Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo said, “A player-coached team is better than a coach-coached team.”
A powerful insight about great teams!
The “players” have a huge role in leadership. The eyes of the team aren’t only for the coach.
The players step up. They set standards. They model the fulfillment of the standards. They hold each other accountable to adhere to them.
Looking at me now, you may not believe it, but basketball was my game. I learned much of what I understand about leadership playing the game.
Basketball flows. Things happen in real-time. The players must respond to shifting circumstances. When open shots become apparent, players must recognize them and take them. When setbacks arise, players have to overcome. When you are in a “flowing” game, you can’t wait for the coach to tell you what to do. You have to step up.
The best leader knows he needs people who will take the shot when the opportunity arises. The broader the list of those who will lead, the more the team accomplishes.
If you are a leader, you should seek to make room for others to lead. Encourage those with the ability to use it. Acknowledge it when you see it. Celebrate risks taken. It’s critical.
