Predicting Success = Discipline
Combining talent with learning requires discipline. "Discipline is 90% Anticipation." Coach Crean had a lot to say about discipline and how he chooses the young men who will fit into the tradition of the program. He has had a difficult year with players and he was very honest with us about how he made the decisions he did. He made these points reflecting on the failures of some of his team members:
Don't forget how and why you win. Don't forget how and why you lose.
Pressure is the view you created.
Watch eye contact. Lack of eye contact is a problem.
There's a big difference between ambition and aspiration. Ambition is about the individual; aspiration is about the team. Ambitious team members override and limit the team.
Surround yourself with people who are demanding but not demeaning.
Courage must be greater than your fear (of others, of self, of success, etc.)
The chemistry of the leadership team determines the chemistry of the team itself.
Coach Crean recommended the book Mindset by Carol Dweck, who believes there are no natural clutch players. She writes: When a reporter asked Ray Allen (NBA star) to describe his God-given ability to shoot three-point shots, here's what he had to say: "It's an insult. God could care less whether I can shoot a jump shot. I've argued with a lot of people in my life. When people say God blessed me with a beautiful jump shot, it really pisses me off. I tell those people, 'Don't undermine the work I've put in every day. Not some days. Every day."
Carol Dweck differentiates between a Fixed Mindset and Growth Mindset and sees these as drivers that enable discipline, hard work and success.
So it isn't all about talent. There's so much more to performance. Dweck continues "A young boy might show up without any "natural" boxing ability. With hard work, determination, and a will to improve and compete, he might just go on to become the greatest boxer in the history of the sport. Cassius Clay was born into this world. Muhammad Ali was developed and worked on through thousands of hours. That's the difference."
There's lots of discussion currently about every kid getting a reward for anything they do. Carol Dweck has done fascinating research on leading children into a disciplined life. Look at the use of these words below. I see how I have been using positive labels with my children, team and learners that imply judgment. I intend to build a memory bank of the questions on the right.
Imagine a day when you've had some setbacks. Coach Crean told us that every day a leader has five unexpected things happen. In my experience; so far, so true. The great leaders expect these surprises. Weak leaders expect everything to go smoothly. Which of these statements will get you and your organization what you need?
A. You are clever, you should be able to figure out how to get us out of this hole.
B. Show me what you think we can do to improve.
In August, we'll complete the discussion of The Mind of Coach Tom Crean with these ideas:
• Small Bites of AH HA
• Handling Your Critics / Quitting
• Moving On
In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this newsletter. Share on the Russell Martin & Associates Facebook and LinkedIn page or email us directly at info@russellmartin.com