EFFECTIVENESS AND COMPETENCY

In his book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," Stephen Covey talked about the important of Effectiveness and Competency and we believe they go hand in hand with championship productivity in the classroom, the basketball court, the business world and in life. Effectiveness is “doing something right, the way it is supposed to be done.” Competency is “doing it right EVERYTIME.” Effectiveness and competency are high forms of self-discipline and found in nearly all successful people no matter their endeavor.

One of the greatest golfer in the history of that sport, Jack Nicklaus once said, “I don’t think talent is as important as the work habits and dedication necessary to be competent. Certainly talent needs to be above average but I don’t think it needs to be the top thing on the list.”

One of the most difficult phases of remaining both effective and competent is guarding against complacency. I can remember while work for Coach Sue Gunter of LSU that she would constantly speak to our team on complacency saying, “We must use our tradition to motivate us to build on it and not as a crutch to lean on where we might stumble and fall.”

Stephen Covey also talks about effectiveness in preserving and enhancing relationships. Relationships, or togetherness, or team unity, or team chemistry — no matter what you should choose to label it—is an absolute must if a team is to reach its potential and compete on a championship level.

Covey went on to use the example of a bank, an Emotional Bank, where an individual account depicts the amount of trust involved in a relationship. Our actions and attitudes towards individuals is our means of making “deposits” or “withdrawals” into our account. Positive, meaningful actions will build our account, while negative actions will delete the account. Covey then set down five phases of our ordinary day life where we can make a deposit or a withdrawal. These areas are of vital importance to our success, not just as a basketball team, but with out families and in classrooms and, eventually, in your work place. Covey’s five areas are:

1. Kindness vs. unkindness

2. Keeping promises vs. breaking promises

3. Honoring expectations vs. violating expectations

4. Loyalty vs. lack of loyalty

5. Apologies vs. pride

30 DAYS TO A CHAMPIONSHIP: GETTING IT DONE IN THE WEIGHT ROOM

Coach Jim Boone: Today's post was written by my one of our assistant coaches who runs the weight room and for us and happens to be my son -- Jim Boone III.  I'm really proud of him for his work ethic and how he has grown as man and a coach.  Here is what he has to say about our strength program:

For us at WVWC, our strength program is an integral part of our team’s development, on and off the court. We lift four days per week in the pre-season (we want to develop as much bulk and strength as possible), drop down to three days when practice officially begins on October 15th (we cut back due to intensity of practice and to save legs), and we try our best to get two lifts in per week during the season (this is our maintenance program, want to maintain all the we have accomplished). We feel that to maximize our players strength levels, it is imperative to have a program that is year around in the weight room.

We work at a rapid pace, we do not want any down time, we do not have time for guys to meander their way through their lifts – this is as much about building cardio endurance as it is strength. As well, we do a ton of core development between lifts – to play defense the way we require our guys to play – they must have a strong and well conditioned core.

But, the weight room is not just an area where we increase our strength levels and build our athleticism, it’s a place where we build unity and toughness – two staples of Bobcat basketball! We place our players in as many positions as possible that require team work and dependability upon one another, as well, we challenge them daily to fight through fatigue, pain, and mental hardship to become a tougher individual and therefore a much tougher team.

This is an important part of developing the Winning Culture of Bobcat Basketball, it is emphasized by the head coach and throughout our staff, the tremendous importance of a quality strength program and our player’s efforts in such.

THE BEST ARE CONTINUAL LEARNERS

As coaches, how hard do we work to continually improve?  It never ceases to amaze me how when I attend coaching clinics, it is the best coaches that I see in attendance.  A quick thought might be that the best coaches don't need to waste their time at clinics -- they already have a philosophy and a proven system of play.  But the best are never satisfied.  They are looking for something to improve themselves as coaches as well as their players and program.  There are some coaches that talk about how they don't have enough time.  How can you not have enough time to improve?

One example would be Felicia Allen Hall's incredible Assistant Coaching Symposium held each summer.  It is refreshing to see so many young assistants in attendance working to learn their craft.  But I am impressed with so veteran assistant coaches that are there as well -- looking to improve their craft.

The perfect example was this past summer at Coach U Live on our own campus at the University of Central Florida, the large numbers of NBA coaches that were in attendance and taking notes with a fury -- and not just NBA assistant coaches but NBA head coaches.

Quite simply, the best are continual learners and I think the following passage from John Maxwell points out why it is necessary:

"The best way to keep from becoming satisfied with your current achievements is to make yourself a continual learner.  That kind of commitment may be rarer than you realize.  For example, a study performed by the University of Michigan several years ago found that one-third of all physicians in the United States are so busy working that they're two years behind the breakthroughs in their own fields."

From "Self-Improvement 101" by John Maxwell

COACH K ON DEVELOPING A CULTURE

Developing a culture means having a tradition that maintains the standards you want to define your program. Culture is established by the people who compose your team and is carried on through those people.

You cannot merely expect culture to be a natural occurrence; it has to be taught and made a part of your everyday routine.

Culture is a continuum. This means that it is not merely a matter of creating a culture, but perpetuating it. Those who have been in the organization for the greatest amount of time pass on the values and the message of the organization to those who are just entering.

Recruiting is a key aspect of growing a culture. When my staff and I decide which kids to recruit, we don’t merely look at the youngster’s athletic ability, statistics, and grades, we look at how they treat their parents, how they interact with their classmates, and what other ways they contribute to their communities. One of my favorite things is when we got for a home visit and the player has his best friend with him, a friend who may not even play basketball. This shows that, at a young age, he understands that it’s not all bout him and he is willing to share his life with those close to him: an indication that he willing to look beyond himself and become a part of something greater.

Culture is passing on the values and teaching the standards that you have learned as an upperclassman to the young players on the team.

From “Beyond Basketball” by Mike Krzyzewski with Jamie Spatola

NOTE TAKING FOR CONTINUAL LEARNERS

We have been talking to our team about the continual learning (process) this week and a big part of that has been educating them on the proper use of our team notebook.  We gave them a passout today of guidelines for an effective way to take, read and utilize notes.  If you'd like a copy of that passout email me at bstarkey@athletics.UCF.edu.

Note taking is so critical for learning and retention.  It is why a love this passage from my favorite Jon Gordon book, "Training Camp" which gives a great example of a continual learner:

The best are always looking for ways to learn, apply, improve, and grow. They are humble and hungry. They are lifelong learners,” Coach continues. “Did you know that when I was speaking in Dallas at a leadership conference, Zig Ziglar was in the front row, taking notes?”

“Who’s Zig Ziglar?” Martin asked.

“Only one of the greatest motivational speakers of all time. He’s 82 years old and he’s taking notes, still trying to improve and grow. To me that’s a lifelong learner. You are either getting better or worse but never staying the same. If you are not getting better, then it means you are getting worse. That’s why the best are always pushing themselves out of their comfort zone as they strive to get better. Those who want to just be average and good are happy to be comfortable. But for the best, comfort is not an option.”

30 DAYS TO A CHAMPIONSHIP: JUST LIKE BUILDING A HOUSE -- FOUNDATION FIRST

Coach Jim Boone: Certainly the this weekend will be spent with the continuous cycle of:

1. Getting to know my student-athletes on a deeper scale

2. Working them out to further help them know our system on a deeper scale

3. Hitting the weight room to help them know their body on a deeper scale (smile)

TEAM FIRST!

I will also continue to work with our new staff to help them not only know what we want to teach but more importantly, how we want it taught. Every second of every day we are in a position to be a leader and, as John Maxwell states, "leadership is influence." In the "first 30 days" that influence will lead us directly to the foundation of a culture that we want to build upon. It is similar to building a house. When you move into a new home, you are going to notice the light fixtures...you will notice kitchen appliances...you will notice halls, walls and doors. And they may very well be first-class and attractive. But what you can't see -- the footers below -- the floor and wall joists -- the foundation of the house -- is the key to the longevity of the structure. The better the foundation, the more rough weather it can stand...the longer it will remain intact. That's why the first 30 days are so important -- it's the foundation!

I am also going to eat lunch and dinner on campus today so I can visit with several of our students & faculty – trying to be very visible on campus. I will also be attending the opening football game on Saturday to meet more Bobcat fans – including one of the school’s all-time greatest fans, Charlie Elkins (former Hamlin Coach – Chuck’s Dad). As well, Head Football Coach Jonas Jackson, will be making his debut and I want to be there to support him - he has been great to us already – he played at EMU during my first two years as their head coach and we are both good friends with former EMU Coach, Jeff Woodruff at UTEP.

SOME THOUGHTS ON "PROCESS-RELATED" COACHING/TEACHING/PLAYING

You pick up things along the road in coaching.  Sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly.  Probably one of the most powerful paradigms in coaching that I have come across has been to "focus on the process."  Don't get caught up in winning and losing but focus on a day to day basis and improving.  Coach John Wooden never spoke about winning or losing to his team.  At LSU, Nick Saban was always speaking about the "process" and concentration on "dominating one play at a time."

Many coaches, when talking about the process will agree to it's importance but when the opportunity arises they will trade in a long-term decision for a short-term gain.  As a young coach I can remember studying Bob Knight while at Indiana.  He might take a starter out early in the game and not play him the rest of the game or even a play him at all.  Even if it would put the game in jeopardy, Knight was thinking long-term in trying to motivate players to do what they were supposed to do, when they were supposed do it and do it as well as they were capable of doing it.

For players, it's even more difficult to understand process.  They are all about winning games or getting awards and recognition.  Coach Dale Brown referred to it as "instant gratification" syndrome.  What can you do for me right now?  What can I have right now?  It's an "instant" society.  Fast food.  Microwaves. Internet.  In life we are trying to bypass the process.

One player who understood the process was Michael Jordan.  How ironic -- the great player in the game new it was a long term commitment.

As a big believer in the process, I love MJ's quote:“I don’t want to be on the team that wins seventy games and doesn’t win the championship. I’d rather be on a team that wins fifty and wins the championship.”


Many think Jordan was born a great player, blessed with special God-given attributes which is why this Nike commercial ranks as one of my all-time favorties -- it's a great message!

30 DAYS TO A CHAMPIONSHIP: A NEW HIRE AND MAKING FRIENDS AT THE BARBERSHOP

Jim Boone: The hunt it over! We've hired assistant coach, Ryan Sharbaugh to complete our coaching staff. Ryan comes from California (PA) which certainly brings back some great memories for me in my coaching career. I was so pleased with the number of quality applicants we had that applied which speaks directly to our program and West Virginia Wesleyan. Ryan brings a great deal of enthusiasm that I think will make him an excellent teacher and recruiter. He also has a great pedigree -- he is a grandson of former Vulcan basketball standout Sebastian “Sibby” LoNigro, who was inducted into the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

We are actually spending part of the day today walking Ryan around campus and introducing him to all the great people we have working with us.

I had a great day today, meeting with community leaders – spent two hours in our local barber shop – Gregory’s – not a better place than the barber shop to get a feel for the town. The barber, Jim Gregory turns out to be a huge Bobcat fan, and remembered the great West Virginia State teams that I was fortunate enough to help build. We also talked a lot about Bruce Stewart and his teams as well – a great and informative time.

Tomorrow, we are calling Maryland JUCO’s this is a key recruiting area for us. It is so important to make contact to introduce our staff, program and philosophy as well as determine their open gyms and workout times.

We have weights at 4:00 and an Open Gym at 7:15 – these guys love to play!

COACH DON MEYER LEADERSHIP COMING TO ORLANDO

It's hard for me to put into words how excited I am to visit with my friend and mentor Coach Don Meyer next week but I'm even more anxious to learn from him -- which you always do even if you are just on a short phone call with him.  I've never known anyone to mix humor and wisdom as does Coach Meyer as you can see in the video clip above.

Coach Greg Brown, now at UCF and formerly a member of Coach Meyer's staff has orchestrated one of Coach's stops to bere in Florida. And could there be a more perfect topic?! If you are in the area, there is no way I'd miss out on this one!

The seminar if at the Metro Auditorium in Winter Springs. You can get more info here:

Call (605) 626-2484
Or Email—Carmen.Johnson@northern.edu
Or Call (407) 620-9277
Or Email gbrown@athletics.ucf.edu

Coach Meyer is currently the winningest coach in any division in NCAA history. In February 2010 Meyer announced his retirement from coaching, but continues at NSU in the role of Regents Distinguished Professor and Assistant to the President.

Following a serious car accident and inoperable cancer diagnosis Meyer has received national recognition in various national media outlets - Sports Illustrated, ESPN, FOX Sports, National Public Radio, Associated Press, CBS News just to name a few. In July he was named the winner of the Jimmy V. Perseverance award at the ESPN ESPY's - Meyer used his national spotlight to again promote the community he calls home - Northern State University and Aberdeen, SD.

The seminar takes the wit, wisdom, and winning ways of Coach Don Meyer and brings it to business leaders, community members, and other participants. The first half of the seminar focuses on what it takes to be a servant leader and the second half describes the processes necessary to build a team of servant leaders.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT COACH MEYER'S LEADERSHIP TOUR:

“Outstanding! Coach Meyer is captivating not just because of his fantastic content, but also because he is transparent and willing to reveal his mistakes. The information given is simply outstanding and can help make a marginal leader into an outstanding leader if willing to put in the time.”

“What I like about this presentation was that everything Coach Meyer said was from his heart–everything was sincere and enjoyable.”

“I appreciate the combination of Coach Meyer’s perspective as well as the perspectives of others (books, quotes, etc.).

“He presented a lot of good questions I need to ask myself and answer in order to become a valuable employee and leader.”

IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE!!!

"I think that there is one really fundamental military truth.  And that's that you can add up the correlation of forces, you can look at the number of tanks, you can look at the number of airplanes, you can look at all these factors of military might and put them together.  But unless the soldier on the ground, or the airman in the air, has the will to win, has the strength of character to go into battle, believes that his cause is just, and has the support of his country...all the rest of that stuff is irrelevant."

-General Norman Schwarzkopf

...which reminded me of one of my favorite quotes:

"Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory."

-General George S. Patton Jr.