Bobby Knight was a legendary college basketball coach. Over his 42 years of coaching, Knight had 902 wins with 371 losses. In 1976, Knight led his Indiana team to a 32–0 undefeated season. He knew basketball—and apparently, he knew how to win.
Yet, there was a dark side. Knight had an explosive temper. His emotions are more famous than his winning record.
In 1985, during a game against Purdue, Knight lost his temper and a technical foul was called against him. He then picked up a chair and threw it across the basketball court. This resulted in Knight being ejected from the game. His temper changed the direction of the day, the game, and his reputation.
In 1997, Knight’s temper was once again caught on video. During practice, Knight can be seen putting his hand on the throat of player Neil Reed. This only led to increased concern about how Bobby Knight treated others.
In 2000, Knight was fired from Indiana University after grabbing a student while he was angry. University President Myles Brand terminated the coach after citing a “pattern of unacceptable behavior.” Knight’s career once again took a turn because of his temper.
From there, Knight took a coaching job at Texas Tech and stayed there until his retirement in February 2008. He lived 15 more years, dying in November 2023. His explosive temper—and the ramifications of it—followed him his entire life.
As a leader, be mindful not to allow your emotions to change the direction you’re headed.
You have a goal. There’s a vision you want to fulfill, and you see a clear path to achieving it. Should you lose your temper and react negatively in a meeting, it could cost you that vision. Instead of chasing a goal, you could end up having to repair your reputation.
Be mindful of your words. You can’t unsay what’s been said.
Words can heal or destroy. Your actions can make you a legend or a disgrace. Always be in control of yourself. Don’t allow your emotions to cause you to regret things that are said or done.
Always be asking: “Will this help me get closer to my goal or further from it?”
Be mindful of your words.
Actions leave an impression.
Whether you’re extending kindness or slamming your fist against a desk, your actions signal something to others. Slamming your fist, hitting a wall, or even throwing things may be a release for your anger—but it doesn’t help you with your team.
Those reactions will often scare others and make them retreat from sharing any news in the future.
Act in such a way that you leave a respectable impression.
Strive to be seen as having control of yourself.
When you’re in control of yourself, you can be in control of the room. When you lose control of yourself, you’ve lost the room.
People are now looking for escape hatches to avoid any wrath that could come their way. When people don’t want to be around you, that’s the moment you’ve lost the influence to lead.
It’s fine to be angry or disappointed—it’s how you express those emotions that will determine if relationships are damaged or change in direction is necessary.
Strive to be self-aware. You alone are responsible for your words and actions.
Don’t allow your emotions to force a change in direction.
Stay calm.
Stay focused.
Keep your eyes on the prize.
Creating Unparalleled Experiences,
Chris Adams
Ellis Adams Group is always updating our blogs with the latest and greatest, view more below.
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