Coach Larry McKenzie of Minneapolis North High School: National Sports Contributor – Hoop Stars Media “Sideline to Online. We Do Hoops”
Coach Larry McKenzie:
What Coaching has taught Me!
![Coach Larry McKenzie speaking at a leadership conference.](http://hoopstarsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/LarryMcKenzie-Leadership-Speaker-1a-300x175.jpg)
Coach McKenzie sharing his knowledge on leadership!
I don’t think anyone would be surprised that I personally feel akin to the Last Dance and Michael Jordan, infatuated with his extraordinary ability to lead, execute and win. No surprises that I feel connected to “Zen Master” Phil Jackson and his different approach towards coaching, as one of my mantra is: “Being Different is The Difference “ and I think my assistant ‘s and player’s would say that Coach McKenzie is a little different.
In sports and particularly basketball, we have a saying: “pressure can burst pipes”. In my opinion, this coronavirus has exposed that we have a major leadership issue locally, nationally and globally. As I watched and reflected on what I’ve learned about my leadership, I have been pleased on how much athletics and coaching has been an asset in my leadership development and my growth as a person. At times I have been befuddled watching how leaders’ trip over themselves regarding decision making , whether it’s been education, healthcare, economics or a number of issues that have arisen in this moment of crisis. Their decision making has often created more fear and anxieties, then provide answers for those they serve.
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Coach Larry McKenzie breaking it down with Coaches talk!
It made me think about coaching and how every day I had to deal with adversaries and had to adapt on the drop of time. It really made me think how sports prepare you for leadership. I most certainly know that a basketball is not a life and death matter, but the skills needed to be an effective leader certainly come into play. In a moment of crisis, people look to leaders for guidance, they want to know what to do, what to expect and how to act. They want a voice they can trust and someone with a plan. Sounds like coaching to me.
I thought about some of things required as a coach and what I’ve learned over the years.
I put together a list of Coaches musts:
- Have short memories and be ready to bounce back regardless of wins or losses.
- We must be effective communicators; in the heat of the moment one cannot afford miscommunication.
- Every practice and every game you require that you have a plan. You can’t be effective or affective not knowing what you want to accomplish.
- Your plan must be organized and must make sense to those with whom you are communicating.
- It requires innovation. You must be able to take something old and make it look and sound new.
- You must be a facilitator and get a group of individuals to work as a team, The “We Over Me.”
- You must be a foundation of knowledge for all of those which you are leading.
- You must know when to be a General and when to be an advisor.
- You must have the ability to stay calm during chaos.
- People need to know that they can trust you.
- You must be a Real Model and a Role Model.
- You must be the source of stability and consistency.
- You must have the ability to teach and instruct.
- You must be able to be both friend and foe.
- You must be able to inspire and motivate.
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