I’ve learned this to be true over the years - the best players I have ever coached usually have one thing in common: Perspective. They get it. They don’t take themselves to seriously. They aren’t big ego guys who are full of themselves.

Good leaders who spend the time to ask and listen to what others are facing generally gain a different perspective on how to value, validate, motivate, and push people to reach their potential.

WHAT GIVES A MAN OR WOMAN THE RIGHT TO LEAD?

It certainly isn't gained by election or appointment. Having position, title, rank, or degrees doesn't qualify anyone to lead other people.

"You might think my job is to win championships, It's not. My job is to build smart, strong, talented men who win championships”

Psychological safety arises from the commitment leaders and peers have to learning from each other and finding shared understanding and meaning through dialogue.

You want to make dead sure that the next person you hire is not a system leader but a learning leader. It’s a coach who should say: “I want to learn from the players on what made this team successful, and then I’m going to focus on expanding and maximizing the toolkit.”

“Can you be committed to the process… without being emotionally attached to the results?”

“Learning takes place through discovery, not when you’re told something, but when you figure it out for yourself. “

Enjoyed this discussion I had with Billy and, two great high school coaches who are invested in getting better and making other coaches better.

A good conversation with a former Hamilton College classmate of mine, Damian Digiulian, who is the head hockey coach at St. Michael’s in Vermont. He has a great podcast focused on young coaches, leadership approach and navigating the business.

“When your best player can be coached hard, that is going to be good for your franchise.”

“He resonates with the older guys. He listens to everything they say. He fits into everything you’re doing. He takes coaching.”

“We are not here to coach your energy and your effort. That’s a given.”

“Your habits are really who you are.”

Whoever asks the most questions wins. Asking the right questions is a great leadership tool.

The best leaders listen more than they talk.

“That’s what makes you walk into a room different for the rest of your life.”

Far too often, leaders “think” their way through a tough message and create a mess in the process.