There is a movement in the world of amateur coaching which I think the rest of the leadership world can learn from.
Two Coaching Giants
Dawn Staley is the Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach at the University of South Carolina. She has led the team to four Final Fours and two national championships. Staley is also a four-time Olympic Gold medalist and named one of the Top 15 WNBA players of all-time in 2011.
Eric Musselman is the men’s basketball coach at the University of Arkansas. A coaching lifer, Musselman has won over 700 games at the collegiate and professional levels.
These are currently two of the best in the coaching profession. But what makes them so good? Take a look at the videos below and see if you notice a common thread:
“I feel like he’s my son. I love these kids so much.”
“I love you too Coach.”
The relationships you have with your coaches and teammates make a difference.@EricPMusselman @RazorbackMBB #marchmadness2023 pic.twitter.com/S9NPy5wjJI
— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) March 19, 2023
For the first time in her career, Dawn Staley is the AP National Coach of the Year. “To my players, I love you guys .. you made this possible. I wish it was you who would be standing here as National Champions.”pic.twitter.com/qCS4r6qEUO
— Marc Whiteman (@MarcWYFFNews4) March 23, 2020
The Secret Ingredient To Effectively Leading In Today’s World
Did you notice the common thread? Both coaches expressed a sincere love for their players. They are also incredibly successful. I think that is the secret sauce to successful leadership in today’s world.
This is because 2020 fractured so many relationships. Insecurity became an unwelcome constant companion with many people. We are more broken as a society than ever before. Uncertainty is ever-present. Hate is seeming to prevail.
The Competitive Advantage
Love is the antidote to insecurity, brokenness, uncertainty, and hate. Therefore, the leaders who have a genuine fondness for those they are called to serve and lead with love are going to have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
They are going to attract the top talent. In addition, they are going to be able to retain that talent and lower the costs of replacing quality associates.
People want to be led well and be part of loving cultures.
The Hard Question
So here is the hard question – do you genuinely love the people you are called to serve? Or are they just a means to an end? Are they simply replaceable parts?
A quick word of caution – telling them you love them could create an awkward moment and potentially end up in a lawsuit. So be careful.
But if you genuinely love and care for your people, they will know it. And they will likely do anything for you and the organization.
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