THE MONDAY LEADOFF

Hi my friend 🫡

Be what you want your team to become.

The team follows the lead of the coach. This past week, my baseball team significantly underperformed. I started to look at what my athletes were doing wrong and then it hit me... it's on me. I realize I need to do a few things better: keep my cool no matter what, be encouraging and specific with feedback, and be two steps ahead.

I also need to be more consistent; I preach process over outcome but was getting wrapped up in outcomes. How do I get my team to seek daily progress, keep cool under pressure, and make the next best decision?

Simple: Be what I want my team to become.

METHODS OF THE WEEK:

Legendary hoops coach, John Wooden, emphasizes these coaching methods in his book Wooden on Leadership:

1. Be a teacher. Follow the laws of learning -- explanation and demonstration, imitation, criticism of the imitation, repetition until the habit is formed.
2. Use lectures, photos, movies, diagrams, etc. to supplement daily practices.
3. Insist on punctuality and proper dress for practice.
4. Insist on strict attention.
5. Practice is preparation.
6. Show patience.
7. Give new things early in the practice period and then repeat daily until learned.
8. Avoid harsh, public criticism. Use praise.
9. Encourage teamwork and unselfishness.
10. Do considerable individual coaching of individuals.
11. Use small, carefully organized groups.
12. Have a definite practice plan -- and follow it.

GRAPHIC OF THE WEEK:

(Credit: Liz Fosslien)

WHAT'S BEEN WORKING

1.

Intentional self-talk

Whenever I slip into self-cursing, I try to be intentional about recontextualizing the self-talk. I ask myself, "What would you say to a friend if they'd just committed the same act?" And then I talk it out as a reassuring friend. This has been extremely helpful.

2.

Mentors

The older I get, the less I ask for help. However, sometimes, asking for help is the next best move. Connecting with mentors about specific situations in their wheelhouse has been beneficial. This past weekend I reached out to my college baseball coach about a coaching issue that I've been having. He gave me sage feedback and helped me to see some blind spots.

QUOTE I'M PONDERING

"What matters isn't being applauded when you arrive -- for this is common -- but being missed when you leave." -Baltasar Gracian

Nothing but the best,

Matt 🎯

P.S. If you find this email insightful, forward it to someone who would enjoy reading it!