This week the college football world lost Mike Leach. Coach Leach was the head football coach at Mississippi State University.
Coach Leach is known for his Air Raid offense and quirky postgame interviews.
But, lost in the reflection about his penchant for passing the football (a lot), writing a book about Geronimo and his passion for pirates, is his "coaching tree."
A coaching tree is a diagram of all the coaches that have been mentored by another coach and gone on to become head coaches.
Here is Coach Leach's coaching tree:
Image from ESPN College Football
Some big names on that coaching tree!
Oftentimes, leaders of businesses get caught up in the success of revenue, new clients, expansion - or what we might call the "score" of the game. Colleges do the same when evaluating the success of football coaches by counting wins and championships.
Perhaps, the real "score" that matters is the success of one's coaching tree. The highest praise a leader can receive is: "You helped me (insert accomplishment)."
When I think about our law firm Albers & Associates, I wonder how well am I doing in sowing the seeds of success in our people. Do we help our law clerks get into law school and become attorneys? Do we equip our people with the tools to be successful personally and professionally? Are we celebrating their wins enough?
Thanks, Coach Leach for reminding us to sow the seeds of success for others, not just ourselves. How many people did you coach, mentor, and help advance in their personal and professional lives?
Start planting, watering, and giving plenty of sunshine (praise) to the branches on your coaching tree.
Dream Big. Take Action. Be Relentless.
Ross
