Fast Ten: Ten Things to Do Today to Build Better Players

How can we make a difference to our players today?

1. Listen better. We need to listen to them and they need to practice listening. Listening leads to acquiring new information and skills.
2. Work harder. If you want to compete in a world of competitors, you must 'get after it' every day. 
3. Read more. Kevin Eastman of the LA Clippers and formerly of the Celtics reads two hours a day. Over time, that really adds up. 
4. Write it down. Keep a journal or a blog. Don Meyer used to keep three...basketball knowledge, general knowledge, and a thankfulness journal for his wife...which he gave her every year. 
5. Be a mentor. Share something great.
6. Make a difference. Do something unexpected for someone today. 
7. Speak greatness. Compliment people around you. "Water the flowers."
8. Tell a story. Stories stick. In "Made to Stick", the Heath brothers explain how to make meaningful presentations that stick. Use the acronym SUCCESs - Simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional, story. 
9. Remind them to PUSH the T. Passion, unity, servant leadership, humility, and thankfulness belong to great teams and productive individuals. 
10. Use four words. You say, "I believe in you," and teach them to respond, "I can do that."