to be or will we attempt to gain favor from others by responding in a way that strives to garner sympathy? Will we make excuses or own the mistake, learn, and grow? It’s a moment of truth. Will we be true to our identity or not?
    

• Your Job
  
  • It doesn’t matter what your job is. It’s your job. Do it. There will undoubtedly be opportunities to take it easy and cut corners. Those are the Moments of Truth. Do you win them or not? This is the best indication of who we are at our core. What do we choose to do when no one is looking and compromise is convenient?
    

• Holding Standards
  
  • You see it. The standard isn’t being met. What do you do? Do you say address it? Do you remain quiet? That’s a Moment of Truth. In that instant you are choosing yourself or you are choosing your team. 
    

Your Moment of Truth is something to be acutely aware of. Now that you’ve been introduced to it, you’ll begin to see, and feel it, when those times present themselves. Honor them with a choice that supports your values and the person you want to be.

For more information on building excellence in your teams, visit us at www.bluecollargrit.com. 
We would love to know how we could help!

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