Transform Versus Conform

In order to fully have an 'others' focus, players need to differentiate between TRANSform and CONform. I will explain. So that they can grow and develop, people need to realize that they will need the help of others to help get them to where they want to go. I have reinforced this concept with recent tweets at twitter.com/Chris__Oliver (or @Chris__Oliver).

If players (and coaches) recognize that help from others is needed, then they also need to have an 'others' focus so that they develop the proper unselfish mindset themselves - another example of balance. In order for that to happen, those same players need to change their thinking away from "my teammates and coaches need to CONform to my style of play." If teams are going to succeed, the unselfish mindset of "I need to use my skills and adjust my attitude to TRANSform to my team's goals and style of play" needs to prevail.

On paper, this is all wonderful and good. In reality, this is only accomplished through personal maturity, a true unselfish approach, and a genuine desire to make others around us better. Individuals on successful teams transform - they do not expect team members to conform. The difference is enormous, the results are obvious.

Confidence in coaching

When you hear Raheem Morris, the young Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, speak you hear a person with incredible confidence. As coaches, we know that confidence in players develops from demonstrated ability. Coach Morris is an example from whom we can all learn.

Currently, ESPN is running a series of profiles in promotion of "Content of Character" - a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. (this year is the 25th Anniversary of MLK Day). In the profile of Coach Morris, his friends and players (including veterans) commend him for his passion, commitment, dedication, and a little bit of swagger. He endears himself to his players because he really tries to understand what is happening in their lives, and he works hard to connect with each of them. One of the best lines in the commentary is a quote from Coach Morris, one that clearly demonstrates his confidence, focus on being positive and believing - "in order for there to be a reality, there must be a mentality."

Wisdom from Bob Hurley

Coach Hurley, 15 years ago, co-wrote a book called Divided Loyalties: The Diary of a Basketball Father (copies still available on Amazon.com). So much of what he wrote at that time is still applicable today. On the topic of attitudes of winners versus losers, he offered his Ten Commandments (thanks to Coach Chovan for the reminder of the list). A few of those gems follow:

• a winner goes through a problem, a loser goes around it and never past it
• a winner says "I'm good, but not as good as I ought to be", a loser says "I'm not as bad as a lot of other people"
• a winner feels responsible for more than his job, a loser says "I only work here"
• a winner works harder than a loser and has more time, a loser is always too busy to do what is necessary
• a winner shows that he is sorry by making up for it, a loser says "I'm sorry" but does the same thing next time
  

Good body language saves money

Just ask Mark Sanchez, quarterback of the New York Jets. Sanchez was struggling to overcome negativity and wanted to improve his body language whenever he faced adversity or inferior performance. He reached out to his team for the help and support that could make him a better player. His team has responded. For practices (let's face it, that is when it matters because behaviors can be corrected), there is now a system of fines in place if Sanchez shows poor body language.

Positive body language will clearly save Mark Sanchez money this season. NY Jets Offensive Coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, when asked if last season would have been costly for Sanchez (if the system was in place) quipped "as much money as he has, he'd be broke with all the body language he had last year." As coaches, we constantly preach the importance of good body language. With the support of his team, Mark Sanchez is taking strides toward personal improvement and has made himself financially accountable for that growth. Select the link for the complete story:

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2010/11/jets_institute_body_language_f.html

Coach Donovan on attitude

Coach Billy Donovan of Florida has been a successful coach for many years - success that culminated in back to back NCAA D1 titles. With thanks to Jeff House for this summary, Coach Donovan offers the following Attitude Plan:

• always making today my best day
• taking pride in a job well done
• treating others with respect
• isolating my negative thoughts
• treating tasks as opportunities
• utilizing my talents every day
• doing the job right the first time
• expecting positive outcomes daily
• speaking well of others every day