Friday, December 02. 2011
I had an opportunity to hear Orlando Magic’s head coach, Stan Van Gundy, speak about his experiences coaching in the NBA. A small group was invited into the Magic locker room for a short “chalk talk” by the coach and then we took a backstage tour of the facilities that are used by the team. It was great fun, Stan was very knowledgeable and engaging, and I truly enjoyed hearing his insights and perspectives on the NBA.
Coach Van Gundy shared many anecdotes from his years of coaching in competitive sports and most of the lessons learned could directly apply directly to managing a small business. One story centered on his observations of players and their competitive demands to “get them the ball!” Sometimes players explain a loss or event their departure from a team using the phrase, ”I just didn’t get the ball enough.” As a former athlete, I’ve heard this plea from players in both football and basketball huddles alike. It is just part of the competitive spirit and the competitive game, that every player wants to win, and believe they can best their particular defender. However, Van Gundy crystallized for me the management challenge of dealing with an entire team of extremely wealthy, extremely talented and highly experienced players who all say, “get me the ball!”
Believe me, there are times in any competitive play when you are convinced that you can beat your defender. I was never a particularly outstanding player, but I have felt this way myself. (OK…once) Likewise, I am positive that many college receivers made the plea in their huddles as they surveyed me in the opposing defensive backfield. At some point, every player feels that their practice, preparation, skill, or experience has prepared them in such a way that they can catch a pass, make a block, or score a basket, and regardless of whatever the other team does, they just wont be able to stop you! While this may not always true or accurate, it is part of the competitive spirit in athletics, …and in business.
But, when is the plea, “get me the ball” an experienced and accurate assessment of the defense (competitor) that could mean victory for the team, (company) and when is this just a selfish attempt to “hog the ball?” (get promoted or get a raise) As coach Van Gundy illustrated, knowing the difference in those motivations are the key to victory.
In business, employees can be very similar to competitive athletes. Some employees may demand that only their ideas be adopted, insert themselves in every decision, or make every presentation, regardless of how that affects the company. Others may bring you a true insight on how they can provide you with the competitive edge to win in the business arena. It is up to you, as the manager or small business owner to decide when to call a time out, design a creative play that will allow your team to score…but we are in final minutes of 2011. What ideas do you have for a strong finish in December?