Jeff Van Gundy Talks Leadership
An NBA Coaches Perspective on Leadership
Back in 2004 while running a leadership development program for Time Warner Cable in Houston, TX, I had the privilege of inviting Jeff Van Gundy, head coach of the Houston Rockets at the time, to address the leadership development program participants. Jeff had recently moved to Houston after an impressive run as the head coach of my hometown team, the New York Knicks.
Prior to the session with the participants, I met with Jeff along with Ron McMillan, the President of the Houston division at Time Warner Cable, to prep Jeff for the session. I vividly recall Jeff saying that he was a bit nervous about addressing a corporate group, as all of his work had centered around basketball and basketball players. I explained that the reason I was so excited to have him address this group, was that I see so many parallels between coaching a sports team and leading a company. It all revolves around bringing out the best in people and teamwork. While this was seventeen years ago and Jeff has gone on to a storied career as an NBA announcer, the notes I took that day still resonate.
