Dick Bennett's Thoughts On Thankfulness

"Incredible wisdom when you can be thankful in all circumstances. Take something from every situation that presents itself."

"If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles"--Sun Tzu

Knowing yourself is a key to humility according Dick Bennett. He said that players need to know who they are. Not who they think they are. Not who they want to be. Not who others think they are. But who they really are.

Some players will yield who they are when adversity hits.
Do you accept who you are?

Dick Bennett Re: Big Games

"In big games versus quality opponents you worry about scoring. In those games you must be able to execute in the half-court as well as run the ball."

Leadership & Friendship Thoughts From Dick Bennett

One of the challenges we face with our team in teaching leadership is the concept of holding each other accountable. Too many times our players know what to do, but hesitate in "calling someone out" for fear of how they might react.

I have been re-reading Dick Bennett's book and he spoke to this exact concept:

From Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay on “Friendship”

There are two elements that go to the composition of friendship. One is truth. A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. The other element is tenderness {love}. When a man becomes dear to me, I have touched the goal of fortune.

Dick Bennett to his Wisconsin team:

“It is amazing how close you guys are off the floor. You really like each other. But the thing you lack for one another is a real love. You do not love one another to the point where you will say the things that need to be said, because you do not want to ruffle each other’s feathers. Well, that is just not good enough…I do not wish to treat friendship daintily, but with roughest courage…If you truly loved one another, you would make each other do what has to be done. In this case, you would chase each other down if someone was going to be late for a meal. You can’t always be best buddies and look the other way. Sometimes love is not always kind, it is tough. Until you experience that, you will not come together for a single purpose.

Dick Bennett's 5 Biblical Concepts

Dick Bennett’s Five Biblical Concepts

1. DON’T BE LUKEWARM
a. Don’t be the spit out of someone’s mouth like lukewarm water.
b. Be passionate about things that matter.
c. Maintain an individual and team hunger.
2. HAVE THE MENTALITY OF A SERVANT
a. Always look for an opportunity to serve.
b. It’s best to serve when you expect nothing in return.
3. UNDERSTAND AND PRACTICE HUMILITY
a. James 3:13—Deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.
b. Consider other’s interests before you own.
c. The first shall be last and the last shall be first.
4. NEVER LET THE SUN GO DOWN WITHOUT RESOLVING ALL BAD SITUATIONS
a. Say what needs to be said now and then get on with your life.
b. Don’t let pride hold you back—say you’re sorry.
c. Live today with the assumption that it will be your last.
5. MAINTAIN AN ATTITUDE OF THANKSGIVING
a. Be thankful for what you have. Don’t waste time on jealousy.
b. Consider every situation to be an opportunity for growth.
c. Be thankful in and for every situation.

Steps To Building A Successful Team

• Surround yourself with good people.
• Surround yourself with passionate people.
• Surround yourself with people who believe in servanthood.

The road to greatness says--> "I have very little

ability to finish anything on my own but

if we get together, we can accomplish much."

• Do not allow anyone to come in and break up the family unity of a TEAM must be protected and nurtured.