It’s easy to romanticize “Hoosiers” as a Cinderella story – a scrappy underdog team fueled by heart and grit. But here’s the truth: grit alone doesn’t win championships.

As we head into March Madness, I’m reminded by what Hickory’s Coach Norman Dale tells his team in that film:

“I’ve seen you guys can shoot, but there’s more to the game than shooting. There’s fundamentals and defense.”

And later, he reminds them:

“If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don’t care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book we’re gonna be winners.”

Coach Dale wasn’t always this kind of leader. Earlier in his career, winning was all that mattered to him. He believed that success was measured by the scoreboard alone. But after facing setbacks, he realized he had been misguided. His approach changed. He became a leader who valued the growth of his players more than just racking up points.

That shift in perspective is one of the most powerful takeaways from “Hoosiers.” Winning isn’t just about raw talent or a single-minded pursuit of success. It’s about building a system, empowering a team, and focusing on the right fundamentals.

What Are Your Credit Union’s Fundamentals?

Coach Dale knew something many leaders forget – talent alone doesn’t win games. Systems do. Discipline does. Fundamentals do. And yet, he didn’t just focus on the basics in the same way everyone else did. He coached differently. He spoke differently. He set expectations for his players.

The same applies to your credit union. What are your fundamentals? What are the non-negotiables that set the tone for your team’s success? Are you leading with a clear vision, or are you just assuming the fundamentals are in place without questioning them?

Many people remember “Hoosiers” as a story of an underdog team that clawed its way to the top through sheer determination. But grit alone doesn’t win championships. An organization can think it’s focusing on fundamentals and still come up short. Why? Because fundamentals without leadership alignment are just empty motions.

Coach Dale could prepare his team, but he couldn’t play the game for them. He set the standard and gave them the freedom to execute. In the end, it was the five young men on the court who had to work together, trust the system, and perform when it mattered most.

At the end of the day, success is about whether you’ve built a team that can execute, adapt, and rise to the occasion when it matters most. That’s how championships are won. That’s how great credit unions are built.

Are you leading like Coach Dale? Or are you just hoping for a lucky shot?

Sharpening Skills, Strengthening Teams

Even the best players need coaching, practice, and training. The same is true for your staff. If you want your credit union team to master the fundamentals and operate at their highest potential, investing in the right training is key. Need help coaching your team to success? Let’s talk.

As Vice President of Brand Experience for Your Marketing Co., Frank Allgood works with credit unions to develop strong leaders, create effective training programs, and build powerful brands. Want to connect? Call 864.326.8740 or email [email protected].