Be Who You Are

January 4, 2018

I was struck while reading this article about Mike Brey and the popular concept of “authenticity.” As you read it you'll see that Mike is comfortable with and believes in who he is and how he operates. While different from many other coaches, he stays true to who he is consistently while he conducts his everyday business -- through hard times and successful times. He is a leader who understands the power of consistency.

Some might think this is all fine and good but when it comes time to have those hard conversations that we as leaders have, doesn’t he have to change who he is? I would say no. He doesn’t have to change at all.

In fact, I believe he stays the same and that’s what allows him to have those conversations with his players and staff. He’s built up trust with them. They know he’s in it for them; he wants to get the most out of each one.

Is it likely that he uses a harsh tone in some of these conversations? Yes. How can he do this? First, he has developed strong relationships with them long before these tough conversations. Second, because of the strength of these relationships, they know he’s trying to help them accomplish what they’ve dreamed of and become who they want to be as a player. Their coach is in it FOR them and WITH them (as he says, “taking the bullets”).

As you read this it, spend some “Think Time” reflecting on how you would act. A good exercise would be to outline the lessons on leadership and running a program that jump out. Mike is a great example of someone who is leading successfully in today’s competitive environment -- being who he is.

- KE