An Unlikely Thinking Club of Coaches

In the late 1700s, a group of women came up with an idea to hold a discussion on the books they were reading. Women’s reading circles had expanded and were beginning to take on societal issues such as abolition and their inability to attend top universities. They exchanged ideas, built great momentum and ultimately became unified in their quest to overturn some ridiculous laws.   

In the midst of many difficulties lie some significant opportunities, and these women found a different path during a difficult time that allowed them to become unified. Through their sharing of ideas, they built a significant change movement, proving that just about anything is possible if we think outside the box and don’t settle for the status quo.

In the past 15 months, an unlikely foursome of coaches has formed their own monthly Zoom group to discuss ideas and share their knowledge. It includes Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics, Tim Corbin of Vanderbilt baseball, Geno Auriemma of Connecticut and Chris Petersen, formerly of University of Washington football. When you consider the renowned success each has had and their seemingly different personalities, it appears unlikely that they’d be in a club together. But despite their triumphs, they continue to seek knowledge, continue to ask questions, continue to believe they need to improve. 

We could all benefit from having a group of four or five people in our life whom we meet with once a month to share ideas generated from books or our work environment. We need to bring back the women’s book club in person or on Zoom and allow some wisdom to enter our lives through others that we never would’ve found otherwise. The longer we stay in our tight, comfortable circles, the less we can really grow personally and professionally. 

Find some friends and start your club. It works for coaches, and it worked for a resilient group of 18th century women.