Ways To Win | Craig Robinson
Digest
Craig Robinson, a former college basketball player and coach, now the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, joins the Articharm podcast to discuss his new podcast, "Ways to Win." He shares his journey from a successful career in finance to pursuing his passion for coaching, highlighting the importance of following your dreams. Robinson emphasizes the evolution of leadership in sports, noting the shift from a more authoritarian approach to one that prioritizes empathy, communication, and leading by example. He also discusses the importance of building momentum in life, drawing parallels to the world of sports and how athletes learn to bounce back from setbacks. Robinson shares insights from his podcast guests, including Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, highlighting the importance of individual relationships, building team culture, and identifying young leaders. He emphasizes the importance of likeability as a key attribute for leaders, alongside talent and skills. Robinson concludes by offering advice on managing setbacks and building momentum in life, drawing inspiration from Steph Curry's approach to shooting and the importance of taking calculated risks.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces Craig Robinson, a former college basketball player and coach, now the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He discusses his new podcast, "Ways to Win," and the inspiration behind it, which is to share life lessons learned from coaching with a broader audience.
The Evolution of Leadership
This Chapter delves into the evolution of leadership in sports, particularly in basketball coaching. Robinson highlights the shift from a more authoritarian approach to one that emphasizes empathy, communication, and leading by example. He shares his own experiences as a coach and how he has adapted his leadership style over the years.
Managing Setbacks and Building Momentum
This Chapter focuses on the importance of managing setbacks and building momentum in life. Robinson draws parallels to the world of sports, where athletes learn to bounce back from losses and maintain a positive attitude. He emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks and being open to learning new things to keep momentum going.
Closing Remarks
This Chapter concludes the interview with Craig Robinson, highlighting the importance of the "art of charm" and the value of building relationships. Robinson shares his appreciation for the Articharm podcast and its mission to help people build their social skills and confidence.
Keywords
Craig Robinson
Craig Robinson is a former college basketball player and coach, now the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He is known for his work in coaching and leadership development, and he hosts the podcast "Ways to Win." He is also known for his time as a basketball executive for the New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Ways to Win
Ways to Win is a podcast hosted by Craig Robinson and Coach John Calipari, where they discuss life lessons learned from coaching and how those lessons can be applied to everyday life. The podcast features interviews with successful individuals from various fields, sharing their insights on leadership, motivation, and achieving goals.
Leadership
Leadership is the ability to influence and guide others towards a common goal. It involves setting a vision, motivating others, and creating a positive and productive environment. Effective leadership requires a combination of skills, including communication, empathy, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves putting yourself in someone else's shoes and trying to see the world from their perspective. Empathy is essential for building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Communication
Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, and feelings. It involves both verbal and nonverbal cues, and it is essential for effective leadership, teamwork, and personal relationships. Clear and effective communication helps to build trust, understanding, and collaboration.
Leading by Example
Leading by example is a powerful way to inspire and motivate others. It involves demonstrating the behaviors and values that you want to see in others. When leaders lead by example, they show that they are committed to their goals and that they are willing to put in the effort to achieve them.
Momentum
Momentum is the force that keeps something moving forward. In life, momentum can be built by setting goals, taking action, and celebrating successes. It is also important to manage setbacks and maintain a positive attitude to keep momentum going.
Setbacks
Setbacks are challenges or obstacles that can occur in life. They can be frustrating and discouraging, but it is important to learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth. Managing setbacks involves maintaining a positive attitude, seeking support, and developing resilience.
Calculated Risk
A calculated risk is a risk that is taken after careful consideration of the potential outcomes. It involves weighing the potential benefits against the potential costs and making a decision based on a rational assessment of the situation. Taking calculated risks can lead to growth, innovation, and success.
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is the continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout life. It involves being open to new experiences, seeking out opportunities for growth, and staying curious about the world. Lifelong learning is essential for staying relevant, adaptable, and successful in a rapidly changing world.
Q&A
What are some key takeaways from Craig Robinson's experience as a coach and leader?
Robinson emphasizes the importance of empathy, communication, and leading by example in leadership. He also highlights the need to build momentum in life by managing setbacks and taking calculated risks. He believes that being open to learning new things and staying curious is essential for continued growth and success.
How has leadership in sports evolved over the years?
Robinson notes a shift from a more authoritarian approach to leadership in sports, where coaches were often seen as demanding and strict, to a more empathetic and collaborative style. He believes that modern coaches need to understand their players' perspectives, communicate effectively, and lead by example to build strong teams.
What is the importance of likeability in leadership?
Robinson emphasizes that likeability is just as important as talent and skills in leadership. He believes that likeable leaders are able to inspire and motivate others, build strong relationships, and create a positive and productive environment.
How can we manage setbacks and build momentum in our lives?
Robinson suggests that we learn to manage setbacks by not dwelling on them and focusing on moving forward. He encourages taking calculated risks, being open to learning new things, and maintaining a positive attitude to build momentum and achieve our goals.
What are some key insights from Craig Robinson's podcast guests?
Robinson shares insights from his podcast guests, including Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team. Roberts emphasizes the importance of individual relationships with each team member, while Staley highlights the power of building team culture and identifying young leaders.
Show Notes
In today’s episode, we dive into the dynamic world of sports and leadership with Craig Robinson. Craig is a distinguished college basketball coach, basketball executive, and podcaster. A former standout player at Princeton, he was twice named Ivy League Player of the Year. Transitioning from a successful finance career, Craig pursued his passion for coaching, leading teams at Boston University and Oregon State University. He has held executive roles with the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks and is now the Executive Director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Craig co-hosts the podcast "Ways to Win" with John Calipari, sharing life lessons and strategies from his extensive on-court experience, making his insights valuable beyond the basketball world.
Craig Robinson shares his insights on the evolving landscape of leadership and coaching. How has the role of empathy and communication transformed modern coaching? What strategies can you use to build momentum in both your personal and professional life? Craig also delves into his courageous transition from a successful finance career to pursuing his passion for coaching—what challenges did he face, and what rewards did he reap? Additionally, discover practical advice on how to identify and nurture young leaders, manage setbacks effectively, and leverage likability to foster team cohesion. Join us as we uncover these answers and more with Craig Robinson, a leader whose experience spans from the basketball court to the executive office.
What to Listen For
- Introduction – 0:00
- Who is Craig Robinson, and how has his diverse career from finance to coaching shaped his approach to leadership?
- What are the key differences between the authoritarian coaching styles of the past and the empathetic approaches of today?
- What motivated Craig to transition from a successful finance career to coaching basketball?
- Empathy and Communication in Leadership – 19:27
- Why is empathy crucial for modern leaders and coaches?
- How can understanding and meeting people where they are enhance your effectiveness as a leader?
- Insights from "Ways to Win" Podcast – 25:38
- Key takeaways from Craig’s podcast, including building personal relationships with team members and creating a culture of accountability.
- Lessons from prominent guests like Dave Roberts and Dawn Staley on leadership and team dynamics.
- Identifying and Nurturing Young Leaders – 30:29
- What attributes and talents should you look for when identifying potential young leaders?
- Strategies for nurturing and developing leadership skills in young individuals.
- Managing Setbacks and Defeat – 34:17
- How can you quickly recover from setbacks and losses in both sports and professional environments?
- Practical advice on managing the psychological impact of defeat and maintaining a forward-looking mindset.
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