6 Basketball Tips For School Leadership
by William Parker • • 0 Comments
I am not a basketball coach, and I don’t pretend to be one on TV either.
Over the years, however, I have watched a lot of games, and sometimes I’ll still shoot baskets with my kids until my legs give out, and they’re asking me if they should call EMSA.
Over the years, however, I have watched a lot of games, and sometimes I’ll still shoot baskets with my kids until my legs give out, and they’re asking me if they should call EMSA.
This summer my two older daughters participated in summer league basketball. My parental duty was to taxi them to practices or games and watch a lot of messy basketball.
One afternoon, I kept seeing one my daughters repeating the same mistakes when playing offense. So I jotted down some pointers I shared with her that evening over burritos.
Later, I began to think through how these basketball tips also apply to our own performance as school leaders. So I re-wrote them as a way to self reflect and to share. Here they are:
1. Get open so you are available for something to happen.
“Getting open” means keeping in mind that everyone has an integral part to play. Strong teams do not work with players who are happy bystanders.
As a school leader, have you decided where you want to “move the ball” in your area of responsibility in the coming months?
Just like in basketball, if you do not stay committed to taking personal action in making something happen, you are simply wasting space.
2. Talk to your teammates so they know where you are.
Communication is the key for any strong team.
Over the summer, one of my school team members suggested we pull together more often as a leadership team during the school year to compare notes. That suggestion has me rethinking how to make this happen every morning.
In school, sometimes you communicate through orientation for students, professional development, updates to parents, leadership meetings, or faculty meetings.
At other times, you connect informally through talks while supervising or during lunch.
Whatever way you communicate, you cannot survive on your own island of work. You need your team, and they need you. So talk regularly about what each of you needs to accomplish. And then work together toward that end.
3. When a teammate is trapped, run to his/her help.
Even the most talented basketball player can get trapped if 6 Basketball Tips For School Leadership | Connected Principals: