“Adding value” inhabits the intersection of character and competence. Psychologists recognize conflicting personalities within each of us – “Adam 1” – about dominance and winning and “Adam 2” aligned with moral values and virtue seeking.
Character (Adam II) → integrity, humility, moral grounding
All of us have features of both and each of us lives along the spectrum of character and competence.
It’s easy to identify historical figures belonging in each box.
High Character, High Competence
- Abraham Lincoln, 16th President
- George Washington, power restrained by principle
- Mother Teresa
Low Character, Low Competence
- Adolf Hitler, mass murderer, flawed prosecution of war
- Nero, Roman Emperor, indulgence and misrule
High Character, Low Competence
- Jimmy Carter, Purposeful sacrifice, flawed manager
- Neville Chamberlain, good intent, bad judgment
Low Character, High Competence
- Lance Armstrong, elite performance, ethical collapse
- Bernie Madoff, brilliant con man, defrauded investors
Coaching Translation
Every player—and coach—sits somewhere on this grid.
-
Talent (Competence) gets you on the floor
- Character keeps you there—and lifts others
Be a great teammate > be a great player
Adam II guiding Adam I. Etorre Messina said it another way, “Character is job one.”
Framework for Coaches and Players
Many coaches have shared their framework.
John Wooden – “Make every day your masterpiece.”
George Raveling – “You don’t get what you want, you get what you are” and “When you’re through learning, you’re through.” Also, “The most important thing you can teach is who someone becomes.”
Dick Bennett – had a philosophy that I call “PUSH T or PUSH-through”
P – passion, drive for excellence
U – unity, put the team first
S – servant leadership, top players serve the team
H – humility, “It’s not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less”
T – thankfulness, live a live of gratitude not grievance
Final Thoughts
Coaches have a unique opportunity to model character and competence, however imperfectly. Ethical coaching, compassion, and sportsmanship all reflect character. Our ability to relate, teach, and share with players to add value by helping them “see the game” demonstrates competence.
The best blend both character and competence. The worst abuse or wear out players without adding value. We get a vote about whom we become.
Lagniappe. Good coaching can reflect reality and relationships.
What was Ben McCollum’s message to his team when they trailed by 10 tonight?
“He slammed his white board and broke his marker on the floor. Ink everywhere. … He was just telling us we sucked, and we were soft.”
The best still hold players accountable
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) March 27, 2026