Archive Spotlight: I thought it would be a good idea to start spotlighting a couple of posts that are buried in the archives. Some of you are fairly new to this site and others are lifelong followers (you are, aren’t you?). No matter what category you fall into, I’m sure there’s at least 1 article here you haven’t read. This was one of my most favorite posts to write and I still enjoy the pictorials. Enjoy and feel free to leave a comment or two.
The Coach John Calipari Guide to Effective Leadership
Coach John Calipari
If you haven’t heard by now, Coach John Calipari of the Memphis Tigers basketball team is heading to Kentucky to take over head coaching duties. Sad news for Tigers fans everywhere. However, instead of gripping about his decision to move on with his career, how much more can we learn from Coach Cal as it pertains to being an effective leader?
In this article we’re going to explore 5 keys to being an effective leader illustrated by Coach Cal’s career defining examples.
According to the Memphis Business Journal;
Calipari posted a record of 252-69 in nine seasons at Memphis, leading the Tigers to three consecutive Elite 8 appearances in the NCAA tournament in 2006-2008. He led the Tigers to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game in 2008, where the team lost to The University of Kansas Jayhawks. The Tigers advanced to the Sweet 16 this year, but were defeated by the University of Missouri Tigers. Calipari was named Sports Illustrated coach of the year before the start of the NCAA tournament, the first time he received the award.
So, what keys to effective leadership can we learn from Coach John Calipari?
Coach Cal - Communication
Communication – Effective leaders are great communicators. Communication is defined as the activity of conveying information.
Your facial expressions, what you say, and how you say it are all forms of communication. Conveying the right message is critical to you and your business’s success. Here are a couple of tips on communicating effectively;
a. Listen more than you talk,
b. Ask questions and engage a conversation,
c. Give people your undivided attention,
d. Make your objectives “plain” so others can run with them.
Coach Cal - Vision
Vision – Effective leaders are visionaries. Having vision means you are able to see “down the road.” It means you’re always looking ahead no matter what circumstances surround you.
Here are a couple of quick points on vision;
a. In order to bring a vision to fruition you must be able to communicate effectively. (See above)
b. Record your dreams, goals, and aspirations into a journal.
c. Take baby steps to accomplishing your goals by keeping a calendar.
Coach Cal - Drive
Drive – Effective leaders have a constant drive to succeed. When you’re faced with increasing debt, passed due bills, family issues, and life in general you have to continue to press towards your goals.
To “drive” is defined as a continued effort to accomplish a goal. Notice the key word is continue. That means you keep going. No matter what. Whatever your vision is for your life or business, declare your victory, “No Matter What!”
Coach Cal - Mistakes
Mistakes – I hate to break it to you, but leaders make mistakes too! That’s right you and I are human like everyone else. There are going to be times when you are actually, “not right.” When the unthinkable happens try these tips to keep the success ball rolling;
a. Repent – To repent is to turn away from. So repent for whatever error you made and keep it moving!
b. Don’t dwell on the mistake, get back up and get moving!
Coach Cal - Passion
Passion – Finally, effective leaders are passionate about what they do. No punchline there folks. If you don’t love what you do then you’ll hate doing it. If you don’t have passion for what you do then the people who you’re trying to lead won’t either.
In the picture to the left coach Cal looks pretty crazy right? Well, when you’re passionate about something it will drive you MAD!
And there you have it, 5 keys to effective leadership. Remember, anyone can lead in anything they do, but effective leaders; communicate well to their team, have a vision for where they want to go, drive towards their goals no matter what, correct mistakes quickly, and ultimately have – and inspires everyone else to have – passion for what they do.
What else can we learn from Coach Cal and his exemplary leadership? Leave your comments below.
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About the Author
Rod
