Culture is a direction, not a destination.

Culture isn't just built on values and team-building activities. It is built through a clear vision and the structure and systems that support it. This includes role clarity, which Dennis Smith Jr. talks about with the new Mavericks offense:

Preseason adversity is not something to get angry about. It’s valuable information for building a high-performing team.

How do you “improve” when you’re the best team in the league? You don’t improve. You evolve. You don’t just get better at the things you were weak in and everything else stays the same. Instead, you find new ways to express your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

Simplicity and clarity. There’s no such thing as an adjustment if you don’t have a base. Build your defaults so then you know when to adjust and what to adjust to.

It’s the same when you start living and leading from a secure identity. Once you know what it’s like to live from a secure identity as a default, it becomes painfully obvious when your insecurity interrupts the flow.

🏀 Happy New Year! 🏀

Did I hear someone say "Geometry?" Now you're speaking my language! Let's keep it simple. Protect the Hex! hexagondefense.com

Mark Jackson and JVG were a great announcing team because neither was trying to prove anything. Team chemistry is magical when each member of the team is secure in who they are. ESPN has yet to find a duo that can replicate that. Because it can't be forced. It's an overflow.

I'll be honest. When I heard the story, I was skeptical. I've been around pro athletes who tell tall tales. And I've been around old people who revise history. But this confirmed everything. And giving the kids a lesson about the history of the game while doing it is gold!

Building a sustainable, winning culture starts with a vision. Then you need structure and systems to support that vision. Corporate teams are built on org charts. Sports teams can and should do the same.

Too many head coaches are just over-promoted assistants. They get the job because of name recognition, connections, or X-and-O success. But they aren't leaders who can develop others and build great cultures. They might win some games, but they won't leave a lasting impact.

When we are in our best emotional state, we have the heart to see the person behind the problem and lead them well. When we're at our worst, all we see is the problem. (h/t Chris SIGHTSHIFT McAlister)

Before you're great, you will be good. Before you're good, you will be bad. Before you're bad, you have to try. What are you trying today?