Leadership Consultant Bill Morosco with Bob Knight at a Chicago coaching clinic last week.

By Bill Morosco (Florida)

Bob Knight has over 900 career wins, three national championships, five Final Four appearances, an Olympic gold medal and a Naismith College Coach of the Year award. Though Coach Knight is most known for his demanding approach, pin-point motion offense and prolonged success in 40 years of coaching, his success on the hardwood relied on his talent for teaching leadership to 18 to 23-year-olds – a skill that begs for parallels to fraternity leadership.

I had the opportunity to interact and learn from the legendary Indiana University coach last weekend at the Nike Championship Basketball Clinic in Chicago. While the clinic focused on the fundamentals of coaching basketball, the sessions also gave me a chance to observe up close how Coach Knight teaches leadership and gets the most from his teams.

1. Involve Everyone

During Coach Knight’s practices, he made sure everyone participated, be it the All-American, the 12^th man off the bench, or even the lowly team managers he would ask to miss shots (whether they missed intentionally or unintentionally, we will never know). Coach Knight made everyone feel involved, engaged and valuable.

At your chapter, everyone can bring something useful to the table; make sure you are able to take advantage of that. If your chapter has a few guys who may not be the best recruiters, have them help run the logistics of each recruiting event like picking up the food or reserving event spaces.

 2. Make Practice Harder Than The Game

Coach Knight highlighted several practice drills he used over the years to prepare his teams for success. Most of them had one common theme: make practice harder than the game so the game seems easy. Often times he would scrimmage 4-on-6 or 5-on-7.

Apply this idea to the events and goals your chapter prepares for throughout the year. Leave nothing in doubt with documentation for Pursuit of Excellence. Practice mock conversations during recruitment events; anticipate all the questions a prospective member might ask about. Walk into the Greek Week competition knowing you’re going to win because you put in the practice time.

 3. Practice Thinking

Coach Knight believes that basketball is as much mental as it is physical. Many of his coaching techniques revolve around making his players think. Sometimes this involves yelling “Change!” and making both teams switch from offense to defense immediately and recover into proper position. Coach Knight will also deliver lengthy instructions in sequence to see if the team can follow his orders. Sometimes he even practices calling timeout and asks his players to recite back to him what he said. You would be surprised how few could give him back the correct instructions.

Facilitate, delegate and empower. Don’t just give orders, let your chapter members work out solutions and practice their own problem solving skills instead of depending on yours. Let the committee system work.

 4. Keep It Simple

Coach Knight mentioned that he believes there are two types of coaches: coaches who try to surprise and change what they do and coaches who keep it simple and execute what they do. Coach Knight affirmed confidently that he is a believer in the latter. Do what you do well, and if you can’t do it well, don’t do it.

It would be easy to interpret this coaching trait as an affirmation of old school tradition in place of experimentation and innovation. But what Coach Knight is saying here has more to do with focusing on your core purpose and avoiding those temptations that don’t have much if anything to do with fraternity. At minimum, fraternities must do fraternity exceptionally well. Organizational excellence cannot be achieved by groups that stray from the reason they exist in the first place.

 5. Eliminate Mistakes

Coach Knight says basketball isn’t a game you win, it’s a game you lose. His approach to success focusses on eliminating mistakes and committing fewer errors than the opponent.

Your chapter can excel by avoiding unforced errors, too Turn in documentation, yearly review programs, and awards application on time and with all needed information. Don’t set your chapter back – or worse, endanger the safety of members and guests – by making poor decisions surrounding risk reduction. The other chapters on campus are going to make mistakes; the chapter that keeps it between the lines and focuses on achieving their goals will end up miles ahead of every other group.

 6. Don’t Micromanage

Coach Knight talked about the importance of respecting his players and allowing them to make decisions. On any decisions he felt weren’t crucially important, he allowed the team to make. This could be deciding between practice at 9:00 a.m. or noon, or if they wanted to eat out or order in. Helping the team feel like a part of the decision making process builds trust and confidence.

Allowing all of the members to participate in the decision making process is just as important for a fraternity. Ask the chapter to participate in the Pursuit of Excellence self-assessment. Letting them suggest goals for the chapter to work towards will build trust and strengthen buy-in as the year moves on.

 7. Be Demanding

Lastly, Coach Knight says “Great coaches are demanding coaches.” If you expect excellence, then you must demand excellence.

If your chapter has a vision and sets goals based on that vision, demand that they be accomplished. Do not tolerate failure. Work and push to achieve the success you demand.

Keeping Boston and the Boston Marathon in our thoughts and prayers today. May comfort be with them.—
  (@SigmaNuAppState) April 15, 2013

Prayers to everyone and their families in Boston.—
ODU Sigma Nu (@ODUSigmaNu) April 15, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those impacted by the tragedy in Boston. #staystrong—
Sigma Nu_Gamma Delta (@GDSigmaNu) April 16, 2013

Thoughts, hearts, and prayers are going out to everyone that was affected at the Boston Marathon today #prayforboston—
Sigma Nu Utah (@SigmaNu_Utah) April 16, 2013

3 years ago some of our brothers visited the amazing city of Boston, MA for the 64th Sigma Nu Grand Chapter…. fb.me/1teQa9dOz—
CSUF Sigma Nu (@CSUFSigmaNu) April 16, 2013

#PrayForBoston—
Sigma Nu MZ (@SigmaNuRIT) April 15, 2013

Our prayers go out to the ones affected by the devastating tragedies that took place in Boston today. God Bless America.—
Sigma Nu (@SigmaNuMuXi) April 15, 2013

Thoughts and prayers to Boston.—
Theta Gamma (@USMSigmaNu) April 15, 2013

Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone dealing with this tragedy in Boston, what is going on in this country #bostonmarathon—
Sigma Nu at JMU (@jmuSIGMANU) April 15, 2013

#PrayersForBoston—
Sigma Nu Mu Kappa (@SEMOSigmaNu) April 15, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Boston today.—
Okla. State Sigma Nu (@OKState_SigmaNu) April 15, 2013

Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the Boston Marathon and their families.—
Sigma Nu Epsilon Eta (@UTKSigmaNu) April 15, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the Boston area today. #PrayForBoston—
Sigma Nu at JSU (@SigmaNuatJSU) April 15, 2013

Prayers go out to everyone involved in the Boston Marathon and everyone who was hurt, injured or dead in the attack. #bostonmarathon—
Sigma Nu Ball State (@SigmaNuBSU) April 15, 2013

Sending our heartfelt thoughts to everyone in Boston. Hoping for the best for all those affected.—
Sigma Nu at PSU (@psusigmanu) April 15, 2013

Throughout the course of my travels, I have seen some strikingly different sights: the mountains of Utah, the plains of West Texas, the lights of downtown Los Angeles and San Francisco, the beaches of San Diego and the breathtaking views from the Grand Canyon.

But as I began to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) I started to think about what the vastly different chapters in my expansive region had in common. The first things that came to mind of course were our values: Love, Honor and Truth, and our opposition to hazing — those qualities that make us all Sigma Nus. Next came brotherhood, the LEAD program, and the desire to become a Rock Chapter. But one very concerning similarity seemed to follow me from state to state, city to city and chapter to chapter.

Every time I met with a campus Greek advisor the same issue would present itself: IFC. Whether it was in risk management, participation, involvement, philanthropy, or scholarship, IFC was always underperforming compared to Panhellenic, MGC or NPHC.

Lately, this problem has troubled me quite a bit. I’ve continually asked myself, Why? Why do we as IFC men always seem to be the problem, the bad guy, the black sheep? I’ve finally been able to come up with an answer, and unfortunately it’s all around us.

Tradition. Our nostalgic way to relive the times of the past. As Bob Dylan pointed out quite some time ago, “the times, they are a-changing.” And he is right. What you know has become more important than who you know. GPA, diversity, membership development and community involvement have become the focus of Greek communities across the nation. Yet we still see IFC as the late-adopter, being forced into submission by universities and national organizations, clinging to traditions and the days of old. We continue to act like we live in the days when hazing was a way of life, when grades didn’t matter, when respect was given and not earned, when leadership just meant being in the “boys club.”

We have seen time and time again that those who do not evolve face extinction. There are countless examples of old traditions that have needed to change and the ostracism that faced those who refused to relinquish their ways. Our insistence on tradition has made us continue to look back to the past instead of looking forward to the future.

With this, I challenge our chapters to become innovators. Be the trendsetters. Look around your campus, your community and your world and see what needs to change. Be the force of change instead of being forced to change.

How did you find out about UIFI?

I found out about UIFI through the campus Greek Advisor on my alternative spring break trip to New Orleans, LA, my sophomore year. He informed me that the Greek life office had scholarships available and encouraged me to apply.

What did you expect the experience to be like?

I expected it to be a cheesy event. I imagined everyone being overly excited, giving it almost an elementary school summer camp vibe. That being said, it wasn’t like that at all. There were a lot of people who were similar to me and that I could relate to. The types of events that we participated in all had a meaning behind it that we could discuss afterward and apply to our respective chapters.

How did UIFI enhance your leadership skills and prepare you to change your chapter?

While the workshops that we participated in were unquestionably helpful, the opportunity to network with my peers at other schools was equally beneficial. There were so many people from so many different schools and organizations that it was impossible to leave without having fresh and innovative ideas to take back to your chapter.

The mentors and group leaders were all very knowledgeable and helpful. They are loaded with ideas and advice on how to make you a better leader and how to make your chapter better.

If a chapter is struggling with philanthropy, for example, you can talk with scores of other fraternity and sorority leaders for ideas to take back to your chapter. I came back to my chapter with a laundry list of ideas on how we can change our events and make them more successful.

Would you recommend the program to other leaders?

I would without a doubt recommend this program to others. It helped put things into perspective for me. The program allowed me to hone my skills and perfect them so that I could be the most effective leader I could be. It also allows you to step and think outside of the box that your chapter is currently in, allowing you to bring back innovative ideas for all areas of chapter operations.

Visit the UIFI page to learn more about the program, including session dates and locations.

Why did you want to join the staff team?

Going through a colonization as a freshman, I had the opportunity to interact with a number of General Fraternity staff early in my Sigma Nu experience. Throughout my time as an undergraduate I was blown away by the passion and dedication displayed by the staff members, many of whom went on to become close mentors.  As I approached graduation, I was drawn once again to the idea of “Become Something More” and wanted my first job out of college to be one of meaning and purpose.  I figured the opportunity to serve the Fraternity as a Leadership Consultant would be a great way to develop personal and professional skills as I transitioned between my college education and a long term career.

What is it like working for Sigma Nu?

The Leadership Consultant team has often joked about how much joining the General Fraternity staff has felt similar to joining another chapter of Sigma Nu. The sense of brotherhood and camaraderie among the staff members is definitely a source of personal motivation for me in the work that I do. Working alongside my fraternity brothers, I feel it provides an extra spark that compels me to work harder knowing that my co-workers, now close friends, are just as passionate about the Fraternity as I am.

How has working for Sigma Nu contributed to your professional development?

One of the most compelling reasons for why I decided to jump at the opportunity to work for Sigma Nu was for the chance to work under the leadership of men who I knew would push me to better myself each day. I wanted to work in an environment where even the most executive staff members were passionately interested in providing mentorship and guidance in helping me develop professionally.

What about personal development? What have you learned about yourself?

Ask any Leadership Consultant and one thing that you will never hear is that the work is easy…but that is a good thing. Traveling as a consultant I have learned that the hours can be exhausting and traveling to unfamiliar places can be stressful. However, there has never been a day that I haven’t loved what I do. Being a Leadership Consultant is like Insanity or P90X for the soul. It’s going to kick your butt for a while, but you are going to love who you become.

What have been some of your favorite moments as a member of the staff team?

It sounds crazy, but just thinking back, it’s hilarious to think of some of the experiences I have survived while on staff. Dodging falling trees knocked down by the “derecho” that swept across the mid-Atlantic, being trapped in my hotel room for two days as Hurricane Sandy made land-fall, being trapped in my hotel room again as Winter Storm Iago covered southern Virginia with snow, and feeling my first earthquake near coastal New England, have all been some of the memorable moments I experienced during my first year on staff with the Fraternity. They may not sound fun to you, but between the staff team, sharing stories like these and laughing with one another is just one of the many reasons I have come to love working alongside the men I call my Brothers.

What have been your favorite places to visit through working for Sigma Nu?

One of the biggest perks to being a Leadership Consultant is the opportunity to be paid to travel to and live in some of the most incredible cities in the world. During my travels in the Northeast I have been able to see places like Washington, D.C., Pittsburg, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Toronto. One of my most favorite experiences was having the opportunity to spend my birthday with family in Ontario, Canada, when my travels took me close to the northern border. I am not sure if there is another job out there that I could have landed straight out of college that would have given me that same opportunity.

Interested in applying to join the staff team in Lexington? Visit the Employment page for more info.

Bill leading a group discussion at the 2013 College of Chapters in St. Louis.

Why did you want to join the staff team?

First off, I wanted to give back. I can give all the credit for all the leadership skills and personal development that I learned in college to Sigma Nu and I felt that it just wasn’t  right to take all that experience from Sigma Nu without giving back in some way.

Second, I hold the deep notion that Sigma Nu and the values it stands for is one of the greatest organizations in the world, and I wanted to continue to spread its message across the country. Lastly, I just wanted to travel. Growing up in South Florida my whole life, I had never seen snow, never been to the West Coast, and never been west of the Mississippi. So this was a golden opportunity to work for a great organization and explore the country that I love. Now I can say, I’ve walked the same campus my father graduated from (Kansas State University), got my feet wet in the Pacific Ocean (It’s much colder than the Atlantic, by the way) and got in a snowball fight in Salt Lake City.

What is it like working for Sigma Nu?

Working for Sigma Nu is like working for the Fraternity All-Star team. The staff is filled with great guys who know what they stand for, get great work done and still take the time to have a great brother-to-brother relationship with you. If you want to join an organization where you will continue to develop your values, develop as a person and develop lifelong friendships with your colleagues, you should apply for Sigma Nu staff.

How has working for Sigma Nu contributed to your professional development?

Sigma Nu was my first “real” job and it has been a great one. As a Leadership Consultant, I make my own schedule on the road and at the end of the day, whether I succeed or fail all comes down to my actions. So I’ve certainly developed first rate communication skills, time management skills, independence, professional etiquette, problem solving and organizational skills.

What about personal development? What have you learned about yourself?

Being on the road by yourself three months in a row can certainly seem like a scary task. But as in all great journeys, you really get to know your company. For me, that has been really getting to know and understand myself. I’ve grown as a person, a friend, a son, a brother, a boyfriend and I can certainly say that I am better person today than I was before I joined Sigma Nu Staff. I’ve gotten to find the things that really make me happy and have added a new direction to my life and  what I want to do for the rest of it, which is something I don’t think I would have ever realized with any other job after college.

What have been some of your favorite moments as a member of the staff team?

Some of my favorite moments have been summer training and meeting the rest of my new “candidate class.” Just like the candidates I was initiated into this great fraternity with, I’m sure they will continue to be great friends to me throughout our lives. I got to see my first Grand Chapter this past summer in Dallas; meeting alumni from all over the country and all different walks of life has really enriched my experience on staff. Overall, the sightseeing on the road has just been breathtaking. I’ve driven the Pacific Coast Highway, Route 66, and the Golden Gate Bridge;  seen the Grand Canyon, the lights of Los Angeles and San Francisco; climbed two mountains, threw my first snowballs, and got to come out of retirement to play a few more games of intramural sports.

What have been your favorite places to visit through working for Sigma Nu?

Being a young man, one of the coolest parts of this great adventure in my life has been the opportunity to visit places I might want to live and places I might not want to live in the future. I’ll spare you the list of the places that didn’t make the cut, but my favorite places to visit have been the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo California; Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona; Dallas and Amarillo, Texas, and of course, The Rock in the Lexington, Virginia.

Interested in applying to join the staff team in Lexington? Visit the Employment page for more info.

Justin facilitating a breakout session at the 2009 College of Chapters in Lexington.

Why did you want to join the staff team?

A chapter brother of mine worked for the General Fraternity staff during my senior year.  He and another staff member came to our campus and conducted a multi-day workshop to help us identify areas for improvement and to begin establishing a strategic plan.  That experience opened my eyes to how much of an impact the staff could have on a chapter and the organization.

What is it like working for Sigma Nu?

The work environment at Sigma Nu is second to none.  Sure, there are times when you’re frustrated, and you don’t always agree with your colleagues, but that’s the case in all work environments.  What sets Sigma Nu apart is the “open door” mindset of everyone.  If you’ve got an idea, or a question, there’s always someone willing to discuss it and challenge you too.  One thing’s for sure, working on this team requires you to bring your best every day.

How has working for Sigma Nu contributed to your professional development?

In a word, experience.  I’ve been fortunate enough to experience a number of roles/positions with the staff.  I started as a consultant and quickly became adept at connecting with a vast array of people and situations.  As a director, I’ve had the opportunity to oversee and manage educational projects and programs, some of them originating from a basic conversation with co-workers or constituents.  Today, I work with our constituents and our staff more on the business side of fraternity (i.e. budgeting, cash management, etc.).  I don’t think there are very many employers that provide for such growth in their employees so quickly.

What about personal development? What have you learned about yourself?

Having the opportunity to participate in athletics in school, I thought I was well prepared to handle pressure situations, and I was, but I found another level of focus that I can call on when needed.  I’ve also found the work to be very gratifying and have a better appreciation for the little things in Sigma Nu because it all comes together in a bigger picture.  I think about the first line of our mission statement, “To develop ethical leaders.” Can it get much better than that?

What have been some of your favorite moments as a member of the staff team?

Honestly, there are too many to name, but I think they can all be surmised in the conversations and interactions I have with my co-workers.  As a staff member, you’re not only a member of the Fraternity, but you also live it…every day.  That naturally leads to a lot of pretty personal conversations with your co-workers and pretty soon you realize that these people are more than just “co-workers.”

What have been your favorite places to visit through working for Sigma Nu?

Again, there are a lot!  As a consultant, I got to see parts of the U.S. that I never would have imagined visiting.  I should probably play the politics and say I’ve enjoyed every place I’ve been, but I’d say my “favorite” places have been Charleston, SC, Laramie, WY, and Austin, TX.

Interested in applying to join the staff team in Lexington? Visit the Employment page for more info.

Official bid from Sigma Nu!!! @mitchbutler13 instagr.am/p/VPUL32FBpV/—
Ayrton de Beauffort (@tonesboy) February 02, 2013

It is truly an honor to be offered a bid to be a brother at Sigma Nu instagr.am/p/VPP1byEBmF/—
Blake H (@BigBlake34) February 02, 2013

Congrats @icantdecidenow for getting a bid to Sigma Nu 👏👏👏 I'm gonna take credit for picking out the outfit tho—
Victoria Hoagland (@victoria_knnedy) February 01, 2013

congratulations to all my friends who accepted a bid to sigma nu this spring @Collin_Hutson and many more—
So_PoLo_Prichett (@dprichett) February 01, 2013

Officially signed my bid for sigma nu!!! This will be a night I will never forget! Time to embark on the best journey of my life!!—
Nick Lepore (@nick_lepore) February 01, 2013

S/O to my boy @Cole_Ludolph for receiving his Sigma Nu bid today! Happy for you, man!—
Grant Gash (@grantgash11) February 05, 2013

Received my official Sigma Nu bid tonight #pumped—
Cole Ludolph (@Cole_Ludolph) February 05, 2013

Congratulations to James "Sid" Scott for accepting a bid to Sigma Nu today!—
  (@UCAGreeks) February 05, 2013

Sigma Nu bid dinner #ThePit instagr.am/p/VK4qbeG6KQ/—
David Fuhrer (@David_Da_Dog) February 01, 2013

Related: 7 New Candidates Celebrating Their Bid to Join Sigma Nu on Twitter

Some spirited members of Gamma Pi Chapter were representin’ with a Sigma Nu flag during the Kansas vs. West Virginia men’s hoops game on ESPN last night. Here are nine people on Twitter who spotted the flag:

Gamma Pi Chapter showing their loyalty to the fraternity in the student section tonight! #LHT @SigmaNuHQ @SigmaNuWVU http://t.co/U6pXpS7G—
Steve Orlowski (@WVUSteveO) January 29, 2013

Representing @SigmaNuHQ with the flag and the foam cowboy hat! #SigmaNuPride #KUvsWVU—
Tim Shady. ™ (@timsioson) January 29, 2013

Good to see the @SigmaNuHQ flag at the Kansas/WV game. http://t.co/1W05LPlP—
Malcolm Rogers (@malcolm_rogers) January 29, 2013

Watchin ESPN big Monday, just saw a @SigmaNuHQ flag in the stands! Love it. Love being a brother. Beta Iota 1780!—
I am Shade (@shade_30) January 29, 2013

Saw my @SigmaNuWVU brothers waving our flag on #ESPN for #bigmonday @SigmaNuHQ—
Tyler Elvin (@TElvin44) January 29, 2013

Good to see the Brothers at WVU holding down the legion of honor on national television @SigmaNuHQ—
Rob Snyder (@rsnyder08) January 29, 2013

Nothing like seeing the flag on national tv. @SigmaNuHQ @SigmaNuWVU—
Phil Mintz (@PhilMintz) January 29, 2013

Shoutout to the brothers of Sigma Nu at WVU for getting the front row at the basketball game @SigmaNuHQ #LTH—
Scot Wiles (@scotwiles) January 29, 2013

Anybody else just see the @SigmaNuHQ flag at the Kansas vs WVU game on ESPN—
ΣiserdaN (@EiserFLYER) January 29, 2013

The University of Wisconsin, Madison announced last week a new program to award knowledge-based bachelor’s degrees that require no formal coursework.

As we’ve noted many times before, the major issues facing higher education — rising costs, degree inflation, lower job prospects — will make fraternities more relevant as students (and their parents) seek to squeeze as much value as possible from their college experience. Here are seven stories we’ve been following that could have a major impact on fraternities and sororities.

1. Faced with budget shortfalls, 38 states and counting have cut higher education spending, according to The Atlantic.

2. University of Wisconsin, Madison is experimenting with a program that awards bachelor’s degrees based on knowledge instead of coursework or credit hours.

3. A record 30% of Americans 25 or older have bachelor’s degrees, according to GOOD magazine.

4. More and more jobs are requiring bachelor’s degrees that did not as recently as five years ago.

5. San Jose State joins a growing list of universities offering free online classes for credit.

6. In case you haven’t heard, the cost of a college degree has skyrocketed and shows no sign of slowing down.

7. Is the cost of a college education still worth the price tag?

Bonus: ‘The Looming Higher Education Bubble‘ (The Delta, winter 2012 issue)