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PRELUDE

Meeting Dean At The Dome

He has been called a “coaching legend” by the Basketball Hall of Fame. To athletes like Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Phil Ford, Sam Perkins, and others under his tutelage over a 37 year span, he is simply called “Coach.” His name is Dean Smith, retired coach of men’s basketball at the University of North Carolina.

I have been enamored with this icon, leader, mentor, and teacher-coach since his arrival in “Tar Heel Country” back in 1961. I loved basketball and I loved him: his coaching style, his athlete-centered approach, and his “way of being” on and off the court. He was, to me, what extraordinary coaching was all about. He was the quintessential leader of men. However, all of my perceptions about him were formed from afar, reading accounts about him in Sports Illustrated, observing him during games, and listening to others as they spoke fondly about this amazing legend. Yet, this was not enough for me. I desired to have an opportunity to know firsthand, in person, face to face, what this man was really like and to feel his presence, up close and personal, and perhaps get to really understand the essence of such a great man.

That opportunity fortuitously came to me exactly a year ago while I was working at the University of North Carolina with Jenny Levy, head coach of the women’s lacrosse program. Basically, I followed Nike’s advice and I “just did it.” I meandered over to the Dean Smith Center, the basketball arena on campus affectionately called the “Dean Dome” and showed up to see if I could reserve an appointment for some future date out of respect for his stature and busy schedule. To my surprise and delight, his secretary of several decades (this should tell you a lot about him) said to me: “If you can wait just a minute Dr. Lynch, I will tell him you are here. I am sure he’d love to meet you.” She returned within a minute, closely followed by my coaching hero.

I was a bit shocked and awestruck by his presence. I wasn’t “prepared” for this. What do I say? What will he say? How will I be? A bit nervous and apprehensive, a normal response to such a surprise, we sat down together and all my questions, concerns, and worries dissipated as we began to talk. He was gentle, kind, respectful, caring, interested, loving, trusting, warm, encouraging, genuine, humble, modest, and filled with integrity, all of the essential spiritual qualities of one who coaches with heart. As I left his office following our unexpected 45 minute conversation I was overwhelmed with love and emotion. It was at that precise moment that I understood what extraordinary coaching was all about and why so many have admired this amazing human being. Had he asked me to lick the dust off the basketball court so that the team could practice, I would have done it instantly. With his heart-directed approach I would be sure to go the distance. I was so inspired and empowered during this session by his warmth, caring, and respect that I felt compelled and motivated to write my next book, Coaching with Heart: Tao Wisdom to Inspire, Empower, and Lead.

OPEN MIND, RECEPTIVE HEART

As we begin the journey of coaching with heart together, I want to encourage you to maintain an open mind and heart to new possibilities, directions, and ways to be in this extraordinary profession of coaching. I present in this book a host of suggestions for contemplation, not indoctrination. The Tao Te Ching makes this poignant observation:

To be empty we can be full yet

To be full we stay empty.

Abundance is within Emptiness.

Most of us in the profession of coaching believe that we, as teachers, must know all. Wise coaches know they don’t know all which makes it easy to begin to learn. Taoist leaders and sages claim that one who does not know actually knows, and one who knows really does not know. Consider the classic Zen story about a pompous professor who goes to the master to learn about Zen Buddhism. The Zen master invites him for tea, and to enlighten him he pours the tea until the cup is overflowing. The professor protests and the master gently explains to him, “Exactly. Your knowledge is already spilling over so how can I offer you anymore?”

It feels good to be an “empty cup.” As a heart-directed coach, consider the practice of remaining open and empty to position yourself to receive new ways of being. The Tao warrior coach actually strives to “appear” less knowledgeable than he or she is, and, in the process, commits fewer errors and mistakes having less pressure to live up to someone he or she is not.

This is the essence of emptiness, pregnant with potential and containing many more possibilities. It is an exciting place where anything can happen and usually does. It is a sacred space where the “tea of learning” can be poured into an area of emptiness that contains all potential.

The Chinese symbols for emptiness depict an empty vessel to be filled and refilled as long as the “fertile mind” is maintained. If you remain open and receptive to what this book brings to you there is the chance that your coaching career will be dynamically long, exciting, fruitful, fun-filled, and deeply satisfying. Be an open vessel, fill up, and enjoy the journey you are about to begin.

CALLIGRAPHIC ART

Speaking of Chinese symbols, notice how they are interspersed throughout this book? The cover calligraphy itself is a symbol meaning “having love in your heart,” a concept that immediately sets the tone for all that will follow. I want to deeply acknowledge my dear friend and co-author of several of my books, Chungliang Al Huang, for his continued support and love as demonstrated with his beautiful calligraphy. I am honored and privileged to have him contribute to my work once again. His Chinese symbols visually show the kinetic power of the dancing spirit and have become a unique brand for our books as well as my nationwide and international business, Way of Champions. The aesthetic beauty of his artistic contribution reinforces the theme, quality, and impact of this book upon all of us. I am forever grateful for his guidance in helping me to better grasp the essence of the Tao. Peruse more of his work at livingtao.org.