Leadership Lesson . . . What Coach K Told Me about Leadership

Some years ago I had the opportunity to interview Mike Krzyzewski, Duke’s legendary basketball coach, for a story I was writing about leadership.

I asked whether he had any wisdom to impart to me about his legendary leadership.

“As soon as a new player joins the team, I spend one-on-one time with him,” Coach K told me. “I get to know him, I ask him about his dreams, plans and what he would like to accomplish.”

And then over time, the coach would hold still more one-on-one conversations with the player and discuss those plans.

“There is no substitute for personal time you invest one-on-one with the people you lead,” he concluded.

I have never forgotten that advice from this remarkable man. I hope you can use it in your own progress toward becoming a legendary and inspiring leader.