A Leadership Lesson From 3 NCAA Tournament Coaches---Buzz, AG and John

With the NCAA Basketball Tournament first weekend completed, like always, there has been tons of interesting stories and sidebars to the actual competition. For me, I love to watch the coaches and see how they go about doing their business. It is so interesting because there are many different styles, strategies and concepts and while they are different, they all work for that particular coach and team. I always look for competencies or successful consistencies that can be applied in any leadership situation to get quality results.

In this year’s tournament, three of the head coaches (Marquette, Ohio and Alabama) actually were part of the first group of coaches to be involved in the Villa 7 coaching preparation program I created while at VCU. When I first met each of these individuals, I was certain they would have long and successful head coaching careers. In that first year I met the top assistant coaches at Ohio State (John Groce), Texas A&M (Buzz Williams) and Florida (Anthony Grant) and was so impressed that I mentally placed these up and comers on my list as the top potential successors to my coach (Jeff Capel) at VCU. While all of these great young coaches’ backgrounds were very different, they had one thing in common---INTENSITY.

Each was tremendously passionate about their profession and their desire to be great coaches and leaders. They each had an intensity that burned through every conversation and interaction. Each of these three had an incredible commitment to being the best that they could possibly be. They left nothing to chance and stayed on top of every situation. They were able to integrate very engaging personalities with a powerful focus on achieving their goals. After talking with them and being in their company, you would know immediately that they had tremendous futures.

One episode that I always share with young coaches was a social event that we held at the Nike campus in Beaverton, Oregon that included about 40 assistant coaches and 20 Mid-major Athletic directors. The intent of the event was to give coaches and AD’s an opportunity to interact in a social setting without much formality. Watching the dynamics of this event was truly enlightening. Many of the assistant coaches hung around with each other and never really made any serious attempt to connect with the AD’s. However Buzz, AG and John all used this forum to connect with as many AD’s as possible. Their behavior during that social event did not go un-noticed by many of the AD’s and actually became a topic of conversation at the AD’s forum. These three future leaders looked at every situation as an opportunity to enhance their leadership potential.

Great leaders like Williams, Groce and Grant, analyze every situation from a leadership perspective. As you are faced with challenges and opportunities in your everyday life, use a leadership filter to determine what your ultimate decision should be. Remember leaders are concerned with the big picture. That is why Marquette, Ohio University and Alabama are making national news on the hardwood. They have strong leaders that are totally focused on building successful programs and have instilled their same intensity into their teams. One final thought, do not mistake intensity for insensitivity. Insensitivity translates into a self-serving environment that ultimately falls apart. While Williams, Groce and Grant demand maximum effort, they do so in a manner that positively impacts each team member.

Louisville 18 Marquette 2---Buzz Was Familiar With The Situation

Yesterday while flipping channels I happened on Marquette versus Louisville on ESPN. Shockingly the Cardinals had jumped to a 18-2 lead that would have made most viewers hit the remote looking for something a little more interesting. However, I was very interested in this game as I have known Marquette Coach Buzz Williams for a number of years and was pretty sure with his personality and coaching style and leadership, the Golden Eagles would never give in. Amazingly by halftime, Williams’ squad had gained the lead and by the end of the game had a relatively easy 11 point victory. Teams clearly manifest the personality of the Head Coach and this game told the story of Brent “Buzz” Williams and his total commitment to his vision.

Buzz has always focused on his vision of being a major Division 1 Head Basketball Coach and never gave up regardless of how tough the road to success might have been. Unlike many coaches of today, Williams did not come out of one the famous “coaching trees”. Not having a Coach K, Pitino or Izzo to open doors and help with potential jobs, Buzz did it the old-fashioned way with hard work and unbelievable determination. Starting as a student manager and quickly being given the role of student coach, Williams began his career at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas (hardly the cradle of coaches). After graduating from Junior College, the college coaching career of Williams advanced through a steady progression of better opportunities and remarkable success. Amazingly every stop on his long journey had one thing in common, quality players and great seasons. Progressive moves starting in 1992 at Oklahoma City University, through UT Arlington, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Northwestern State, Colorado State and Texas A&M set the stage for his first head coaching job at UNO in 2006. Amazingly Buzz had to deal with post-Katrina issues (no home court, no dorms, no money ) and managed to notch 14 victories, the equivalent of the win total for the last three years of the program. Tom Crean came calling and a great marriage began in Milwaukee.

Williams’ journey sets a great example for all leaders of having the vision and determination to reach a goal. I was always so impressed with him in that he is totally committed to his vision and has never faltered. He never lets barriers or intermediate setbacks get in the way of his goals. His work ethic is second to none and his followers quickly pick up on that. Great leaders and winners do not look at barriers as obstacles but rather opportunities. Of all the coaches I have gotten to know over the years, Buzz Williams has persevered and achieved and done it through his positive attitude, sheer determination and gargantuan work capacity with a single-mindedness that does not accept failure. All great leaders reject failure and learn from the setbacks that they incur. Coach Brent “Buzz" Williams has succeeded through his own efforts and leadership skills.. I congratulate him and the Golden Eagles.
I can assure you one thing, his teams will never give up. Just ask Rick Pitino.