Rick Carlisle's winning combination

David Thorpe, an NBA analyst for ESPN, recently tweeted, “One of Rick Carlisle’s best attributes is his intense belief that he can get more from a player than what previous coach got.” Carlisle, who coaches the Dallas Mavericks and is regarded as one of the best coaches in the NBA, may appear arrogant for believing this, but it’s true.

Carlisle’s belief is based in confidence, vision, and a stellar track record. He has turned various collections of castoffs, malcontents, and one-trick ponies into playoff teams. In a world where we so readily discount and write off people for their faults, Christian leaders should take note. How does one do what Rick Carlisle has so consistently done?

First, see the goal not just the methods. Carlisle coaches with a view toward the endgame, the win. He doesn’t seem to care which methodology will get him there: Play slow or fast, big or small, old or young; shoot threes or grind it out in the paint. He flexes to the players he has and that flexing puts them in a position to succeed. If he stubbornly clung to a single system he would not get the most out of everyone.

Second, see the cans not just the can’ts. Carlisle finds out how players can help the team instead of fearing how they might hurt it. He puts a collection of specific skill sets on the court together. Then he puts them in a system and in positions that use those skills and diminish their weaknesses. He asks players to do just what they can and no more, and it works.

Third, focus the entire team on the team. In Dallas this begins with Carlisle and Dirk Nowitzki, the star who is willingly underpaid for the sake of the team. Dallas consistently avoids drama and conflict, a mark of a focused team and strong leadership. The team features a deep bench and those bench players play often because they accept their roles and stars don’t demand the spotlight constantly. Even their style of play is one of ball movement and crisp passing featuring all five players.

Last, have good strategy. Carlisle is a master play caller. The ability to adjust and morph his system and fit various odd players into it isn’t guesswork or luck; it’s a deep knowledge of how the game works and how players work. Strategy is having a plan and executing it, and the Mavericks are surpassed in the NBA only by the San Antonio Spurs at it.

For Christian leaders this combination of characteristics is uniquely important. We care about success, yes, but we also care about the unlikely contributors. We see ourselves in them because we understand fallenness and a need for grace. But we also recognize the unique gifts God has imbued each person with, and such leadership traits give them opportunity to shine.