What Lessons Resonate from Other Sports

Elite coaches share insights and dispel myths. Let's examine quotes from some of the best coaches in history. 

Scotty Bowman - winner of nine Stanley Cups. 

Preparation, training, and adjustments aren't guarantees. But failing those increases the chance of defeat. 

"The better the coaching has become, the worse the game has become." There's a constant tug-of-war between growing individual skills and defensive adjustments. Lower level teams mimicking the styles of the NBA produce hard-to-watch basketball. 

Vince Lombardi - won five NFL championships, including Super Bowl I, II

"In the ultimate team sport, real success doesn’t depend on tactics or discipline or order.  It always comes down to how well a coach leads."

"Personal accountability is the ultimate sign of strength.  When a leader admits mistakes, it shows the team that he expects as much from himself as he does his players." Claims of perfection reduce credibility. Every coach makes mistakes. 

Bill Belichick - winner of eight Super Bowls, six as a head coach

“We are not collecting talent; we are building a team.”

"Mental toughness is doing what's best for the team, even when it's not best for you." Don't overlook finding team players. 

Jack Clark - 14 National 15s Rugby Championships, 5 National 7s Titles

From Jen Sinkler interview with Coach Clark

"On this team, the leadership model is open to everybody. For instance, even if you’re a freshman, you have the ability to make those around you better and more productive: Don’t be a distraction, be on time, know your stuff, play hard and well when you’re called on. Even if you’re not the star player, you’re contributing to that leadership model." Leaders make leaders and there's no exclusivity for upperclassmen. 

Dan Gable - Iowa wrestling coach, 15 National Team titles

"Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts."

"I never won anything by myself. I was always strong because of help that gave me extra strength to win." Find a mentor. 

Jill Ellis - US Women's National Team soccer - 2 FIFA World Cups

"I can truly say this: I don't care, and I've never really read what people thought." "Don't take anything personally." One way is to ignore the outside noise.

Jose Mourinho - won three Premier League soccer titles

"Young players are like melons. Only when you open and taste the melon are you 100% sure that the melon is good.”

"I would rather play with 10 men than wait for a player who is late for the bus." You're all in for the team or you're not.