Great coaching leaders know the importance of clearly articulated and practiced values. The values act as a compass for both leadership and team behaviors and norms.
In 2001 when the Phoenix Suns’ Jason Kidd was involved with domestic violence, Suns’ owner, Jerry Colangelo, had a dilemma. Kidd was one of the team’s most potent weapons, but he also was a direct contradiction to the Suns’ stated values of family and community.
At the end of the season, Colangelo did the unthinkable and traded Kidd. The trade created a bit of short term panic for fans, but in the end an even stronger and more loyal fan base because Mr. Colangelo was willing to make that decision. That sent quite a message to the remaining players.
