The Winning Coach and the Sobbing Player

Michigan Coach Juwan Howard made headlines for the wrong reasons last month for striking a Wisconsin assistant coach in the postgame handshake line.

This past Saturday, Howard made headlines again for his behavior during the handshake line. But this time, it was for the right reasons.

Moments after his team pulled off an upset over No. 3 Tennessee, Howard consoled sobbing Volunteers point guard Kennedy Chandler, hugging him and sharing some words of encouragement.

"Kennedy is an elite player, and he's one of the best guards in the country," Howard said after the game.

"Just watching his growth, I've always been impressed. We recruited him and unfortunately, we weren't that lucky. But to see the output, the effort, the growth and being able to produce like that on the floor and how he led his team in a special way -- I gave him words of encouragement. It shows his emotion, that he cares. As coaches, you appreciate that."

It was exemplary behavior from the coach, but it also has some key reminders for us.

We as leaders must not lose sight of the fact that our triumphs and achievements often come at the disappointment and anguish of someone else. While our impulses may understandably be to celebrate, so often, someone on the other side is hurting and in need of support.

It’s crucial in these instances to be gracious and humble while acknowledging what the other person is feeling.

Howard could’ve quickly shaken Chandler’s hand and kept it moving after the final buzzer. After all, he was probably eager to celebrate with his own players.

But he instead took some extra time to exhibit some compassion to a kid who was deeply hurting — and his actions will likely be remembered by Chandler and the Tennessee team. That’s true perspective, and that’s true leadership.

Howard has been under the microscope since returning from his suspension, but this weekend, the lens revealed empathy and concern toward an opponent.

For any leader, that’s winning DNA.