The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers need succession plan

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA,PA - JANUARY 4: Coach Mike D'antoni of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on along with Brett Brown against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center on January 4, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - JANUARY 4: Coach Mike D'antoni of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on along with Brett Brown against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center on January 4, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 8: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers shakes hands with head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs after the game at the Wells Fargo Center on February 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 111-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 8: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers shakes hands with head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs after the game at the Wells Fargo Center on February 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 111-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Develop talents from within the organization capable of assuming a leadership role

The Philadelphia 76ers owe a great deal of thanks to the San Antonio Spurs.  Not only did the San Antonio Spurs train current Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown to lead an NBA team, but they did so knowing that he would assume an head coaching position someday.

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And they did so happily and willingly.

Now that did not stop the San Antonio Spurs from continued success. They continue to be one of the NBA’s most successful teams. But it demonstrates one of the key principals. Developing talents is not to suggest that you are encouraging defection. On the contrary, you develop the skillsets within the organization to develop loyalty, expertise, and capacity.

Developing talents from within is win-win for organization

Any organization which is known for “promoting from within” has a distinct advantage over other organizations. People are eager and willing to take on more today, in the hope of promotion tomorrow.

And those who have benefited from a caring mentor are far more likely to take rookies under their own wing and help them transition to their new team.  We did an annual review of the Philadelphia 76ers coaching staff recently.  One of the surprising facts uncovered is the team hired assistant coach Lloyd Pierce to work under head coach Brett Brown, a position he interviewed for earlier.  This is the perfect scenario.

By bringing Pierce to the staff, the Philadelphia 76ers have already ignited the mentoring process. Pierce came to the team in the belief that his career would benefit from the experience. That’s how developing organizations attract superior talent.