Program Your Mind to Win
Duke University’s head basketball coach Mike “Coach K.” Krzyewski wrote the book on leadership. Ask him to define the quality and he’ll remind you of it: “How much do you want to know?”
His recipe: Confidence—or cockiness, if Duke’s a rival—combined with what he calls natural leadership ability. In lieu of structured playgrounds at his Chicago elementary school, Coach K was the kid organizing recess kickball games. “I just always instinctively did that,” he says. (Here’s the ultimate March Madness workout.)
Be Truthful—Always
Most importantly, trust yourself. Coach K. has repeatedly turned down attempts—from the NBA and other colleges—to leave Duke. You can’t always trust money and the lore of the NBA, and year after year he’s put his trust in Duke.
Stay Hungry
He says he owes his players the same passion, preparation, and competitiveness that he puts forth each year. And after a loss, he’s always looking forward. “Next play,” he says. In basketball, and in life, failure can never be a destination.
Learn from Other Leaders
Discipline, perseverance, and character—the traits that Coach K. learned from watching Knight and other military officers—led him to his own victory.
Elite.