Playbook: Valuable Lessons for Entrepreneurs from Successful Sports Coaches

Are you tired of hearing the same old business advice? Do you crave a fresh perspective on leadership, strategic decision-making, and resilience? Look no further than Netflix’s original series “Playbook”! While the show centers around coaching in the sports world, it’s packed with valuable insights and lessons that can be applied to entrepreneurship.

In “Playbook,” successful coaches from different sports share their experiences and approaches to leading their teams to victory. Their stories are not only inspiring but offer practical lessons that can help founders navigate the challenges of building a business.

In the episode with Doc Rivers, former head coach of the Boston Celtics and current coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, he talks about the importance of leadership. Rivers spoke about the concept of “ubuntu,” a word he learned while coaching the Boston Celtics. In African culture, ubuntu refers to the idea that a person is a person through other people. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people and the importance of community. Rivers shared a story from the 2007–2008 NBA season when the Celtics were struggling to find their identity as a team. He recalled a game where they were down by 21 points against the Charlotte Bobcats, and Rivers told his players that they needed to come together and play as a team, emphasizing the concept of ubuntu. The players responded, and the Celtics ended up winning the game.

In another episode, Patrick Mouratoglou, a renowned tennis coach, discusses how he turned Serena Williams into one of the greatest players of all time. He talks about how he analyzed her game and identified areas that needed improvement, such as her movement and mental toughness. I was surprised when he shared the story of slapping Serena’s cap! Mouratoglou then designed training programs to address these areas, helping Williams become the dominant force she is today.

In the episode with Jill Ellis, former head coach of the US Women’s National Soccer Team, she discusses the importance of resilience. She recalls a time when her team lost a game they were expected to win, which was a devastating blow. The public was calling for her resignation, and even the team was losing faith in all the changes she was making. However, Ellis used the experience to motivate her team to work even harder, and they went on to win the next game and ultimately the World Cup.

The episode with José Mourinho, former manager of several major football clubs, emphasizes the importance of preparation and strategy. Mourinho shares how he would analyze opponents and their weaknesses to develop a game plan. He would even create fake training sessions to throw off the opposing team’s scouts. Having worked with several founders who struggle to hide their emotions, I appreciated how Mourinho, behind his tough exterior, allows us to see his emotional side.

“I’m emotional. I’m not afraid to show my emotions,” Mourinho says in the series. “I cry when I’m happy, I cry when I’m sad, I cry when I’m moved by something. I don’t hide it, but at the same time, I don’t let it control me.”

Mourinho’s ability to tap into his emotions and use them to motivate his players is a key lesson for founders and entrepreneurs.While it’s important to maintain a level head in business, it’s also crucial to recognize the power of emotions and how they can be channeled to inspire and drive a team towards success.

“Playbook” is not only inspiring, it provides practical scenarios and lessons. Grab some popcorn and take some notes. You might just discover the key to taking your business to the next level — and have some laughs along the way!