a constant focus on what is missing, or what needs to get better, or where the flaws are can turn aspirations into frustrations.
As a coach, or manager, or principal, or leader in any arena, rather than seeing the hole, we should step back more often to appreciate the doughnut. We should find things to be grateful for.
October is here, and that means that we are in the middle of Football Season! For millions of fans who have been holding their breath and suffering through the desolation of late summer athletic programming, the next dozen weekends will be a feast of entertainment. As a basketball coach, even I can appreciate the excitement […]
Successful teamwork begins with establishing crystal clear expectations. This is true not just for leaders, but for communication between teammates as well. The more intentional you can be about ensuring your message is received, understood, and acted upon the more success your team will enjoy. Still, the reality is that every organization struggles at times […]
I was reminded of an important technique you can use to motivate your team while talking with my son about the basketball camp he attended this week. One of the things that makes him a good player is intrinsic motivation – he practices on his own because he just enjoys getting better. He doesn’t do […]
With the NFL draft approaching, millions of people are getting excited about the addition of talent to their team rosters. Most people can see and appreciate talent – but great leaders know that talent alone is never sufficient. Talent without character and trust – traits of great teammates – will always underachieve. So how do […]
The truth is that whistles aren’t necessary. As a young coach, I thought I needed a whistle to get my players’ attention and ensure they were listening to me. Turns out, a few years into my coaching career I learned that it wasn’t the whistle that truly earned their attention. Sure, it was disruptive and […]
If you are searching for an effective event facilitator to help with any group productivity meeting, there are a number of things you should consider. A strong facilitator will discuss goals with the meeting planner and have a thorough understanding of the meeting’s purpose prior to his or her arrival. It is vital that the […]
A few weeks ago I experienced my first Spartan Sprint. The “Sprint” is a 4-5 mile obstacle course race created by Joe De Sena, an entrepreneur and extreme endurance race enthusiast. In 2012, Outside magazine designated it the “Best Obstacle Race,” and hundreds of thousands of people have participated in Spartan race events around the […]
A LETTER TO ATHLETES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF TOUGHNESS: “Dear Player: I am glad you have worked to build skills, and skills will serve you well when you are on the floor competing against other talented athletes… but it is not skill alone that separates successful achievers from the mediocre masses. The greatest divider […]
In virtually every aspect of your life, you can find examples of the importance of teamwork. But teamwork is built on team trust, and that trust is supported and established like the seat of a three legged stool – by three important supporting elements. The absence or weakness of any of the legs on a […]