bcg blog

Bet on People

We lost our last game of the season last week. We had players on our team that had been playing with each other since third grade. Some of them had put in over 3000 hours of work over the last four years. The commitment and work they devoted to their game has been elite, not just for a high school athlete, for anyone in any field. 

The only thing more elite than their work ethic is their willingness to embrace sacrifice. They chose to give of themselves for the good of the team. Some were asked to give more than others, but all gave. 

Each year I’m always humbled by what young people are willing to give up for hope in something bigger than themselves. It’s so cool … and it never fails.

Why Should We Care?
I chose coaching for the people, but spent a long time doing it for my ego. I wish I could say I never get pulled back into that mentality, but it still happens from time to time. Fortunately, it’s much more rare now. I’m thankful for that. 

When the ego runs the show, the only person you are really thinking about is yourself. Your goals, your mission, and your status drive the ship. Your happiness is paramount. Your perspective is all that matters. Your problems are the priority. Bet on yourself, right?

I’ve played that game. When you lose your last game, that bet doesn’t seem so good. Instantly, you’re not enough. Not only are you less of a coach, but you’re less of a person. Your worth is now in question. 

The other option? Bet on people.

When you lose your last game, you realize it was never about the game. The disappointment is still there, the humiliation is not. The relationships and the process the group chose to operate within are what it’s about. 

It’s the people that make it awesome. 
Not the wins, not the trophies, and not the praise … the people.

REAL TALK - Action Steps
In the pursuit of excellence it’s easy to get sucked into the achievement mindset and forget what this whole leading thing is all about. Here are a few questions that I hope will help you stay focused on the safe bet, the people.

•  How do you best receive coaching?
  
  • Just ask them. I know, I know it seems too simple. Give it a try. You will be surprised by the truth and self-awareness in the responses. Then, apply it.
    

• How do we show you love?
  
  • There are some online assessments for this, but what I’ve found evokes the best insight is to directly ask them. I love the answers to this question - they almost always list some kind of connection outside of basketball.
    

• What justifies you?
  
  • This is a deep question and something those you lead have probably never considered. It may seem to require too much vulnerability. Ask it anyway. 
    

Leadership is a people business. No app or cheat code will help. It is, and always will be, about the people. Keep that fact in the front of your leadership journey. Bet on people.

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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