Stephen went on to become a successful businessman and is now the vice president of Alliance Technology. And he’s never forgotten his coach’s real lesson to him. “What mattered then, and still matters, was not that Coach got me into a college but that he cared enough about me to know who I was and where I would fit. I came to him with a specific question about college hoops, but his advice to me helped me in life, not just sports. Get to know your team!”
In this episode, Stephen shares how he is paying his coach’s example forward at Alliance through principles and practices such as:
2:30 The value of competitive spirit in practice.
5:45 How to motivate your team and create a safe environment.
11:00 How to simplify your goal-setting process.
20:00 A great post-meeting question to get to know your teammates.
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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