Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Hands-On ... - always yours

196 LEADING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
During the season, Coach French’s teams practice two to three
hours a day, and he assigns a specific focus for each session. During
practice, French studies the development of each player and also
builds individualized training programs to improve each player’s
game. (For example, some may need to work on their defense,
others on rebounding and boxing out.) He feels his players shine
at game time because they focus on staying with what they do best
rather than letting the opponent dictate what they do.
BUSINESS APPLICATION
• How prepared are your people for their meetings and
presentations?
• Do you regularly have “dry runs” or practice sessions for
important presentations or meetings? (Most organizations
do not.)
• Are your people clear where they are in their learning curve
and when they must perform?
• How are your people encouraged to try new risks and
practice something that will pay off for them and the
organization in the future?
3. BONDING AND TEAM MEETINGS
At the start of every season the team has a bonding weekend.
To help the players get to know one another, they participate in a
variety of teambuilding and community events. Coach French has
each of them talk about themselves, their past, family, and current
aspirations. He encourages starting the season with meaningful
activities. Many have done rope courses, spent time at community
soup kitchens, and then spent the night together sleeping on the
basketball court. These rituals are created to help individuals get
to know each other as people as well as basketball players. One of
the most positive results is a heartfelt commitment each player feels
toward one another and to the team as a whole.