Jimmy Dykes talks leadership, Razorback sports

story and photo by Linda Kaufenberg
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The Fall 2011 session of 360 Leadership Series began Thursday (Sept. 1) with special guest speaker Jimmy Dykes, basketball sportscaster for ESPN and ABC Sports.

Before joining ESPN in 1995, Dykes served as assistant basketball coach at the University of Arkansas, Appalachian State University, University of Kentucky, Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and Oklahoma State University.

He also served as a scout for the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics. In 2006 he served a brief term as Shiloh Christian High School’s (Springdale) Athletic Director. Dykes is a 1985 graduate of the University of Arkansas and former basketball player for the Razorbacks. He currently resides in Johnson, Arkansas.

The 360 Leadership Series was created by a group of business professionals whose mission is to provide professional development, networking opportunities, and spiritual growth for Arkansas River Valley professionals. At the luncheon not only will you hear a speaker but you will also have the opportunity to network with other business professionals and potential mentors.

Dykes, speaking to the crowd gathered at the Phoenix Expo Trade and Event Center in Fort Smith, said many people have asked him, “Looking back on your career, why are you so successful?”

He said it comes down to being a doer, not a hearer. He noted you should not get bored with the fundamental things in life.

"Don’t always be reaching for the wow things and getting your minds and hearts on your next promotion," he suggested. "Sometimes by doing that, you don’t pay attention to your present job and excel where you are."

He talked about the first year that he did six games for ESPN. Setting up a meeting with the basketball director at ESPN, Dykes talked to him about getting more games and rising in the ranks.

“That meeting lasted 11 minutes,” said Dykes. “He told me I had no built-in star power and would not get many more games.”

Dykes decided then if he did not make it, it was not going to be because he was not good enough So he kept preparing, stayed faithful to his basic ideals and after four years, signed a contract with ESPN.

“Every day people rise to the top if they treat people right; they are on time and they produce every day,” noted Dykes. “The best coaches excel in the day-to-day activities – being honest, being prepared and holding people accountable.”

Dykes said Arkansas Razorback football coach Bobby Petrino told him that “each practice is just a grind. If we keep doing it every day, then we will be good.” Dykes said he believes that Petrino will bring a national championship to Arkansas in the future.

He discussed how after every game team members come together to look at the game film. This is where correction comes. Teams that just watch the film are no good.

“You have to see your mistakes and act on them,” he said. “The same thing is true in your everyday life.”

Talking about the Razorbacks, Dykes said on Wednesday he watched the Hogs practice.

“We have a legitimate offensive line this year,” Dykes said. “Kniles Davis was a big loss to the team.”

In talking about the quarterback, he said Greenwood-native Tyler Wilson is as good a leader as on any college campus. Defensively, he said, the line looks like Alabama and that is what you want.

“We (the Razorbacks) have the chance to be outstanding,” said Dykes. “but we play three top 10 teams, Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M, all at their stadiums. I am glad we are playing Alabama the fourth game as they also have a new quarterback.”

In talking about Razorback basketball, he commented that Mike Anderson is taking basketball on a quick rise.

“It’s not going to be easy to win in Bud Walton Area,” Dykes predicted. “Anderson needs some more boys and does not have much height so his guards will have to be aggressive.”

Dykes also said losing Rotnei Clark was big. He noted that Clark needed to be a point guard in order to play a the next level and feels that he will get that chance at Butler, a chance that was not available to Arkansas.

Following is the schedule for the remaining 360 Leadership Series speakers.
• Oct. 6: Judi Neal, director of Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace, University of Arkansas

• Nov. 3: Steve Clark, co-founder of Rockfish Interactive

• Dec. 1: “Leadership Jazz,” panel discussion of how the panel members lead their organizations to perform. Panel members are Tim Bailey, president of Candy Craze; Craig Pair, Control Technologies; and Melody Trimble, CEO of Sparks Health System