Ten Core Concepts and Sources

Life constantly teaches us, if we are open to learning. We need to expand our tools and how we share them with our players. How they practice, talk, meet, interact, and learn informs their growth as people first and players second. 

1. Source: The Handmaid's Tale (Margaret Atwood)

We can only become our better version as we recognize our flaws and consciously work to overcome them. 

2. Source: Monday Morning Leadership (David Cottrell)

Do we ask ourselves "what is the right thing?" and follow through? 

3. Source: Monday Morning Leadership (David Cottrell)

Success begins with our culture and relationships. Do you work for someone or with them? Cottrell has also expressed it as "People don't quit jobs. They quit people." 

4. Source: The Legacy Builder (Rod Olson)

Our job is to teach and inspire; "be demanding without demeaning." Become a '3-Dimensional coach. The Level 3 Coach "captures the heart of the athlete, develops relationships. Intrinsic motivation. These connections allow the fundamentals to be taught and learned more effectively and allow the psychology to gain real traction. Player EFFORT and ATTITUDE improves and affects all facets of the team and sport." 

5. Source: You Win the Locker Room First (Jon Gordon and Mike Smith) 

Commitment isn't enough only one dimension in the broader domain.

6. Source: The Positive Dog (Jon Gordon) 

Embrace positivity. Find solutions, not just problems. 

7. Source: Quotes, John Wooden

But don't confuse activity with indifference. The ostrich has a purpose. 

8. Source: The Empire Strikes Back, George Lucas



Part of "speaking greatness" is building confidence through proven success. The legacy of 'The Hero's Journey" plays out every day in sports. 

Whether it's Odysseus in The Odyssey, Batman, or Norman Dale in Hoosiers, extraordinary journeys are out there for our players. Encourage them to write a great narrative for themselves.

9. Source: Made to Stick 

Become a storyteller. Captivate your audience by learning the intricacies of narrative. Listeners absorb more concepts and information from a great story. Timely intervention is abstract. "Havlicek stole the ball" or "The Block" define it.  

Executive Book Summary of MADE TO STICK from Anjali Mehta

10. Source: Tools of Titans, Tim Ferriss

If we want to be exceptional, then we have to act exceptional every day. We need better tools, better habits, better attitude. The tools are out there...

Stretching is both figurative and literal...