🧭Gregg Popovich's secret to building relationships

Author

The Growth Compass
June 04, 2023

Good Morning, and welcome to The Growth Compass. We are that ice cream truck that drives around after school when you were a kid. The joy you feel when you know that Flinstones push-up pop is on the way!

Here’s where we’re headed today:

  • Coach K on leadership and relationships

  • Why leadership starts with connection

  • How Gregg Popovich builds relationships with his team

  • One of the coolest celebration traditions

Coach K on Leadership & Relationships

"Leaders have to give time for relationships. But more demands will be placed on their time as they become more successful. So if a person’s success is based on developing relationships, then they have to continually find new ways of getting it done."

- Coach K

Why Leadership Starts with Connection

True leadership is not solely about authority and control; it thrives on building meaningful relationships and fostering genuine connections. A remarkable leader understands that the cornerstone of success lies in creating a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration. Great leaders know that it all begins with open communication and a deep connection.

When it comes to connecting with others, go beyond surface-level interactions. Invest in truly understanding people, their dreams, and their challenges. By spending time with each person, you cultivate an environment where trust can blossom.

Strong relationships are not built overnight; they are nurtured over time with consistent effort and care.

Collaboration can’t be a buzzword, it's a way of life. True greatness can only be achieved through collective effort and shared aspirations. Genuine connection with everyone creates a sense of belonging and commitment, igniting a shared passion to achieve greatness together.

Through prioritizing communication, trust, and collaboration, you can forge connections and relationships.

How Gregg Popovich Builds Relationships with His Team

Gregg Popovich, renowned head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, understands the profound impact of building relationships both on and off the court. Beyond the Xs and Os, Popovich is known for fostering camaraderie and connection through his famous dinners and wine nights.

During the summer of 2013, someone asked him about his coaching legacy and he responded, “What’s my legacy? Food and wine. This is just a job.”

It is crazy to think that he is just as revered in food circles as he is within basketball circles. Sommeliers who have served him have “never forgotten him.”

These gatherings go beyond the realm of basketball strategy, serving as a platform for the players and coaching staff to forge deeper bonds and cultivate a sense of family. During these intimate gatherings, the focus shifts from the game to genuine conversations, laughter, and shared experiences. Popovich's belief in the power of breaking bread together resonates strongly with his players. It is in these moments, away from the pressures of competition, that trust is nurtured and relationships are solidified.

“Dinners help us have a better understanding of each individual person, which brings us closer to each other -- and, on the court, understand each other better,” former Spurs guard Danny Green says.

The table becomes a place of vulnerability and connection, where players can open up and truly get to know one another. These dinners and wine nights have become a cherished tradition, forming the foundation of a tight-knit Spurs community that extends far beyond the basketball court.

I loved this quote from a former player: “I was friends with every single teammate I ever had in my [time] with the Spurs. That might sound far-fetched, but it's true. And those team meals were one of the biggest reasons why. To take the time to slow down and truly dine with someone in this day and age -- I'm talking a two- or three-hour dinner -- you naturally connect on a different level than just on the court or in the locker room. It seems like a pretty obvious way to build team chemistry, but the tricky part is getting everyone to buy in and actually want to go. You combine amazing restaurants with an interesting group of teammates from a bunch of different countries and the result is some of the best memories I have from my career.”

Gregg Popovich demonstrates that leadership is about more than just wins and losses; it's about fostering a culture of unity, respect, and genuine care. The dinners and wine nights exemplify Popovich's understanding that the strength of the team lies not only in their basketball skills, but also in the strength of their connections with one another.

Simon Sinek on High Performing Teams

Short video reminding us that service is what defines the highest performing teams in the world.

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING ON THE GROWTH COMPASS ?

Fill out this survey and we’ll get back to you soon!

That's a wrap for today. If you want more, be sure to follow our Twitter (@coachajkings)

What’d you think of today's edition?

🧭🧭🧭🧭🧭GIVE ME MORE!

🧭🧭🧭MEH, DO BETTER