While watching the post-game celebration of the gold medal basketball game at the Paris Olympics between the United States and France, a memorable moment occurred that didn't receive any headlines but I believe captures the essence of the leadership coaching experience: Steph Curry, one of the game's most innovative players, is seen embracing head coach, Steve Kerr. This embrace was more than a celebration—it was a powerful metaphor for the coaching relationship, representing gratitude, connection, and achievement. But how do we, as leaders, create such meaningful moments with our teams? How do we invest in our people, ensuring they reach their full potential just like elite athletes?
In an interview after the game, Curry shared his insights that once all the necessary steps are taken through practice and preparation, "you live with the shot." This perspective speaks so much about the importance of culture, coaching, and the mindset needed to support innovation. As leaders, we're like coaches who must create spaces where our people and our teams can succeed and grow from every experience, regardless of the outcome.
3 Lessons on How Coaching Can Support Innovation
Preparation is the Foundation of Success. Steph Curry's words emphasize how important preparation is to our process. Successful innovation requires a culture where consistent preparation, learning and development are valued. This preparation gets your team ready to tackle challenges with confidence, knowing they have put in the work necessary to succeed and or learn from the experience.
Connection Leads to Growth. The vibe between Curry and Kerr highlights the importance of solid relationships in coaching. Effective coaching builds trust, allowing for open communication and continuous feedback. This connection enhances individual performance and supports a collaborative environment where innovation thrives.
Embrace the Process and Live with the Results. Innovation involves risks, and we must accept that not every initiative will succeed. However, it's important to embrace the process and be willing to live with the outcomes, whether successful or not. This mindset encourages experimentation, resilience, and continuous improvement—key components of a culture of innovation. This type of culture and coaching have contributed to Curry's success and made him the greatest three-point shooter of all time.
Coaching Questions
How am I investing in the development of my team to maximize their potential and drive innovation?
In what ways am I fostering strong connections within my team to build trust and encourage open communication?
How do I create a culture where the innovation process is valued as much as the outcomes?
Coaching Exercises
Preparation Audit: Have your team audit their current skills and knowledge. Identify areas where further development is needed and create a game plan for continuous learning and improvement. This exercise reinforces the importance of preparation in driving innovation.
Connection Mapping: Create a visual map of your team's relationships. Identify strong connections and areas for strengthening relationships. Use this map to develop strategies for building trust and improving communication across the team.
Innovation Reflection Timeout: Organize a team timeout where team members reflect on past projects—both successes and failures. Discuss what worked, what didn't, and how these experiences can inform future innovation efforts. This exercise emphasizes the importance of embracing the process and learning from outcomes.
When we invest in our people, as individuals and as a team, we build strong relationships, learn to embrace successes and challenges together, and create a culture that supports innovation. In addition, leadership coaching engages our people in a way that encourages teams to become comfortable with making difficult decisions and living with the results.
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