Entitlement and the Story of the Ceramic Cup

I am currently reading "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. Thus far, it has been one of the greatest books on leadership I have come across. There is one passage I would love to share. It comes from the former Under Secretary of Defense, who spoke at a conference in consecutive years. The first year, he was given a first class ticket, greeted with a limo at the airport, greeted with a hotel suite, then hand delivered a ceramic cup on a plate for his coffee. The second year, he was no longer in his role as Under Secretary. He flew coach, picked up a taxi at the airport, then checked himself into his hotel room. When he got to the conference and asked for coffee, the attendant pointed to a cart where he could pour his own coffee into a styrofoam cup. That year at the conference, he shared his story, and pointed this out: “It occurs to me that the ceramic cup they gave to me last year, it was never meant for me at all. It was meant for the position I held. I deserve a styrofoam cup.

This is the most important lesson I can impart to all of you. All the perks, all the benefits and advantages you may get for the rank or position you hold, they aren’t meant for you. They are meant for the role you fill. And when you leave your role, which eventually you will, they will give the ceramic cup to the person who replaces you. Because you only ever deserved a styrofoam cup.”

Developing a sense of entitlement can be one of the most detrimental things we do to ourselves. When we believe that we deserve certain perks because of who we are, we begin to erase the memory of how we got to a certain position and the people who helped get us there.

No one person is more important than other in the game of basketball. Each player does his/her job to help the team reach its potential. When players begin to think that they deserve more playing time or more shot attempts, the team chemistry begins to disappear. As you approach this coming season, remember that you are but a player on the team. There are no titles, only the position of teammate. You deserve nothing, but you can contribute to everything.

The Tough Moments of Significant Change

Last Sunday was my final weekend attending Salem Alliance Church due to moving out of the area. It was a significant moment for me. I usually do not find things like this so important or meaningful. But this change, to me, is a huge change because of the growth I have experienced in my 2 years of attending. Change can be hard for coaches because of our drive to reach consistency. There are many types of change that coaches can see, from new jobs, new players, and also new offensive or defensive systems. While some changes are exciting and easy to make, others can leave us in a place of resistance.

When we grow as individuals and make life-lasting relationships through an experience, change can be seen as an attack on who we are becoming. I talked previously about my experience with the McKay Hoops class of 2014. Seeing that group go was hard because I became a better coach and person during my time of coaching them. But with a mindset of welcoming the change of a new group, I have been able to start the process again, with myself and with the players. On the contrary, when we are stagnant in a situation, all we can think about is what else is out there and how we can change.

If I ever leave McKay and coach elsewhere, I am sure that my feelings will be similar to that of leaving Salem Alliance Church; grateful for what it has done to me, and excited to see what lies ahead. When change comes to your current situation, even if you think you’re situation is ideal, think about the possibilities rather than sacrifice. Consider that a big change could continue to help you develop in all parts of your life.

Madden 15 and the Importance of Instincts

I am not a gamer. As a kid, I enjoyed playing Mario Bros. and also got into NBA Jam and Mortal Kombat. The last time a video game really sucked me in was the first Tony Hawk Pro Skater. This past weekend, I got a chance to play Madden 15 on the new XBox system that my brother has. I got to admit, I was pretty amazed with the graphics of the game. I was also amazed at how hard of a time I had playing! My experience with playing one game of Madden got me thinking about the importance of developing instincts within the world of athletics.

When reacting to the defense and making reads (with or without the ball), every split second matters. During my game of Madden, I continually looked at the controller to find the button of the receiver I wanted to throw to. This resulted in a sack instead of a huge passing gain.

To be able to make quick decisions in the game of basketball, it’s important to be a student of the game. Drills in practice that seem meaningless and boring are often the most effective at building your basketball IQ. Not only is active participation in practice important, but watching games and seeing how great players respond to their defender is important, too.

Develop your instincts as a basketball player. With and without the ball. And don’t waste your time developing your instincts on Madden.

Witnessing LeBron Workout

Thanks to a connect from my guy Henry Barrera, I was fortunate enough to be a big part of Nike’s LeBron 12 Shoe Launch media event. The best part was not the free gear I got, but the fact that I was able to watch LeBron James do a full workout. It’s not every day you get to see an elite athlete’s training regimen, let alone one of the best players to ever do it. His workout consisted of segments of skill drills with coach Damon Jones broken up with strength and mobility drills led by trainer Mike Mencias. What impressed me most was the efficiency he performed his workout with. Granted, this is easier to do with 2 coaches ready to serve your every need, but it’s still something that can be replicated by players of any level. Here are 3 important things I observed from LeBron’s workout.

1. Fundamentals never quit

LeBron’s workout was not flashy. There were no secret drills or breakthrough techniques. He worked on footwork in game-like situations. Every rep looked identical. When you are performing skill workouts, focus on how you are moving and the footwork you are performing each drill with. Whatever your focus is for that drill, make an effort to master it on each rep.

2. What you do after the workout will increase your gains

After his workout was finished, he spent a good 30 minutes stretching and performing low-impact mobility work. Again, stretching is much easier when you have a trainer doing it for you. However, this is not a reason for a majority of young athletes to overlook this portion of their athletic development. Create or find a flexibility/mobility routine and stay diligent and consistent.

3. Don’t expect a perfect result every time

I have seen countless young players vocally and emotionally display their frustration during workouts when they go on a streak of missed shots or lose the dribble during ball handling work. Although it’s common opinion that LeBron is not a pure shooter, he is still one of the greatest in the game. He made shots during his workout with efficiency. Yet, he still had streaks of misses (I counted 6 at one point). This did not shake his mindset. He wasn’t happy with himself, but he remained consistent in how he performed the drills.

Your Community Will Determine Your Growth

During a sprint workout last week I was able to observe something very special. As I was running, a local Army group was participating in a team building activity. There was one member who was on the track completing a physical assessment. One of his higher ups was running with him throughout the entire assessment, constantly encouraging him and giving him tips for success and improved performance. I finished my sprints and began walking out of the track when I noticed that the entire group was now running around the track. What I saw was a great moment to witness as a coach. The group had started to run because their teammate was behind pace entering his last lap of his assessment. Each member of the team was motivating him and helping him overcome any doubt he had, helping him to succeed and meet his time. Community is one of the most important things that we can develop to improve ourselves. Surrounding ourselves with the right people is a crucial part of who we are becoming and what type of people we are developing into to. Here are some questions to consider when thinking about your community.

Who is around me?

For a team to reach it’s full potential, all members must have a shared vision. Each player must do their job for the team to be successful. How are you doing your job to add to team success?

Who am I around?

There is a popular quote that we are the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with. The people we are around have a strong influence on who we become, whether we realize it or not. Think about the people you’re around and if they are helping you constantly grow as a player and as a person.

Who is leading me?

One of the most underestimated parts of life is seeking a great mentor. We like to think that we always know what is best and do not need help from others. The truth is, all of the greats had mentors who helped them see things in different ways and approach things like no one else did. Consider the leaders in your life and think about who you could ask to become your mentor.

Who am I leading?

Developing people and helping them thrive in new roles not only helps them, but also helps yourself grow. Producing fruit is a crucial part of our life. Learn how to become a leader and help others achieve their goals.

Jim Zorn's Three I's

In June, I had the opportunity to attend the Fellowship of Christian Athletes event titled “Difference Makers.” While Tony Dungy was the headlining speaker, he was unable to attend due to a family health problem (he did Skype in to address and interact with the audience). Dungy called his longtime friend Jim Zorn as his replacement speaker. Zorn has spent multiple years in the NFL, both as a player and coach. He shared his story and how he came to living a life for Christ. Here are his three “I’s” that he reminds himself of daily. Integration

Athletics is not necessarily a spiritually driven area. It is usually ridiculed when athletes share their faith (i.e. Tim Tebow). Zorn discussed how his integration of occupation and spiritual conviction allowed him to grow more as a man and as an athlete.

Identity

Athletes tend to find their identity in their sport. It’s why many players become coaches, broadcasters, or in some cases never move on. When our identity is found in sports, we are left with nothing when that part of our life no longer exists. Also, it magnifies the sport to become the most important thing. What if you never were to play your sport? What would you be left with?

Influence

Regardless of our area of interest, we are each in need of the people around us. Whether we are influencing them or they are influencing us, people will make a difference in our lives. Think about the people in your life you are influencing and those who are influencing you. Does that influence surpass the athletic world?

Producing Good Fruit

“Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10

The thought of producing good fruit has been in my mind for quite some time. I have always thought of the fruit of my labor as the end product of what I do. Recently, I started thinking about the fruit we produce in a different way.

Rather than focusing on the end result, producing good fruit requires a meticulous process in which we are consistently caring for its development.

Being a coach, our fruit is typically seen as wins or the caliber of players. To an extent, this might be valid. But it’s more important to focus on your process of preparation than to have our eyes fixated on wins and what other will think of us.

Think about what will be best for the long-term development of players as people before we compromise their character for the sake of a couple of wins. Model the work ethic and habits we want our players to obtain. Remember that development of coaches, players, programs and teams is a race that requires patient endurance and persistence as opposed to a quick sprint. Produce good fruit through an intricate process of development.

Playoff Notes: Part 1

Going into the playoffs, I thought the two most exciting series’ would be Blazers/Rockets and Warriors/Clippers. Neither have disappointed, but with 3 out of 4 games going to overtime, I think the Blazers and Rockets are producing the most exciting (not most well played) series of the 2014 NBA Playoffs. Two players have caused me to think about some things that can have direct implications for players who are looking to increase their role or to have a breakout season this coming year.

Wesley Matthews: Hard work and desire can overcome physical limitations

To a point. Matthews is not a bad athlete. However, I would be confident saying that in addition to a size advantage, James Harden is faster, quicker, a better leaper, and more talented than Matthews. And although harden is averaging 27 points per game, anyone watching the series knows that Matthews defense has been a difference maker. Harden is shooting 35% inside the arc and 26% from three. Compare that to 45% and 36%, respectively, in the regular season. Take note on the intensity in which Matthews guards Harden as the series progresses. Can you duplicate that effort?

Troy Daniels: All you need is an opportunity

As a coach, Troy Daniels makes me think about the countless players who I either did not put in games or whose roles I limited. Some players only need an opportunity in the right situation to thrive. Daniels is the perfect example. The work he put it through many years prepared him for the moment when he was finally given an opportunity on a big stage. With his performance, I am sure he will be able to get a contract and have the chance to be a role player. Are you giving up because you are not getting playing time or opportunities to thrive? Keep working so when your moment comes, you are prepared.

A New View on Being a Coach

“Knowing the reason you were given a gift and a passion was for someone else’s platform.”

I recently viewed a spoken word piece from rapper Propaganda titled, “Was It All Worth It?” Propaganda is from my favorite group of musicians known as Humble Beast (one of the main sources of inspiration for the Salem Hoops Project). This specific piece by Propaganda caused me to reflect on myself as a coach and the purpose behind why I do it. I looked back on where my mind was a few years ago and the direction I wanted to go in coaching. My ambition was to build myself up as a great coach and trainer so that I could enable myself to earn a high position bringing me more recognition and a larger income. In other words, I coached to make myself look great rather then help my player become great. My desire to see players succeed actually stemmed from my selfish ambition to be seen as one of the greatest.

“What if you knew that greatness would never come, just struggle?”

Somewhere in the last year and a half I finally reached a new level as a coach. This had nothing to do with accolades, but with mindset. I finally understood that my job as a coach was to help others reach their goals while sacrificing my ambition for lofty achievements. I’m sure many coaches can relate to the trap I was in where I viewed my players’ achievements as a reflection of my own ability rather than the product of their growth and maturation.

I define #GrindRepeat as the consistent output of positive decisions and diligent actions. The end result of this is open to interpretation and dependent on your view of success. My new, personal challenge as a coach is to view my work as a means to help my players achieve their goals. In other words, understanding that the reason I was given a passion for the game is to be someone else’s platform.

“Would you sign up for little league knowing you’d never go pro?”

My challenge to players and coaches is to think about why they put everything they have  into the game. Would you do it even if you knew that the result might not benefit you as much as it did others? Propaganda ends his piece by saying, “it’s a good thing we can’t see the future, cause we’d ruin it every chance we get.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2m0jywqvEk

What I Learned at TedXPortland

I started watching Ted Talks a couple years ago. I was intrigued by the diversity of topics that I found when I browsed through the videos. When I found out TedXPortland was approaching, I had to get tickets. Although the ticket price seemed steep at the time of purchase, the value at the end of the conference was more than legit. The amount of knowledge that the speakers shared throughout the day was a more valuable way to spend money than to buy any tangible item. Here are some key thoughts I came away with.

Chase meaning instead of avoiding discomfort

 The most impactful speakers reflected this thought in their stories. Without a meaning to what you are doing, it is easy to quit at the first sign of an uncomfortable situation. But when the meaning of what you are chasing is significant enough, no amount of discomfort will make you hesitate.

 Never overlook the need to play

 Of the speakers, Cody Goldberg was perhaps the most influential for me because of his work with Harper’s Playground and the connection it drew for the Salem Hoops Project. One of his big emphasis was the many benefits that playing has: it’s the highest form of research, inspires vitality, generates optimism, makes perseverance fun, leads to mastery of skill, and fosters empathy. Many of the speakers indirectly credited what they did for play turned into their craft and created their future.

 Giving and receiving love fuels the art of life

 No speaker more clearly displayed his passion for love than Frank Moore, the 91-year-old WWII veteran who stormed the beaches of Normandy. He said that the ability to give love was the most precious gift we have, and learning to receive love can be of the most productive things we ever do. Indirectly, Zalika Gardner’s presentation about listening also reflects giving and receiving love. She discussed that our inability to listen to others is fueled by assumption, arrogance, and fear. When we do not listen to people, we are telling them, “you don’t matter.” Listening involves us to quiet our own experience to make room for someone else’s, or in other words, to show them love.