Patience, leadership and basketball

This is not a grand post about sports analogies or advice from playing a game that doesn't apply to your everyday life.  How you view this post hopefully will be one that helps you see that obstacles can be overcome with patience, persistence and having a good mentor by your side.

At this week's ProNet general meeting, we had the distinct honor and privilege to have David Carter, the head coach of University of Nevada-Reno's men's basketball team speak about his journey to his current position, how he approached his goals and how he had a key mentor that helped him with perspective.  He also will be referred to as "Coach Carter" in this post, since that is what he has his long-time friends call him.  Yes, the ones that told him after his basketball playing days were over, that being a coach was a foolish thing, in so many words.

As a star basketball player for Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, Coach Carter had many choices of top-notch colleges to attend.  But if it wasn't for his older brother, he may not have even had that opportunity.  With formidable competition for the point guard spot, this was one of the first times that Coach Carter relied on his military-trained brother for advice.  He heard that he should stick with it and do his best.  When he was picked for the team, his brother's response was one of a knowing expectation that Coach Carter would get the desired spot of point guard.  That quiet leadership that he experienced early from his brother, would become a touchstone for other major decisions in his life.

One other situation that is applicable to all job seekers out there was when as an assistant coach, paying his dues, he interviewed for a couple of head coaching jobs.  When he didn't get the positions, the response was that he needed more experience.  This begged the question, "How do I get the experience?".  He learned that in order to be considered for bigger responsibility that you need to show up, do your job the best you can and try to have empathy for the person currently in that position.

A great leadership question was asked related to bringing a group of kids that knew nothing but being a star at the high school level.  Coach Carter said that the key to success was to get the kids to understand that they all have a role to play at a specific time.  Seniors to freshman all had to know that each player has a role in order for the team to be successful.

And lastly, he was asked about interviewing for a job while you were still employed.  His comments focused on being where you are, doing what it takes to be successful where you are, don't go looking for it, but be open to the possibilities.

It was a real joy for this former high school basketball MVP to remember some of the lessons that I had been taught by my coaches.  Now it's time to pass those same lessons onto others.