🏆 3 Ways to Unlock Your Team's Leadership

💭 ONE THOUGHT
3 Ways to Unlock Your Team's Leadership

Why do some players hesitate to lead?

The truth is, many kids don’t naturally step into leadership roles, not because they lack ability, but because they don’t know how or fear judgment from peers.

It’s easy for us as coaches to see their leadership potential, but the challenge is helping them see it for themselves.

Leadership always starts with a choice.

“Choosing to lead” is step one in my 7-Step Leadership Model in the Team Leader OS. The best leaders don’t always start as the loudest or most confident. Leadership begins with the simple decision to step forward and take on responsibility, even in small ways.

But that choice often requires a nudge from a coach to build confidence and create opportunities.

Here are three ways to encourage your players to make that choice and step into leadership:

1. Create Safe Opportunities
   If players are allowed to lead small drills or groups with low stakes, they can build confidence without fear of failure.

   Example: Have a different player lead warm-ups at each practice. This gives them a chance to practice giving instructions to their teammates in a structured, safe environment. When players succeed in these small leadership roles, they’ll feel more confident stepping into bigger ones.

2. Encourage Ownership
   Leadership isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about taking ownership. Assigning responsibilities helps players realize that leadership extends beyond words and builds trust in their abilities.

   Example: Assign a player the task of organizing a team-building activity or planning a strategy session before a game. This hands-on approach shows that leadership happens on and off the court or field.

3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results
   Recognize when players step up, even if they stumble. Praise the initiative, not just the outcome, to build their confidence and desire to lead.

   Example: After a player takes initiative—whether leading a drill or addressing the team—highlight their effort in front of the group. Say, “I really appreciate you stepping up and giving directions today. That shows real leadership.” By focusing on the effort, you encourage others to step out of their comfort zones, knowing their attempts will be valued.

A lack of initiative is often a result of fear, not indifference.

As coaches, we have the ability to create a culture where stepping into leadership feels safe, valued, and encouraged.

When players are supported and celebrated for their efforts, they’re far more likely to make the choice to lead.

Leadership starts with a decision. Be the coach who inspires it.

Good Luck!
Greg

P.S. Want a deeper dive into how to inspire your players to lead? Team Leader OS provides a step-by-step system to develop your players into confident leaders. Step one? Teaching them how to choose leadership. Save 25% today.

 TOGETHER WITH 1440

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

If you're frustrated by one-sided reporting, our 5-minute newsletter is the missing piece. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you comprehensive, unbiased news—free from political agendas. Stay informed with factual coverage on the topics that matter.

Join for free today!

📜 TWO QUOTES

𝐗 THREE POSTS FROM OTHERS

🔗 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.

BETTER COACH OS 🚨

What is included?

Nine modules on the most critical aspects needed to be a great coach. 

1.  Why do you coach?

2.  Organization 101

3.  Communication 101

4.  Culture Wins

5.  Leadership Matters

6.  Building Commitment

7.  Motivation and Mindset

8.  Personnel, Practice Planning, & Strategy

9.  The Art of Coaching

Plus, a BONUS Module with three mini-courses on the Head Coach Interview, the Sports Parent, and 21 Lessons Learned in a Lifetime of Coaching.

📚 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.

TOGETHER WITH BRAD’S DEALS

Where to Find the Best Deals on Hoka Shoes

Meaning “to fly” in Maori, Hoka was founded in 2009 so that anyone spending long hours on their feet could get the ultimate experience with optimum cushioning and stability. Less than 15 years after its founding, Hoka is bringing in revenues topping a billion dollars a year, so it’s clear that people are loving this brand. But with quality comes high prices, and Hoka is no doubt in the high end price-wise. Thanks to Brad's Deals, we found the best prices on Hoka.

Here are the top 8 stores where you can find great deals on Hoka.

👀 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]