Compiled Messages Topic: Weekly Reflections from 9/21/2009 Date: Thursday, September 24, 2009 Subject: "The Coaching Principle" Author: Desiree Glover Coach Phil Jackson's Book - More Than a Game At first glance, this book is a strained synthesis. During the first half, storied NBA coach Jackson and CBA coach-turned-writer Rosen alternate chapters. Each details his upbringing, life in basketball and friendship with the other. Even though Jackson is the star here, he gives little attention to his years with the Bulls (covered in his earlier book Sacred Hoops). Later in the book, Jackson recounts, game by game, his championship first season with the previously undisciplined Lakers. It seems a somewhat perfunctory treatment of a surprising season, until the book's true (and higher) purpose slowly becomes clear: it is a magnificent tribute to Tex Winter's triangle offense, the perfect scheme. In describing their attempts to implement the triangle in the CBA, the authors illustrate its effectiveness, even its necessity. Jackson and Rosen depict the Lakers learning to make the offense work, finally suggesting that the triangle could work for any team that Michael Jordan wasn't the only reason Chicago won six rings under Jackson. And through it all, they show that the only thing standing in the way of many teams adopting the triangle, just as many NFL teams have taken up the West Coast offense, is player ego. For the heart of the scheme is the individual's sacrifice of status and spotlight for the greater success of the team. The technical details in this wonderful book will give any fan a better appreciation of the game. ~Taken from Editorial Review/Library Journal "For the heart of the scheme is the individual's sacrifice of status and spotlight for the greater success of the team". As discussed in class, in order for effective leadership to occur the leader must be emotionally mature and willing recognize their limitations if the organization is to advance. Phil Jackson models this behavior in this book as he shares the pages with Rosen to honor Tex Winter, creator of the triangle offense. To read an excerpt visit... http://www.amazon.com/More-than-Game-Phil-Jackson/dp/B001PO68M4/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_1 Topic: Weekly Reflections from 9/21/2009 Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009 Subject: Re:"The Coaching Principle" Author: Noran Moffett

So, Here is an example of the activity that I gave on Leadership Theory versus Leadership Practice-

Is the Triangle Offense and example of theory in basketball?

If so, Why?

Topic: Weekly Reflections from 9/21/2009 Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009 Subject: Re:"The Coaching Principle" Author: Desiree Glover The Offense Triangle - created between the center, who stands at the low post; the forward, at the wing, and the guard at the corner. The team's other guard stands at the top of the key and the weak-side forward is on the weak-side high post — together forming the "two-man game".

The goal of the offense is to fill those five spots, which creates good spacing between players and allows each one to pass to four teammates. Every pass and cut has a purpose and everything is dictated by the defense.

The triangle offense is clearly a practice by this definition but it is also a theory in the sense that it is a reactionary model; It is dictated by what the defense does. It is a theory because it has been created by Sam Barry, refined by Tex Winter, and modeled by Phil Jackson. Topic: Weekly Reflections from 9/21/2009 Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Subject: Re:"The Coaching Principle" Author: Noran Moffett This man proves that humility is a virtue because he managed to coach two of the greatest individual performers in the history of his profession. Good choice-he can teach you something without being self-absorbed. Topic: Weekly Reflections from 9/21/2009 Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 Subject: Re:"The Coaching Principle" Author: Desiree Glover I agree. I've always admired Phil Jackson, but never related his leadership skills to education until now. I totally understand how the "coaching principle" applies to education now that I'm studying educational leadership. Education leaders are coaches of teams!