From Coach to Leader with john beilein
In this episode of the Be Worth* Following Podcast, we meet Coach John Beilein, a winning coach who was "forced" into a position of growth later in his career. Coach Beilein didn’t allow his previous success to preempt changes that were needed to help his team succeed. He humbly embraced the opportunity to grow and develop.
Coach Beilein’s philosophy of leadership is now anchored by his values, and focusing on relationships before results. Listen to hear why he prioritizes connection and the profound impact it has had on his coaching.
Show Notes
Transcript of the episode
In this episode you’ll Hear:
Being a leader means letting what was once successful go for the sake of growth and development.
Values should not only be lived, but taught.
People won’t leave a culture where they feel loved.
“Rules without relationships equals rebellions”
Things to listen for:
[04:04] “Forced” into leadership development
[06:23] Open to learn and grow later in life
[09:07] Changes that emerged from coaching shift
[11:28] Not afraid to do something different
[14:19] John’s core values that don’t change
[18:37] Why people leave teams
[20:45] John’s mantra about relationships
[23:59] SMAC
[27:26] Why John prioritizes connection
[29:16] “Find a snowmobile”
[31:08] Gratitude and appreciation
[36:47] Tim’s Take
[43:26] Basketball Segment
Additional Resources
Connect with Tim on LinkedIn
Learn more about The Aperio
The Only Leaders Worth* Following
Connect with John on LinkedIn
10/5 Rule
Kim Cameron
About Coach Beilein . . .
Considered to be one of the best tactical basketball minds in the country, John was the 16th head coach in the history of the University of Michigan men’s basketball program from 2007 until 2019. From 2019-2020 he served as the head coach of the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers. He spent 40 years coaching at the college level. Prior to joining the Wolverines in 2007, he coached the West Virginia Mountaineers (2002–2007), Richmond Spiders (1997–2002), Canisius Golden Griffins (1992–1997), Le Moyne College (1983–1992), Nazareth College (1982–1983) and Erie Community College (1978–1982).
A proven winner throughout his career, Beilein has won 754 games at four-year universities and 843 games altogether, including his time at the Cavaliers and at the junior college level. Beilein recorded a 20-win season at four different levels—junior college, NAIA, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division I.
Beilein played college basketball at Wheeling College (now Wheeling Jesuit University) from 1971-75 and served as team captain during his junior season. He received a bachelor's degree in history from there in 1975 and earned a master's degree in education from Niagara in 1981.