SIX WAYS TO HANDLE ADVERSITY AS A FIRST TIME HEAD COACH

The transition from being an assistant to a first time head coach can be difficult. Especially, if the team you lead goes through adversity both on and off the court. This post shares 6 ways Monty Williams handled adversity as a first time coach. These come from a wonderful ariticle written by John Reid with the Times Picayunne

1. In the midst of adversity be aware that you will have to provide direction in situations you never faced before.

“When we were going through some major issues, I was like, ‘This is crazy.' I didn’t sign up for all this. There is no manual for some of the stuff, but you deal with it.’’

2. In the midst of adversity you will question if you are able to handle it.

Williams: “There’s been a lot of nights where me and my wife had real talk, whether or not I was going to continue to do it. It was pretty tough having to deal with stuff every day. It was hard to even think about basketball because there were so many other things going on. We had so many extremes."

3. In the midst of adversity don't look for excuses, rather maintain your expectations and focus on unity.

Chris Paul: “With the injuries and so many new people, we all came together. It’s a credit to our coaching staff. They haven’t expected anything less than what we’ve given them, night in and night out. I’m happy for Coach because a lot of people don’t know how many things he’s been through this season with the ownership things, rookie coach, and we were up and down.’’

Green: “Monty made sure that we didn’t have any excuses or explanations. They always kept us kind of even-keel, and Monty kept a level head about every situation that happened with this team. I don’t think this staff has got enough credit.

4. In the midst of adversity keep the bigger picture of life in perspective.

Williams, "“We tried to put some things in perspective about life issues and other issues going on in the world."

Reid shares that Williams took the team to St. Jude's Children Hospital to maintain the perspective that Williams had them focus on.

5. In the midst of adversity must demonstrate strength for those you lead.

Jarret Jack: “Monty has done a great job being a pillar, staying stable despite everything that has gone on..."

Team President Hugh Weber: “Monty has been incredible in terms of guiding our guys through a lot of adversity such as the David West’s injury and some of the changes we had in terms of our lineup and roster.."

6. In the midst of adversity make sure you have high character people on your team.

Williams: “We have high-character guys, but I had no idea we would be in this position that we’re in right now.’’