ON THE TUNNEYSIDE of SPORTS December 7, 2015 #570 Up next…Core Values
After further review…With the Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr on “I.R.” recovering from back surgery, interim head coach Luke Walton has taken the T*E*A*M to a record 21-game undefeated season at this writing. When the Warriors were about to face the Los Angeles Lakers recently in a game that would set the NBA record (at 16) for consecutive wins, Kerr spoke to the team at the shoot-around prior to the game. Kerr wanted to let his players know how proud he was of them for sticking to their principals. Let’s examine the four core values that Kerr emphasized (with my interpretation of their meaning):
Joy. These are G-A-M-E-S and games are designed to be fun. Sure, NBA games are a business, and some may lose their job if those in the business don’t perform well. Of course, it goes without saying (but I will say it anyway), it’s a lot more fun when your team is winning, which the Warriors are doing. It’s up to each of them to enjoy each other and follow the philosophy that the ball doesn’t care who puts it in the basket – only that it goes in.
Mindfulness. Pay attention to your business. Players and coaches need to have what I call presence, being aware of what is going on around them at all times. It may sound strange, but it’s easy to lose your concentration and simply observe your surroundings, becoming, in effect, a spectator. Maintaining focus on your task while seeing the whole court will help sharpen your concentration, and create a successful merger between the demands of your responsibilities and the goals of the team.
Compassion. In all phases of life, we need to remind ourselves: People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care! That philosophy is vital whether you are winning or losing. Notice that when a player is injured (teammate or opponent) others gather around to give support and understanding, knowing that there, but for the grace of God, go I.
Competition. You need to love to compete! Win or lose (both will happen over time) the value of competition will serve you well. The integrity of any game depends on each of us playing the game honestly and with our full effort.
Will you adopt the core values Coach Kerr expects of his T*E*A*M?
To contact Jim go to www.jimtunney.com or email him at jim@jimtunney.com.
Watch for Jim’s new book,” Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports” to be announced soon – just in time for a Christmas gift. This book takes issues from the sports world and transforms them into positive messages. The book will sell for $20. Email to the above address.
