“Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” – John Wooden
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
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Monday night, one team will experience that iconic moment: cutting down the nets, a tangible symbol of victory, of reaching the pinnacle of college basketball. I remember that feeling myself, as a senior in high school, the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and teamwork when we won the state championship. It’s a moment that stays with you, a reminder of what’s possible when you cultivate a championship culture.
But here’s the truth: cutting down the nets isn’t about one game, one shining moment. It’s about the journey, the daily discipline, the relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s about building a team of leaders who can rise to the challenge, not just on game day, but every single day.
Recently, I had the privilege of joining Damon Lembi on The Learn It All Podcast, where we discussed the keys to cultivating championship-caliber leadership. And let me tell you, just like that journey to the state championship, it’s not for the faint of heart.
In leadership, like in basketball, there are barriers that keep teams from cutting down the nets. Here are just a few with some fun March Madness themes:
- The “Highlight Reel”: We see the highlight plays, the game-winning shots, and think that’s all there is to it. But championships are built on the unseen hours, the grueling practices, the daily grind. We often overlook the process.
- The “Superstar”: Some teams rely on one or two star players, neglecting the development of the entire roster. But championships are won by teams, not individuals. A team is only as strong as its weakest link.
- “Timeout” Momentum Busters: Just like a crucial timeout can disrupt momentum, distractions in leadership can derail even the best-laid plans. We must stay focused on our goals, even when the pressure is on.
- Are we talking bout “Practice”?: For many of you basketball fans, this barrier conjures up the Allen Iverson interview where he minimalized the power of practice. Just like a player who skips practice or just plods through it with a laisse-faire attitude, a team that neglects daily discipline will see their skills wither. Consistent effort, even in the “off-season,” is crucial for championship-level growth.
If we are going to overcome these barriers and celebrate cutting down the nets in our homes, our churches, our businesses and our communities, we must avoid these rocks in our high top Jordan’s.
Here are a few ways that I discussed with Damon on ways to overcome and create a championship mentality:
- Intentionality: Just like a coach designs plays with a clear strategy, leaders must set intentional goals. Focus on developing players who can make a difference, on and off the court as well as systems and processes that can be repeated over and over to be successful. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has coached his teams to the most victories in NCAA tournament history. His philosophy has not changed in his 24 years… “WE defend, rebound & run”. In business it is that simple… and it is not easy to be that focused on what matters most.
- Raise the Team’s Average: Recruit players who elevate the team’s performance. Seek out coaches and mentors who challenge you to grow. Surround yourself with winners. Make sure everyone on the team is growing.
- Run the “47-Minute Offense”: Dedicate focused, uninterrupted blocks of time to deep work. This is where you develop game-winning strategies and cultivate your leadership skills.
- Embrace the Discipline of the “Hardwood”: Hebrews 12 reminds us that “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Just like a player pushing through grueling practices, leaders must embrace the discipline (and sometimes the pain!) that leads to championship-level results.
That moment of cutting down the nets is a symbol of what’s possible when we cultivate a championship culture. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t just about winning games; it’s about building a legacy.
Call to Action:
Coaches, players, leaders: are you building a team that’s ready to cut down the nets? Don’t settle for “highlight reel” moments. Invest in the daily grind, build a championship culture, and embrace the discipline that leads to victory.
To learn more about cultivating your championship team, listen to my conversation with Damon on The Learn It All Podcast. CLICK HERE.
Being successful as a leader requires intentional leadership habits. That’s why I developed the Ideal Week template – a tool that helps me identify disciplines and habits needed for success and allocate the necessary time. It guides you through planning your ideal week, ensuring you dedicate time to the activities that bring you closer to your goals.
Want to give it a try? Email me at [email protected] with the words ‘IDEAL WEEK’ in the subject line and I’ll send you a copy of the Ideal Week template complete with a sample to get you started!
- Quote of the week:
“A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.”
– Larry Bird
What You Need to Do:
Call to Action: Coaches, players, leaders: are you building a team that’s ready to cut down the nets? Don’t settle for “highlight reel” moments. Invest in the daily grind, build a championship culture, and embrace the discipline that leads to victory. Interested in learning more about the 47 most productive minutes in a leader’s day? Email me at [email protected] with the word 47 MINUTES in the subject line.
It’s an honor to be your trusted “Friday Coffee Guy”. Each week, I’m excited to provide yet another round of curated content that I’ve been reading, listening to, watching, or thinking over. The purpose of the Champions Brew is to inspire, equip and encourage you to become the uncommon leader you were designed to be. I am so grateful for your decision to invest a few moments with me! I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Champions Brew. If you did, I would appreciate it if you would share it with someone who might enjoy it as well and ask them to subscribe! I will make sure they automatically get this email every week.
Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!
P.S. – Are you a podcast fan? Maybe the Uncommon Leader podcast is for you. Are you interested in being a guest on the Uncommon Leader Podcast? Do you have a story to tell? Email me [email protected] and let’s have a chat and set something up!!
