Connect Mobilize Deliver

How To Build A Championship Team, with Chris Grill

October 07, 2021 Greg Harrod Episode 15
How To Build A Championship Team, with Chris Grill
Connect Mobilize Deliver
More Info
Connect Mobilize Deliver
How To Build A Championship Team, with Chris Grill
Oct 07, 2021 Episode 15
Greg Harrod

Our youngest son had the privilege to play in a high school basketball program led by a coach that many people say could be coaching successfully at any level.

And, in my son's senior year, I was able to watch him and his teammates enjoy an experience few players have.

They won the state basketball championship.

Throughout the season and the three years prior to that, I observed the head coach, Chris Grill. I watched him as he invested countless hours building the program and developing the players.

It was clear to me that I could learn a lot about leading teams from him. I knew the strategies and techniques he used with his players and staff were applicable not just on the basketball court with young men in high school. They could be used by any leader in any situation.

So, as soon as the season ended I invited Chris to be on the show to share his experience and wisdom with me and with you.

Today's Guest

Chris Grill

Chris Grill has been coaching basketball at the high school level for over 23 years. And, in the 2020-2021 season, as the coach of the Maize (Kansas) High School boys basketball team, he led the team to their first state championship.

His coaching expertise and performance during the season was recognized with many awards including the following.

  • Wichita All Metro Coach of the Year
  • League (Ark Valley Chisholm Trail) Coach of the Year
  • Kansas 5A Coach of the Year
  • Kansas All State Coach of the Year
  • Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission – High School Boys Coach of the Year
  • Coach of Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Team Sports in Kansas: 2021 Boys Basketball Coach of the Year

He's been practicing and perfecting his skills as a coach and leader since his playing days at Butler County Community College, Marist University, and Wichita State University.

Chris knows what he's doing when it comes to basketball. But, he also knows how to lead young men and develop their character.

Off the court, he is also a dedicated teacher, husband, and father of three sons. 

You'll Learn

  • How bad teams can become champions
  • The power of having team members complete self-assessments as well as assessments of their teammates
  • Why having team members focus on their unique strengths more than their weaknesses brings success
  • Why you sometimes have to be flexible with rules to get the most from each team member
  • How humility with the people who report to you is critical for success as a leader
  • The importance of having the courage to stop doing things that aren't working
  • The role of establishing ownership for each person on the teams you lead

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest

1. Take care of your family

Work together as a team with your family to take care of each other. This allows you to focus your energy when you are at your job on getting work done.

2. Set clear expectations for your team

Make sure the people on your team know what you expect of them and that they understand your expectations of them.

3. Build relationships

Treat every person on your team with kindness and let them know you care about them.

Regardless of the person's performance or contribution make sure each team member knows you value them as a person and member of the team.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Follow the Maize High Boys Basketball Team on Twitter (@MHSBBallBackers)

For More Information

Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com

Show Notes

Our youngest son had the privilege to play in a high school basketball program led by a coach that many people say could be coaching successfully at any level.

And, in my son's senior year, I was able to watch him and his teammates enjoy an experience few players have.

They won the state basketball championship.

Throughout the season and the three years prior to that, I observed the head coach, Chris Grill. I watched him as he invested countless hours building the program and developing the players.

It was clear to me that I could learn a lot about leading teams from him. I knew the strategies and techniques he used with his players and staff were applicable not just on the basketball court with young men in high school. They could be used by any leader in any situation.

So, as soon as the season ended I invited Chris to be on the show to share his experience and wisdom with me and with you.

Today's Guest

Chris Grill

Chris Grill has been coaching basketball at the high school level for over 23 years. And, in the 2020-2021 season, as the coach of the Maize (Kansas) High School boys basketball team, he led the team to their first state championship.

His coaching expertise and performance during the season was recognized with many awards including the following.

  • Wichita All Metro Coach of the Year
  • League (Ark Valley Chisholm Trail) Coach of the Year
  • Kansas 5A Coach of the Year
  • Kansas All State Coach of the Year
  • Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission – High School Boys Coach of the Year
  • Coach of Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Team Sports in Kansas: 2021 Boys Basketball Coach of the Year

He's been practicing and perfecting his skills as a coach and leader since his playing days at Butler County Community College, Marist University, and Wichita State University.

Chris knows what he's doing when it comes to basketball. But, he also knows how to lead young men and develop their character.

Off the court, he is also a dedicated teacher, husband, and father of three sons. 

You'll Learn

  • How bad teams can become champions
  • The power of having team members complete self-assessments as well as assessments of their teammates
  • Why having team members focus on their unique strengths more than their weaknesses brings success
  • Why you sometimes have to be flexible with rules to get the most from each team member
  • How humility with the people who report to you is critical for success as a leader
  • The importance of having the courage to stop doing things that aren't working
  • The role of establishing ownership for each person on the teams you lead

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest

1. Take care of your family

Work together as a team with your family to take care of each other. This allows you to focus your energy when you are at your job on getting work done.

2. Set clear expectations for your team

Make sure the people on your team know what you expect of them and that they understand your expectations of them.

3. Build relationships

Treat every person on your team with kindness and let them know you care about them.

Regardless of the person's performance or contribution make sure each team member knows you value them as a person and member of the team.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Follow the Maize High Boys Basketball Team on Twitter (@MHSBBallBackers)

For More Information

Check out the show notes at GregHarrod.com