Why do some organizations consistently groom so many successful leaders? The answer is easy. The person at the top recognizes that developing and inspiring the next generation of leaders - including his or her own replacement - is an essential part of the job.
Just ask San Antonio Spurs' Coach Gregg Popovich. Unlike too many people in leadership positions, Pop has never been the least bit intimidated by talented, ambitious subordinates. He recruits them aggressively, develops them thoroughly, solicits their feedback constantly, wins with them collaboratively, and then watches them leave and flourish elsewhere - spectacularly. Pop's leadership diaspora throughout NBA coaching and management circles is reminiscent of how so many businesses once pursued GE executives to take their helms.
Over the summer, Spurs' assistant coaches Becky Hammon, Ime Udoka, Ettore Messina and James Borrego all interviewed for head coaching positions. Borrego got the Charlotte Hornets' job and Hammon was promoted to the Spurs' top assistant coaching position in the process. Might she be Pop's replacement in two years? Fingers crossed.
Pop is a highly inclusive leader, too. He covets diversity because he understands that organizations flourish with exposure to diverse viewpoints. The fact that Hammon is a woman, Udoka a product of the Nigerian national team and Messina an Italian coaching veteran of the EuroLeague further underscores that Pop and the Spurs are as serious about winning as they are in doing so the right way.
Just ask San Antonio Spurs' Coach Gregg Popovich. Unlike too many people in leadership positions, Pop has never been the least bit intimidated by talented, ambitious subordinates. He recruits them aggressively, develops them thoroughly, solicits their feedback constantly, wins with them collaboratively, and then watches them leave and flourish elsewhere - spectacularly. Pop's leadership diaspora throughout NBA coaching and management circles is reminiscent of how so many businesses once pursued GE executives to take their helms.
Over the summer, Spurs' assistant coaches Becky Hammon, Ime Udoka, Ettore Messina and James Borrego all interviewed for head coaching positions. Borrego got the Charlotte Hornets' job and Hammon was promoted to the Spurs' top assistant coaching position in the process. Might she be Pop's replacement in two years? Fingers crossed.
Pop is a highly inclusive leader, too. He covets diversity because he understands that organizations flourish with exposure to diverse viewpoints. The fact that Hammon is a woman, Udoka a product of the Nigerian national team and Messina an Italian coaching veteran of the EuroLeague further underscores that Pop and the Spurs are as serious about winning as they are in doing so the right way.
Image courtesy of Real GM.