From the basketball court
Lessons for the corporate manager from a basketball court genius

Don’t know about you, but I literally read Beyond Basketball: Coach K’s Keywords for Success from back to front in the time that Oman Air took to fly from Muscat to New Delhi. I almost skipped my breakfast in the early morning flight back home.

Coach K is none other than Mike Krzyzewski (if you’re challenged in pronouncing his name, can’t help it), the man chosen to coach the US men’s basketball team for the Summer Olympics 2008 to be held in Beijing. I won’t be surprised if his boys walk away with a gold medal at this once-in-four year global sports carnival.

A dedicated soul. Mentor. Motivator. Passionate. Committed to excellence. Truly a man manager. Cook up an alphabet soup – from A to Z – and Coach K has something to say on each syllable. Plus, there is a bit of real life drama plucked from the basketball courts that have been his primary target for 27 years at the Duke University.

A few gems that stumble out of this unputdownable, racy and breezy tome are worth etching on corporate corridors. Sample this one: “Championship teams are not always a collection of the most talented individuals. In other words, you do not need three leading actors to have a great movie, you need supporting actors as well,” asserts the most revered basketball guru.

Care to know how does he spot talent and passion? “Allow them to attempt a number of things and then simply watch for their ‘eyes to light up’.” All of us commit mistakes in personal life or business. Don’t get bogged down by the past. Asserts the sage: “To waste time lamenting a mistake or celebrating a success is distracting and can leave you and your team unprepared for what you are about to face … It becomes imperative to focus on what’s next … All that matters is the journey on to which we are about to embark.”
According to him, it is important not to get into a personal comfort zone. That will be the dead end. Challenge yourself is what he subtly says. Progress, if Coach K is to be believed, is impossible if you only attempt “to do things that you have always done”.

Living in this tough word where work-life balance is edgy, what does he offer? “When you are with your family, you are yourself, and when you are yourself, you are at your very best”.

Krzyzewski believes in what he says. In fact, Beyond Basketball, the book you should lay your hands on during your next visit to the bookshop, was put together by his writer-daughter Jamie in a truly team spirit manner through several marathon sessions on airplanes, in gyms and during meals.

The book was riveting and engrossing. Yes, I have never played the game. Nor am I likely to do in the future. Did I follow the game? You bet, I did at the college level – as a cheerleader! Even if you don’t have a clue about basketball the game, no big deal. You will enjoy this offering, because everything in life is all about ‘managing’. What next, Mr Krzyzewski?

- Ramesh Kumar