It takes Clarity, Balance, Focus & Confidence to make the Final Four

There has been a lot of discussion recently about the State of College Basketball and how “One and Done” players are ruining the sport. As I’ve listened to the conversation the focus, inevitably, comes back to one program and its head coach:

John Calipari and the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

Business principles abound in this situation surrounding Calipari; most notably the one of doing what works for you. A lot of times it is very difficult to tune out the chatter of the outside world and focus on the task at hand. Everyone has an opinion, a better way of doing things, and telling you what has worked for them and why it will work for you. While you should always welcome their opinion and appreciate the advice they give you, you should also remember that what works for them doesn’t always work for everyone.

Let’s look at Calipari and the program he has at Kentucky. The NCAA instituted a rule that allows players to chase their dreams of playing in the NBA after attending school for one year. Instead scoffing at the dreams of the athletes fortunate enough to play at that level, Calipari embraces their goals and works in concert to make sure that they achieve the success they desire.

What a great concept! Empowering others to be the best they can be to achieve what they want as rapidly as they can. What it has done for that program is produce numerous first-round draft picks, All-Americans, and a graduation rate that ranks near the top of college basketball.

How does this relate to you and your business?

As I wrote a couple weeks ago here, we should have confidence in the systems and practices you put in place. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain and do things that others might never do. Obviously, don’t do anything illegal, but do what works for you and your company and let others focus their energy on why they’re doing it that way. Methods come in all shapes and sizes, but success is the one word that applies if you do it your way.

John Calipari has taken heat for not sticking up for the old guard of college basketball.. As he prepares for his fourth Final Four in five seasons at Kentucky I would say he must be doing something right!