Running a Business and Coaching a Basketball Team are Similar

March 13: As March Madness approaches this got me to thinking about the similarities between running a successful basketball program and leading a successful business. Winning basketball programs are led by great head coaches who are both managers and designers with the vision to build a team whose style of play integrates rhythm on offense with continuity on defense. They build a solid staff of assistants and are always recruiting skilled athletes with strong basketball fundamentals. They coach players to instinctively create floor balance, move with and without the ball, exploit mismatches, know when to pass and when to take high percentage shots. Their teams perform as a seamless unit and communicate well. Superstars share the spotlight with role players.

Consistently successful businesses have great leaders who are also effective managers with a vision to design programs and processes that always deliver on the brand promise while achieving financial, productivity and image-oriented results. An excellent staff of senior and middle managers build a team with the right people assigned to precise roles and are always recruiting people who have the necessary character and technical and professional skills. Superstars share recognition with support teams and mentor rookies.

The Right Approach to Practice - It’s Not Micromanaging

Ever had an employee challenge you by saying " you're micromanaging me "?

The right approach to practice optimizes the chances to win through timely hoops at the end of the game. Think about the hours of personal development during the off-season and team development during daily practices throughout the season for the opportunity to play two 40-minute college games per week. The coaching staff ensures every team member’s understanding by breaking down each play and decoding goals into a set of individual responsibilities and a series of specific steps. Pros welcome the opportunity to participate in hours of film sessions listening to coaches and teammates constructively criticize their game and identify opportunities to improve it. Imagine if they viewed this as micromanaging?

The right approach to practice optimizes the chances to win through the ability to close a deal when the time is ripe. Business leaders provide coaching and training as essentials for continuous improvement. For example, successful sales managers travel with sales reps to visit clients and prospects. They are briefed on the goals and tactics planned for each meeting, keep quiet during the meeting and then help the sales rep self-critique the meeting afterwards. Imagine if top 20% of sales reps viewed this as micromanaging?