It was announced last week that popular and colorful TNT sideline report Craig Sager has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The following is Sager’s official release through Turner Sports, “My favorite time of year (NBA playoffs) – city to city, round by round, 40 games in 40 nights. A dramatic turn has matched me with acute myeloid leukemia. From the sidelines to being sidelined, 40 veins and 40 electrolytes. Too bad, I had some probing questions for Pop.”
“Pop” is the combative, argumentative and highly successful San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (though most feel his crustiness is for entertainment purposes only as shown in the video at the bottom of this post). The outpouring of love and support for the Sager family has been overwhelming. But no demonstration was as compassionate and genuinely sincere as from “Pop” himself.
After watching Pop’s interview with Sager’s son, Craig Jr. below, please read the 7 Practices Of Compassionate Leaders gleaned from the interview:
http://youtu.be/Z_xMvztr-Wo
- Compassionate Leaders Make Time For Others – Popovich took time out of a busy play-off game to allow Sager Jr. to interview him.
- Compassionate Leaders Care About What Those They Serve Care About – Because Popovich has such affection for his dad, he showed tremendous respect to Sager Jr.
- Compassionate Leaders Focus On Things Others Do Well – Popovich complimented Sager, Jr. on the questions he was asking.
- Compassionate Leaders Acknowledge The Contribution Others Make – Popovich made it a point to acknowledge the contributions Sager has made to the game.
- Compassionate Leaders Are Genuinely Sincere – Popovich looking directly at the camera as he spoke was a sign of his true friendship with Sager.
- Compassionate Leaders Give Others Hope – Popovich mentioned looking forward to seeing Sager back on the sideline.
- Compassionate Leaders Put People Ahead Of Projects – Many coaches would have been too engaged in a tight play-off game to acknowledge the needs of others. In the midst of this contest, Popovich made time to show compassion and encourage his friend.
Leaders, I know you are busy. But is there a friend you need to take a moment and show compassion to? If so, pick-up the phone or craft an email right now, don’t wait, and send them your best wishes.
Now for a little entertainment, enjoy someone of Gregg Popovich’s most (in)famous moments.
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