The Cost of Winning

"When you become part of a team, you have to give up certain individual rights.
But, when you are a leader on a team, you have to give up even more."

A teammate helps carry the mission.
A leader helps carry the people. pic.twitter.com/oWeCizZHlW

— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) July 5, 2026

One word stands out from Coach Ellis Lane's teachings: "Sacrifice." 

Winning has costs - time, effort, what you want versus what the team needs. Putting the team first means putting yourself second. That's easy for many and difficult for a few. 

There's a saying from the old sci-fi television show Star Trek: "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few...or the one." 

"Leaders eat last."