There are a lot of sport coaches that are leadership icons, as they are able to lift a group of people toward a common goal. Obviously, some coaches really stand out, and have been able to achieve extroardinary restults over a certain period of time.
One of them is for example Claude Onesta, coach of the French national handball team, that have one most of the major championships in the world for over 20 years now. He has been able to manage the different generations of player, and always been able to put them in the best position to win.
But one of them that we never discuss about is NBA San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. But if someday he decides to write a book, I'd be the first one to buy it. He had outstanding achievement over the past 2 decades that he has been coaching.
- He has been able to change the style of play of its team to adapt to its players. From a defensive team focused on their front court, it went to a passing fast team with a lot of 3 points shooters.
- There are very few players that have not been able to success.
- He has always been able to find great player from nowhere: Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, now Khawi Leonard...
- He has also been able to switch from an autoritary leadership style, to a delegating one once its best players Duncan, Ginobili and Parker have been able to stand up as great team leaders.
You should have a look at this interview I found on the interview about him: he is discussing about what kind of character he is looking for in a player, and how important it is. Indeed, having a compatible character is a security to fit in the group.
Therefore Gregg Popovich takes a lot of time evaluating a player personnality, and his interests in order to see if he is compatible with his vision of a team.
I am eager to get more stuffs, if available, about this fantastic leadership guru.
