Culture Code: Chapter 4

Culture Code

RelationshiMaker

Chapter 4: How to Build Belonging

A story: The Relationship Maker

Popivich - Old school, unapologetic authoritarian. His disposition is compared to a dyspeptic bulldog. A person with volcanic temper Popovich led the Spurs to win 117 more games more than they should have won. The Spurs was the most successful team in American sports for two decades

Gregg Charles Popovich (born January 28, 1949)is an American professional basketball coach and executive who is the president and head coach for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA)

How did the Spur manage to win this much with such a demanding coach!

• Teamwork - they performed thousands of unselfish behaviours that puts the team's interest above individual interest
• Popivich wants to connect with players, moving in tightly enough that their noses nearly touch
• He delivers truth unapologetically;
• He loves his team
• He conveys a message: There are bigger things than basketball to which we are all connected
• They meet and eat together as much as they played together; everyone feels connected and engaged

A safe place to give effort

• Popivich great feedback for motivatation.

I have high expectations, and you can reach them You are part of this group This group is special; we have high standards Not only in victory, but in defeat, he treats the team with love, and still gathered and eat together, even when other coaches thought he would not.

My few take-aways

• Highly successful culture is not always a happy, lighthearted place. In this team, focus in solving hard problems instead of achieving happiness
• No team member should be selfish, there is no 'I' in team. It's not about the individual seeking personal success and recognition, but about the team reaping success.

• Authoritarian leadership style should not be viewed as negative.
• Authoritarian leadership has its place; suitable for competetitive everyone.

• Irrespective of the leadership style, one must lead in love and respect and provides an safe environment for everyone to be energised, engaged and give of their best.