Checking Boxes as a Winner*

*Adapted from my basketball blog.  

Checklists help in many domains - construction, air travel, healthcare, finance, restaurants, and more. 

What do you have on your checklist for "Lead without a Title?" I wrote a blog post with bullet points and asked Chat GPT Plus to convert it to a checklist. 

Use this daily. Leadership is not occasional. It’s habitual.

Team & Teammates

☐ I encouraged at least one teammate today
☐ I communicated clearly and positively
☐ I brought energy to practice or matches
☐ I celebrated teammates’ success
☐ I helped a teammate without being asked

Effort & Competitiveness

☐ I gave my best effort on every drill
☐ I sprinted in transitions (on and off the court)
☐ I competed without complaining
☐ I stayed engaged, even when I wasn’t in the spotlight

Coachability & Growth

☐ I listened fully when coached
☐ I responded to feedback with action, not excuses
☐ I asked at least one thoughtful question
☐ I focused on improvement, not comparison

Culture & Standards

☐ I was on time and prepared
☐ I was never a distraction
☐ I modeled positive body language
☐ I upheld team values when no one was watching

Service & Ownership

☐ I did a “dirty job” (balls, cleanup, help)
☐ I asked, “How can I help?”
☐ I put the team’s needs ahead of my own
☐ I left the gym better than I found it

Off the Court

☐ I represented the program with class
☐ I handled academics responsibly
☐ I took care of my body (sleep, nutrition, recovery)