Pregame Speech (October 2002)

Thoughts, stories, examples and ideas on challenging your team to perform at their highest level possible.

What would you do?

This is a moral / ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application.
You are driving along on a wild and stormy night. You pass by a bus stop, and you see three people huddled on a bench, waiting for the bus:

1. An old woman who looks as if she is dying.
2. An old friend who once saved your life.
3. The soul mate about whom you have always dreamed.

Your two-seater sports car allows for only one other passenger. It's a difficult choice, but choose, you must. What would you do? Think before you continue reading.

You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you could save her life.
Or, you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and you owe him a major favor.
However, this may be your only chance to meet your soul mate and dream lover.

Strictly because of the his answer, one candidate separated himself from 199 other outstanding, completely-qualified applicants, and was chosen for the job on the spot.

HIS RESPONSE, YOU ASK?

After several contemplative moments, he replied, "I would give the car keys to my old friend, and ask him to drive the old woman to the hospital in route to his destination. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the woman of my dreams."

Amazing things are possible when we are able to break free from the stubbornness of our limited thinking and open our minds--along with our hearts--to ALL options!

A Winner's Secret (by John Feinstein)

NEVER FORGET A DEFEAT, SAYS THE BEST COACH IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL, BECAUSE THAT IS THE KEY TO VICTORY

Mike Krzyzewski knelt in front of his team's bench, wishing it were all a terrible dream. But the nightmare was real. With a TV audience of nearly 30 million people watching, his Duke University basketball team was being hammered by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the NCAA championship game.

No, more than hammered. Humiliated. The final score, 103-73, was the most lopsided margin in the contest's history.

Somehow, through it all, Krzyzewski never backed away. He kept imploring his team to play hard, kept applauding the rare good play.

When the massacre was over, the coach had his choice of excuses. His point guard was ill; his team was exhausted from its semifinal game; UNLV was among the most talented teams in history.

But that wrenching night, Krzyzewski could flash back to a rainy afternoon during his first summer at West Point. He and his roommate were walking across the grounds when his roommate's foot slapped down in a puddle. Water and mud splattered Krzyzewski's trousers and shoes.

Not ten steps ahead, the two new cadets encountered an upperclassman. "What's the meaning of this?, the upperclassman screamed in Krzyzewski's face. "Don't you know the rules about wearing a clean uniform?"

As the older cadet ranted, Krzyzewski stood rigidly at attention, remembering the three answers allowed a plebe: "Yes-sir!" "No-sir!" and "No-excuse-sir!" Over and over he heard himself barking, "No-excuse-sir!"

When it was finally over, all sorts of excuses ran through Krzyzewski's mind. But later, when he had a chance to think about it, he realized that his answer had been correct. There was no excuse. When he failed, in the big things or the small ones, it was his responsibility - no one else's. He would not only accept that he had failed; he would remember and learn from it.

So, now, as he faced a sea of reporters and a huge television audience, Mike Krzyzewski made no excuses. "They beat us in every way possible." he said, looking squarely into the cameras. "If I had a hat, I would take it off to them."

To himself he said: This isn't the end of us. There will be another season, another chance.

Take this quiz:

You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read it straight through and you'll get the point (an awesome one) that it is trying to make!

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish.

Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.

They are the ones that care. Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life, I just did.