👋 Good morning! ‘Great Teams Better Leaders’ is written by Greg Berge. Have an idea or something to share? Just hit reply. I read and respond to every message.
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💭 ONE THOUGHT
Can Your Players Count on You?
There are a lot of words we use in coaching and leadership.
Culture.
Accountability.
Standards.
Trust.
But underneath all of them is a simpler question:
Can I count on you?
That question matters everywhere.
At home.
At work.
On teams.
Players don’t need perfect coaches.
They need consistent ones.
Trust isn’t built in speeches or slogans.
It’s built through presence, follow-through, and showing up the same way every day.
This week, a reader of this newsletter, Bobby Puppione, shared a story with me that stopped me in my tracks.
It’s about his father, Rich Puppione, a lifelong educator and coach.
It’s a powerful reminder of what really lasts.
Here are Bobby’s words.
In His Words (Bobby Puppione)
“Last week, my father passed away unexpectedly.
Both of my parents were lifelong educators, and my dad also coached us in baseball, soccer, and basketball.
After he passed, I asked my mom what her favorite thing about him was. Without hesitation, she said, ‘I could always count on him.’
As I reflected on my relationship with both my dad and my mom, that rang true — I could always count on them.
When I returned to training this week, I shared the news about my dad’s passing with our teams and told the players what my mom had said. That simple statement stuck with me.
In coaching, being someone players can count on should be at the heart of the position. It means being reliable, consistent, and present every day — not just when it’s easy.
When players know they can count on their coach, trust is built. And with trust, real growth and improvement follow.
The same is true for teammates. Being someone others can count on is the sign of a great teammate. Reliability builds trust, trust strengthens the connection, and that connection raises the level of everyone on the team.”
Thank you, Bobby, for these powerful words and for allowing me to share them with this community.
Stories like this remind us that leadership isn’t measured in titles or records, but in whether people know they can count on you.
Why This Matters
Teams don’t rise on hype.
They rise on trust.
And trust is built by being dependable.
When players know you’ll show up, be fair, and be consistent, they stop guessing and start investing.
That’s when accountability sticks.
That’s when culture becomes real.
A Reminder for Coaches
Young people don’t need perfect coaches.
They need present ones.
Long after the season ends, they’ll remember this:
Could I count on you?
That’s the standard worth chasing.
Good luck,
- Greg
📜 GREAT QUOTES
“Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.”
“Dreams are free. Goals have a cost. While you can daydream for free, goals don’t come without a price. Time, Effort, Sacrifice, and Sweat. How will you pay for your goals?“
🔗 LINKS FOR LEADERS
🎥 Video: Lou Holtz on Leadership, Love, and Trust. [LINK]
🆇 ICYMI: 9 Lessons for Every Young Coach [LINK]
📰 Article: The 33% Rule
📚 LOOKING FOR RESOURCES?
Culture Wins OS: The Culture Wins OS is a step-by-step system for coaches who want to build a strong, intentional team culture that lasts. It includes short video lessons, plug-and-play templates, and a powerful, custom AI tool you can use right away. Whether you're just starting to define your culture or want to take it to the next level, this gives you a clear, proven blueprint to build a team-first environment, without the overwhelm.
The Team Leader OS: The Team Leader OS is a simple, powerful leadership system for coaches who want to build real leaders. It’s packed with short videos, ready-to-use tools, and practical strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you're starting a leadership program or looking to strengthen your team culture, this gives you a clear path forward without adding to your workload.
Better Coach OS: Better Coach OS is a practical masterclass for coaches who want to grow beyond the X’s and O’s. It covers everything from leadership and communication to culture, motivation, and handling tough situations—delivered in short, actionable lessons. Whether you're a new coach or a veteran, it's built to help you lead with confidence and clarity.
👀 LOOKING FOR MORE?
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Are you seeking a Culture or Leadership workshop for your team or school? Contact Greg for more information.
Check out my website for more: www.gb1leadership.com
Need resources? www.gberge.gumroad.com
Contact Me: Greg Berge, [email protected]