As the director of AT services for the Houston Rockets, Keith Jones has seen the entire evolution of sports performance. He knew early on that he needed this team in his corner for the health and safety of the athletes he was caring for.







Build a Team



Building the relationship with the strength coach



There was none



Then I was the strength coach



Then we hired a professional strength coach



Many of them were from colleges or football programs



It was an adjustment for us to learn what we needed from them and the athletes.



Building the relationship from the ground up is crucial for success.



Find out what is important to you



We can Assist each other better by building relationships.



Keith Jones, how have we changed for the need?



30 - 40 years ago we were fighting each other, muscle head vs medicine.



Let's sit down and figure out what is needed for success in this situation/sport



If we fail then we will have to fail together.



The ATs need to know that the strength coach can be their ally or enemy.



Get in the same room and work together often.



The triangle analogy - How do we ensure the athlete is in the center of patient-centered care?



I love people, I think all ATs love people deep down.



Let me take my skill set and help the people I am passionate about.



In 30 years of NBA experience, my greatest success is collaborating.



How have you spent time in the other spaces and stayed in our lane?



Maybe go into the weight room and enter your paperwork to catch what they are doing



Invite them to use your microwave or fridge.



Intentionally cross paths



Be bought into each other's goals



CHECK YOUR EGO.



In my setting, we spent a lot of nights together on the road and so I tried not to eat alone.  We shared meals and car rides together.



How you have developed leadership?



I never really view myself as a leader, I am but do not really look at myself that way.



I want to help, I have learned a lot about what to do and what not to do.



Empathy is important - why are they doing that 



Figure out how you can help.



Transformational and servant leadership combine to make the most sustainable change.



Series on Leadership in AT







Watch Keith Jones's Presentation here:







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