Red Auerbach 1917-2006
Arnold “Red” Auerbach, the architect and personification of one of the greatest dynasties in the history of sports, the Boston Celtics, died on Saturday, October 28, 2006.
Considered the greatest coach in the history of the National Basketball Association and quite possibly the shrewdest and smartest executive in the history of sports, Red Auerbach was an icon whose influence and achievements transcended sports.
Over the years, Red Auerbach was the author and subject of numerous books which included, Let Me Tell You a Story: A Lifetime in the Gameand MBA: Management by Auerbach: Management Tips from the Leader of One of America’s Most Successful Organizations.
Yet, it is an excerpt from a book he wrote in 1952, Basketball For The Player, The Coach and The Fan, which will give you some insight into what made Red Auerbach such an outstanding leader, manager, coach and motivator.
Under the heading, ATTITUDE OF PLAYER TO HIS TEAMMATES, Red Auerbach tells us:
1) You must think of getting along with your teammates, because if you are not well liked, it is easy for them to "freeze you out."
2) Show a desire to block or screen for your teammates so that they will do the same for you.
3) Show your teammates that you will take the good shots. Don’t appear too "hungry."
4) Don’t hold the ball. Look for men cutting.
5) Dribble with a purpose. Don’t just stand there hugging the ball or dribbling aimlessly while your teammates continually cut.
6) Help your teammates on defense. Switch whenever necessary.
7) Don’t chide a teammate whose man happens to score. Often, it’s the fault of your whole team.
Don’t be too chummy with one or two players. Avoid obvious cliques.
9) Don’t discuss the faults of any teammate with the other members of the team.
10) Don’t give the impression that you are always hanging around the coach and discussing your teammates with him, unless, of course, you are the captain and the coach asks your opinion.
11) When scrimmaging, don’t loaf or take it easy. This will keep the high respect of your teammates. Remember, "There are no friends on the other team, even in practice."
It wouldn’t take much to replace the basketball references here and replace them with business terms. What works in basketball, also works in business or life, which is why Red Auerbach was responsible for 16 championships in 30 years (8 in a row as a coach). I don’t care what business you’re in that’s a hell of a lot of success.