Appeal to emotion. Coach Mike Krzyzewski faced the challenge of motivating NBA professionals to win an Olympic gold medal.
He took the team on a New York ferry, pointing out the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island where his polish grandfather arrived a century before.
He recognized the players came from different backgrounds and experiences, including the legacy of slavery. He asked each to "think about the one person who most helped you get here." He reminded them that on "August 24th in Beijing, we'll be playing for the Gold Medal. When the National Anthem is playing, you'll have your hand over your heart. And I want you to be thinking about that special person."
When the anthem played, he saw multiple players in tears as they contemplated that difference maker.
Coaches have the opportunity to transform excellent into extraordinary, to go above and beyond. You never know when your actions or your words will 'touch the heart' of another. That makes every conversation, however small, potentially life changing.
Imagine late November has arrived. You survived offseason training, attention to strength and conditioning, and tryouts. That moment arrives when your coaching staff calls you into the office and hands you a varsity jersey. "You earned this. We expect big things from you this season. We believe in you."
Imagine how that will make you feel.
Lagniappe. "Challenge" layups... one of a number of options.
Love it. MUCH better than 1v0 layups or 1v0 Mikans (which…have I mentioned, are pretty much useless?) https://t.co/pNIbcRYCez
— Aaron Fernandez, M.Ed. (@CoachFernandez1) May 6, 2023
