In giving his excellent team-building sessions, my friend and fellow author Gary Pritchard always says that there are three things you can control: your effort, your attitude and your response to failure. He calls it EAR. Now billionaire sports owner Mark Cuban is echoing Pritchard. In this article from Business Insider, Cuban, owner of the […]
We are all salespeople. For example, coaches are trying to sell a system, or new habits, or principles to their team. They’re trying to motivate, teach, reinforce, you name it. Whatever you’re selling, take a look at this article and see if any of these traps are holding you back. Remember, communication is a skill […]
Here’s a case of a coach thinking outside the box. Temple basketball coach Fran Dunphy underlined the need for teamwork by taking his team for a workout with the crew squad. His players got a first-hand look at chemistry. Give this coach high marks for understanding that the game goes well beyond X’s and O’s […]
The other day on a cooking show, the host said she was making a classic French dish. “Classic French dish,” she said, “is code for lots and lots of butter.” Wow! That really made me think. I’ve heard the phrase “classic French dish” many times, but I never attached the same meaning to it that […]
What effect do your pep talks have? Do you actually inspire your players? Or would you cringe if you could hear yourself? This article by softball maven Cindy Bristow contains an exercise that could help you find out. In fact, even thinking about the exercise could make you a better coach. Get your tape recorder […]
This article from US News sheds some light on what motivates children and adolescents. It compares and contrasts pupils in the United States and China. It says that up to a certain age, pupils in both countries are motivated by a desire to please their parents. Then things change. As they move into adolescence, according […]
What do the Royal Wedding and the NFL draft have in common? Neither one can be judged by the early hoopla. Success is determined only over the long haul, and after adversity. This is true is every area of life. A big splash is nothing compared to a deep pool. Anyone can be successful over […]
If you’re looking for insight into leadership, check out the recent Sports Illustrated profile of Baltimore Orioles Manager Buck Showalter by writer Tom Verducci. Showalter is trying to turn around a franchise that has not had a winning season since 1997. So he is talking to his players about the approach to success. In one […]
When world-class cellist Pablo Casals was 93, someone asked him why he still practiced with such diligence. Casals said, “I think I’m making progress.” Imagine staying fascinated with something for that long! After decades, Casals was interested in getting better! You can use his example to achieve greatness in your field. If you can become […]
Whether you know it or not, you’re in the business of sales. — If you’re a parent, you’re trying to sell your children on values and habits. — If you’re a teacher, you’re trying to sell your students on curiosity and knowledge. — If you’re a coach, you’re trying to sell your athletes on a […]