Michelangelo warned us, “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” How can coaches keep their athletes from falling into this trap, from falling short of their potential.
Everyone appreciates a “class act.” The term is synonymous with athletes who demonstrate sportsmanship and respect toward their teammates and opponents. It is a reflection of their character. What coach doesn’t want a roster filled with class act athletes?
Championship teams rely on having team leaders in the locker room. However, athletes on the team have to earn the right to lead their teammates. It starts with leading themselves. Leading yourself begins with developing character.
Great teams pursue big goals. They go after the BHAGS (big, hairy, audacious goals) that Jim Collins noted of top performing organizations in Good to Great. However, setting big goals can be scary for your team. What if they fail? Big goals come with pressure and expectations. Show your team how to embrace the fear and chase big goals.
Dale Carnegie said, “Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn — and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” As a coach, do you play the fool or demonstrate character in how you interact with your players? Are you wasting your breath, time, and energy on criticism?
I love pre-game speeches. I love the excitement and anticipation before the face off. I love watching coaches, like yourself, share a few final thoughts before the teams take the field. How can you make the most of those precious moments before the game? Let’s look at 4 Cs to guide your pre-game speech.
Confidence can be a double edged sword. Like the tale of Goldilocks, an athlete’s dose must be just right; otherwise it erodes his or her performance. More importantly, an athlete’s confidence impacts attitude, work ethic, and so much more.
Coaches love the go-getters, the players who work their tails off to make themselves and their teammates better. What if you could convert more of your roster into these type of athletes? What if you could multiply your greatest asset?
Superteams load their rosters with high-dollar free agents in an attempt to win a single championship. They poach talent from their competition to tip the scales in their favor. However, the notion that you have to be a Superteam to win is a myth. In fact, most Superteams flop. A closer look at two recent victors reveals four secrets to their success.
Athletes today are bombarded by lies about talent. They are told to trust the process yet commentators repeatedly praise top performers for being natural talents. How important is talent to success, really?
