Lady Gaga, a huge part of the Times Square celebration ringing in the New Year, carries a message that coaches would be wise to heed throughout 2012.

Gaga has said she was bullied in high school, including being placed into a trash can on a street corner. Some people dispute that she was bullied back then, but one thing is for sure: People don’t forget experiences that make them feel small.

It’s an important lesson for coaches long after the New Year’s ball has fallen and the buffalo chicken dip has been put away:

People may forget what you say. They may forget what you do. But they will never forget the way you make them feel.

Said psychologist, Frank Barron: “Never take a person’s dignity: it is worth everything to them, and nothing to you.”

Great coaches know this rule: Correct in private, praise in public. A person who gets humiliated in front of a group may forgive, but will never forget.

“Every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect,” said U. Thant, former secretary-general of the United Nations.

The same holds true for teams. It’s easy to praise the best players; it’s another thing to notice the contributions of all. Beware of double-standards. People will see quickly if you play favorites. Respect builds motivation.

Lady Gaga figures to be in the public eye a lot in 2012. It will help your team if you use her every mention as a reminder to treat everyone with respect.

Have a Happy New Year!