🏆 25 Hard-Earned Coaching Truths

💭 ONE THOUGHT
25 Coaching Truths Revealed

Coaching is quite the journey.

A rollercoaster of highs and lows, victories and setbacks.

Along the way, it’s not just the players who grow; coaches evolve and grow, too.

After 30+ years in coaching, I’ve had my share of wins, losses, and everything in between.

Through it all, I’ve been documenting the insights, truths, and principles that have shaped my coaching philosophy.

Here are 25 of those hard-earned coaching truths

1-5: The Foundation

Every great team starts with a strong foundation. These truths are the bedrock of successful coaching and team building.

1. What you allow is what you’ll get. Culture is built on the behaviors you tolerate.

2. Energy is contagious. Your players feed off your attitude—bring it every day. Your energy is your most powerful tool as a leader—learn how to channel it effectively here.

3. The best teams are player-led. Develop leaders who take ownership. That is exactly why I created the Team Leader OS.

4. Consistency builds trust. If you aren’t consistent, your players won’t believe in you.

5. The fundamentals always matter. A great team never outgrows the basics.

6-10: The Process

Once the foundation is set, the process takes over. Success isn’t random—it’s built through purposeful preparation and attention to detail.

6. Prepare with purpose. A great plan beats great intentions.

7. Little things are the big things. Details win games.

8. Effort is non-negotiable. You can’t coach heart, but you can demand effort.

9. The scoreboard is a liar. Focus on the process, not just the outcome.

10. Patience is part of the job. Progress takes time—trust the journey.

11-15: Relationships

Coaching is all about relationships. Players won’t follow you unless they know you care. These truths will help you build trust and connection with your team

11. Players don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

12. Listen more than you speak. Connection starts with understanding.

13. Every player is different. Coach individuals, not just systems.

14. Praise effort, not talent. Build confidence in what they can control.

15. Be present. Players will remember how you made them feel.

16-20: Leadership

Leadership is about action, not just words. These truths will help you lead by example and inspire your team, especially in challenging moments.

16. Lead by example. Your actions set the tone for your team.

17. Accountability starts with you. Hold yourself to the same standards you expect.

18. Adversity reveals character. Tough moments are where true leadership shines.

19. Your job is to serve, not control. Great leaders lift others up.

20. Culture is built every day. It’s not a one-time talk—it’s a constant commitment.

21-25: Winning the Right Way

Winning isn’t just about the scoreboard—it’s about doing things the right way. These truths will help you focus on what truly matters and leave a lasting legacy.

21. Winning is a byproduct of preparation. Focus on what leads to success.

22. Celebrate progress. Don’t wait until it’s perfect to acknowledge growth.

23. Your words have power. Be intentional with how you speak to your team.

24. Stay humble in victory and gracious in defeat. How you handle both speaks volumes.

25. Never stop learning. The best coaches are lifelong students of the game and of life.

Final Thought

Coaching isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about shaping people and leaving a lasting legacy.

These truths have guided me for 30 years. Which one will guide you this week?

Make it a great week, Coach!
Greg

P.S. Want to take your coaching to the next level? Better Coach OS has everything you need—25% off today!

TOGETHER WITH MORNING BREW

Here’s Why Over 4 Million Professionals Read Morning Brew

• Business news explained in plain English

• Straight facts, zero fluff, & plenty of puns

• 100% free

See for yourself

📜 TWO QUOTES

𝐗 THREE POSTS FROM OTHERS

BETTER COACH OS → 🚨 25% OFF for a Limited Time!

This is the course that will make you a BETTER COACH next season.

🔗 PRODUCTS I LOVE

📋 Practice Planner LIVE: I have used this Practice Planning Software for 13 years! Simple, Practical, and Powerful. Click here for a free 14-day trial.

💤 PreSleep: My wife swears by this. An all-natural sleep supplement drink designed to support your body's natural sleep cycle and get the sleep you deserve! Use coupon code = GREG10 to get 10% off. [LINK]

I am an affiliate for some of the products listed here. I only sponsor products that I use myself.

📚 BOOKS, COURSES, BUNDLES, & FREE RESOURCES

Bundles:

• The OS Bundle - Save $ when you get the Team Leader OS and Better Coach OS.

• Mega Bundle - Get ALL of my paid resources, save BIG $.

• Culture WINS Bundle - Get ALL of my Culture resources in place.

• Super Bundle - Bundle all four of my books and save $.

• Buy Two, Get One Free - My three most popular books.

• Culture Wins Book Bundle - Both books for a discount.

• ADs: Want site licenses for a school? Reply to this email for more.

Courses, Curriculum, and More:

• Team Leader OS - Develop your team leaders year after year.

• Better Coach OS - Masterclass course to be a better coach.

• Culture Wins Curriculum - Growing curriculum to use with a ‘Captain’s Council’ concept in your school.

• Culture WINS Mini-Course - A 37-minute Culture WINS Course for coaches.

• Pre-Season Playbook - 33 pages to prepare for your season.

• Off-Season Playbook - The season’s done, but the work is not.

Find all FREE books and resources at gberge.gumroad.com.

👀 OTHER WAYS I CAN HELP

1. Are you interested in Sponsoring an Issue? Reply to this email or click here: Sponsor Great Team Better Leaders.

2. Are you seeking a Culture or Leadership workshop for your team or school? Contact Greg for more information.

Contact Me: Greg Berge, [email protected]