MasterClass: Geno Auriemma

Geno relates the ideals of leading his basketball teams to leading teams at work, at church, and even family at home, and he explains how the teamwork and leadership lessons in this class extend to all aspects of life.

Geno shares how a leader can build resiliency by having courage to take the hits for their team and preparing themselves and team members to withstand challenges together.

Geno explains why everyone is on a team, whether they know it or not, and how mastering the fundamentals of teamwork shapes the rest of your life. Learn why being a great leader begins with being a great teammate—and how rewarding both can be.

This lesson teaches how trust, honesty, common goals, and connection are keys to building the strong foundation necessary to lead a team successfully.

Geno explains the importance of a leader’s management team and how to hire and empower them to be partners in leadership rather than subordinates.

The focus of this lesson is evaluating, recruiting, and retaining the quality of people you need to do the actual work—and how that may vary depending on the needs of your own team.

Geno talks about working with team members to set and achieve goals, both individual and team-focused.

Geno shares the level of hard work necessary to break through perceived barriers and teaches some of his strategies for getting more effort out of his players and teams than they even knew they had to give.

This lesson is about testing and expanding your team members’ abilities. Learn how Geno applies extreme amounts of pressure in practice situations to predict team members’ performance and prepare them for when the real pressure is on.

Geno has always been known for his brutal honesty, but this lesson illustrates how it is necessary to first build trust so you can create a safe space for direct communication, confrontation, and critical feedback.

In this call with Geno, his former player Renee Montgomery discusses the influence of Geno’s philosophies on her journey: from shy high school student to team leader to WNBA star, social activist, and partial team owner of the Atlanta Dream.

Geno teaches the importance of standing up for equality and positive change—and the responsibility of men and people in power to do the right thing.

This story highlights an instance when Geno went out of his way to help an injured player and ultimately shows how the loyalty and respect that leaders demand from their teams must be reciprocated.

In this lesson, Geno shares ways that leaders can work on enjoying the journey, whether the outcome is a win or a loss.

Geno offers parting advice and a touching final takeaway for leaders.