Traffic in Specifics - Making Teammates Better

A prized skill portfolio is the ability to make teammates better, which makes the team better. 

In studying or coaching, consider specific ways to achieve results.

1. Leadership. It's essential for top players to model excellence - punctuality, positivity, effort. 

2. Mentoring. "Mentoring is the only shortcut to excellence." Teach the culture. "This is who we are." Upperclassmen unselfishly show younger players "this is how we do it." They "know the way, show the way, and go the way." 

3. No distractions. Always "represent" yourself, your family, and the team at home, in the classroom, in the community, and on the court. When you're studying, study. No texting and driving. Follow the chemical substance policy. "The adolescent brain suffers numerous toxicities from alcohol."

4. How excellence looks. Are you setting or raising the standard:

• Attention is a skill. Listening, eye contact, posture.
• Be the hardest worker. 
• Communicate as a coach on the floor. 
• Be positive. 
• Be worthy of teammates to follow. 

5. Focus on process. Chase excellence at home, school, and in the gym. Better habits make better players. Taking care of business includes hydration, nutrition, post-workout recovery (? contrast therapy), rest, sleep. 

The Fourth Agreement ("Always do your best") doesn't guarantee perfection. It minimizes regret. 

Lagniappe. TTP. "Trust the process."