Never Fight Alone

I have written several times about unity focusing on the value of it.  In today's selfie taking, social media liking society --- we tend to think we can do things by ourselves.  I can even say I fell victim to this when I first started in business management that I can get things done better if I do it myself. What I found was that I was overworking myself, getting frustrated and not embracing the potential team I had around me.  So I had to make changes within myself to get rid of the "I can do this better by myself" mentality to begin to find ways to use those around me to their strengths.  

I recently spoke to a group of start-up businesses owners here in the North Dallas area and gave them some simple business strategies that will help them win in their entrepreneurial journey.  I decided that the struggles I experienced were not just for me to improve, but once I share them with others --- they could avoid them and have success! So one main strategy I learned and want to share with you is the value of a SWOT analysis.  

Many businesses use a SWOT analysis to evaluate all aspects of their business operations and I actually used this concept with each team I coached and staff I managed.  The SWOT analysis helps you get an authentic evaluation of your team which goes hand in hand with goal setting.  I believe that goal setting is imperative to the team to understand the little steps we need to accomplish today in order to fulfill the vision at the end of this season.  

This video is something we use to break the ice in regards to team building and it really helps set the tone for our team building retreats.  This video gives animation to the basic concept players must commit to in order to have a "Successful Team."  Success is measured by your team's goals, desires and what they are willing to sacrifice.  You define what success looks like to you.

One thing in particular that I want to focus on for the point of this post is the part where it says that each person brings their BEST GIFT to the team.  How can we measure what is someone's best gift?  Coaches, I implore you to have your team perform a SWOT analysis of themselves and each other.  We have done this anonymously to see what players thing about each other and we have done this openly where players get to hear what their teammates think their strengths are.  

Our locker rooms were always a safe place where we told our teams there was no judgement, no negative talk about our sisters and absolutely no laughing at other's individuality.  I wanted to make sure our team environment first embraced diversity before we went deeper to allow an open forum for evaluations.  It is so necessary for growth and confidence building because most of our role players would struggle when they were the best player in high school and now they are being asked to focus on a specific role.  When we would have these SWOT analysis meetings and have each player talk about or write down the strengths of their teammates - you would be surprised how low they think of themselves.  So this is a time to openly correct and give feedback to the lack of confidence.  This is a time to empower your players to know how valuable they are not only to you - but to their sisters.  

This is a SWOT Analysis looks like :

            Strengths                 *                  Weaknesses

       *

______________________________*___________________________

       *

       *

     Opportunities                *                       Threats

First we would start with evaluating each player's individual Strengths.  We would have them write down their thoughts, then we would share.  Next we would address their Weaknesses.  Now this part can be hard for some players because they don't want their "friend" to be mad at them but I would always explain that becoming aware of what we need to work on is apart of growing so if you say it with love, then you are helping her.  This also helped us as coaches see where our team's IQ was and how realistic they were.  

After this, I would have the individual tell the team based on what she just heard, what opportunities can she think of that she can take advantage of to help our team win?  The usually gave answers such as "come to the gym early to work on my free throws" or "commit to getting better with my on ball defense."  We typically had real and authentic answers during this portion and for a moment they girls were vulnerable which allowed us all to deepen our respect for one another.  Finally I would ask what threats can you foresee that could hinder you from bringing your strengths to this team every day and developing your weaknesses?  They would usually say answers like "push myself when I want to give up in the weight room" or "make sure I discipline myself to keep working on my shot."  

Now the best part about this team building activity is seeing the girls open up, become more aware and increase their confidence in knowing that we ALL have things to work on and we are in this journey together!  So as my husband and I have stated so many times before, we believe in teamwork  and unity!  We believe in working together and bringing everyone's strengths together to make a dynamic team.  

The last thing I want to address in recruiting for coaches or even business owners that this SWOT analysis will help you connect with the right people.  Knowing and understanding your strengths and weaknesses is so important.  When you recruit a staff, make sure you hire people that are strong in areas that your are weak.  This will make your team more dynamic and stronger.  Understand that you should never fight alone and if you are a leader, develop those around you to identify their strengths so you can operate in your strength.  When you prepare others to effectively do their job - then your job is done!

If you would like some help with team building then I encourage you to reach out to us at kbjacademy@gmail.com for a customized quote within 24 hours to book us.  Having a strong team fighting together will cover up deficiencies or lack of talent.  Teamwork truly outweighs talent when you can get a group of people on the same page and committed to the goals!  Please share this article with someone you know and feel free to like us on FACEBOOK for a chance to win a KBJ Academy coffee mug.

#BeBlessed

Elevation without Preparation

Do you work for someone right now that was elevated without being properly prepared?  In the great world of sports, that's one of the greatest pitfalls to see coaches intensely pursuing elevation without proper preparation.  The unfortunate reality is, we have countless examples of leaders that were not effectively trained nor prepared for the position they are in and everyone suffers because of it.

I can approach this topic from several angles, but I don't want to just identify problems.  I want to stretch your thinking and offer solutions that would help with the problem.

GET PREPARED:

• Write down notes 1-2 pages of what you did the FIRST 6-12 months on your job.  Include important reminders that you learned the hard way so you can share with others so they do not have the same growing pains as you did.   What were your failures? What were your successes?

• Identify Key Points of Contacts which are people that are directly connected to you and the things you need.  Before I left each program that I coached at, I left a 1 page paper of POC's with their preferred method of contact, for example it looked like this:

                  Athletic Director: Prefer's E-mail - ABC@XYZ.EDU

                  *Send him an e-mail with final game schedule and appointment to finalize eligibility

                  Athletic Secretary: Send E-mail and follow up face to face - ABB@XYZ.EDU

                  *Send her and Purchase Orders, Room Requests and final game schedule

                  Academic Advisor: Call (Ext 0990)

                  *Set up time for individual academic counseling for each player by August 31

• Document what works well that you would continue if you were elevated to a higher role, and outline what you think needs to be changed and why.  It is important that you identify the why, because it could change.  So if the circumstances change, this "good idea" could actually turn into another concept that does not work well.  Keep in mind most things start out as a good idea, but as the time changes - we have to be willing to change with them.

• Describe in detail your job duties, description and include an annual calendar of your deadlines and expectations.  This is what I call a "Season Planner" which is something I have had since 2010 when I got my first head coaching position.  This helped me to train, communicate and effectively lead my teams and I still use it to this day with my business.  A Season Planner helps you outline peak seasons verses rest seasons.  As a business owner, it is important to know supply and demand based on the season we are in.  Know the trends of your industry and the same is true for sports.  Know the season and what the priorities are during each season.

• Last but not least - sit down and define your Core Values.  What are the top 5 things that you believe matter most to you and prioritize them.  These are your non-negotiables and no matter what opportunity or predicament comes your way - these are things that will not change.  It is important that you think of this write it down because as a coach, a player, career person or student, you are going to encounter many people that will try to tell you what you should do and how to do it.  You need to have your standards in place because if you don't, one day you will look up and find that you have compromised who you TRULY are.  

SPORTS: Within a team, it is necessary to constantly train and develop all players.  As the season progresses, you never know what injuries might occur so players need to be equipped to fulfill the missing role as necessary.  Any coach that blames losing games in injuries - really is saying "I did not train my back ups to be prepared for elevation when their opportunity came."  Train and prepare everyone on your roster because you never know what will happen tomorrow.  You must have everyone trained, prepared, equipped and empowered to step up when you need them!  

BUSINESS: As far as business management goes, this is something that could tremendously benefit the workplace morale and productivity.  Have your staff fully prepared for their current position and talk to them about what you do as their manager.  Tell them how long it takes you to prepare and how tough it can be to keep everyone on the same page.  Not in a complaining way - but to make those around you aware that you have responsibilities to fulfill, just like they do.

On the flip side, if you do not follow these steps and are elevated without preparation - then your subordinates will not have any respect for you.  Without respect, there is no buy in and without buy in, how will you win?  

I encourage you to PREPARE TODAY!  Thank you for reading and supporting KBJ Academy!

Guards Score From Anywhere

When it comes to the game of basketball and you think of scoring from the guard position, one of the first things that will come to most people's minds is scoring from the 3pt line. Guard play in basketball has become attached to the word "perimeter" especially in todays game because of high volume 3pt shooting. Over the years as a basketball coach, I have always believe that guards have the whole "94ft" to score the basketball and every guard that I have ever coached, I've trained with that mentality.

I know that when it comes to the make-up of a basketball team, every player has a certain role to fulfill. Some players play in the paint, some facilitate, some are go to scorers, some are a specific scoring specialist, or some may be a defensive stopper. When it comes to scoring at the guard position, if you have a willing and capable guard on your team, I believe you should train them to be a well rounded scorer. Even if your guard is a 3pt specialist, they can still develop to be a well rounded scorer. "They will just be a 3pt specialist who can also score from other areas" hints, Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors. Klay is the perfect example of a 3pt specialist who can also score in the mid-range, off the dribble, and get to the rim for a layup.

Here are some areas to work on with your guards when it comes to being an all around scorer:

1. Attacking the basket
2. Low Post scoring
3. Mid-Range jumpers
4. 3pt shooting
5. 3pt shooting off penetration
6. Half court shot
7. Full court shot
8. Jump shooting off penetration
9. Attacking basket off a ball screen
10. Jump shooting off a ball screen
11. Pick & Pop
12. Catch & Shoot off down, cross, flare screens

BE BLESSED!!

Who said Teaching was limited to the classroom?

Kevin Jackson and I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach basketball to players for well over a decade.  I know that coaching can include so many things, but to the heart of coaching is teaching.  Our experience of running summer basketball camps, or offering individual and group skills training sessions will now be made available to the DFW area by simply booking the date and time that works best for you!

Camps and Group Training Sessions will divide players up by age level in order to teach them.  Seed level (Ages 5-7) will teach basic fundamentals of basketball and ignite a love for playing.  Root level (Ages 8-10) teaches all skills and techniques focusing on proper form and execution of drills in a fun and engaging way.  Stem level (Ages 11-13) will teach more in depth sills, technique and increased basketball IQ.  Tree level (Ages 14-17) will engage players both mentally and physically to perform at their peak during training which will teach them elite level training.  

Training will always include honest evaluations and information on how to take your game to the next level!  

We believe in teaching life skills through basketball at KBJ Academy and our coaches Kevin and Brenita Jackson offer skills training for ages 5 and older.  

We have extensive experience training players in college looking to prepare for their next season.  We have also trained players preparing to perform at pro-combines or heading overseas to play professionally.  You can e-mail kbjacademy@gmail.com to book your skill development session at any level!  Happy Hoops to you all!  Go KBJ!

-Brenita Jackson