A Clutch Shot, then the Transfer Portal

We may feel frustrated or slighted by a team member, but we don’t have to become mob bosses in our next steps.

April 13, 2023

In the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament a few weeks ago, a Kansas State player made a clutch shot late in overtime to secure a tough win over Michigan State — leading to hugs, dancing and a raucous locker room celebration.

Less than two weeks later, that player was in the transfer portal, announcing he would look to play his final season of college basketball elsewhere in a somewhat surprising move.

What ensued from Coach Jerome Tang wasn’t finger pointing, blame or bashing of the system that’s dramatically altered the landscape of his profession.

Instead, Tang provided a masterclass in poise and maturity for when we have a difference of perspectives with someone.

“I was very honest with him. He was very honest with me,” Tang told reporters. “What he wanted and what I felt honestly we could provide weren’t the same.

“He’s been so good to us. The worst thing you can do is to tell some kid you’re going to do something for him… and know that you can’t provide that for him.”

It was an important message with some key lessons.

As leaders, we often have strong convictions in our philosophies and formulate opinions of our personnel based on their performance and commitment levels.

But the truth is that we’re frequently transactional with these — and the second someone disagrees with us, doesn’t do what we want, expresses any desire whatsoever to explore other opportunities, we can easily become territorial and defensive.  

While we may not see perfectly eye to eye with someone or may feel frustrated or slighted by a team member, we don’t have to become cold-hearted mob bosses in how we go about our next steps.

Tang’s composure and honesty were probably appreciated by his player, and while the player likely somewhat disagrees with Tang’s views on him, it would seem that he, too, has a level of respect for his coach.

Both also seemed to leave open the possibility of a return.

The point for us as leaders is that not all disagreements and personnel losses need to be combative and rage fueled.

The disappointing split can still have truth and compassion at its core.