🏆 Chatter Don't Matter

Everyone has an opinion. Parents. Fans. Friends. Social media. Even strangers online. How do you overcome the chatter?

Greg Berge
July 10, 2025

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💭 ONE THOUGHT
Chatter Don’t Matter

Everyone has an opinion.

Parents. Fans. Friends. Social media. Even strangers online.

They question your lineup.
Second-guess your decisions.
Critique your style.
And sometimes, they question your character.

If you're not careful, that noise can creep in.
Into your locker room.
Into your players’ heads.
And eventually, into your culture.

Here’s what I’ve learned:
The best teams don’t feed the noise. They tune it out.

They don’t play for approval.
They don’t chase likes or praise.
They stay connected. They stay focused.
They stay true to the work.

That’s what “Chatter don’t matter” is all about.

Why It Matters

Athletes today are surrounded by constant noise, most of it unhelpful.

One missed shot? Someone’s posting about it.
One tough loss? Everyone has an opinion.
One bad quarter? The critics show up fast.

That’s why Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard made “Chatter don’t matter” the theme of his team last season. Not because it sounded clever, but because it created clarity.

It reminded his players to ignore the outside noise and focus on what they could control:

→ Their preparation
→ Their mindset
→ Their connection to each other

It’s a mindset your team can adopt too.
One phrase. One filter. One culture.

3 Ways to Help Your Team Block Out the Noise

1. Define the Voices That Matter

Help your players build a filter.

“If they’re not in the gym or in the huddle, their opinion doesn’t carry weight.”
“Listen to your coaches, your teammates, and people who know the mission.”

Build a culture that values truth over noise.

2. Create Reset Language

Give your team phrases they can lean on when things get loud:

“Chatter don’t matter.”
“Eyes forward.”
“Let the work speak.”
“Control what you can.”

Say it in practice. Say it after tough games. Say it when things are going great, too.

Repetition builds mental armor.

3. Model It as a Coach

If you want your team to tune out the noise, you have to model it first.

Don’t get too high or too low based on what outsiders say.
Don’t overreact to wins or losses.
Keep the focus steady: growth, effort, consistency.

Players take their emotional cues from you.
If you’re grounded, they’ll be more likely to stay grounded too.

Team Challenge: Build a Noise Filter

Ask your team three quick questions:

What outside voices are affecting you right now?
What voices should you be listening to instead?
What’s one phrase you can say to block out the noise?

Have them write their phrase on a notecard and keep it in their locker.

Closing Thought

You can’t control the noise.

But you can teach your team how to respond to it.

The best teams block it out, not because they don’t hear it, but because they know it doesn’t define them.

They don’t play for clicks.
They play for connection.
They play for the team.

“Chatter don’t matter.” Your mission does.

Good Luck!
Greg

P.S. Want to build a culture that stays focused, connected, and resilient, no matter the noise?

Check out my new course, the Culture Wins OS.
Your complete system for building a team-first culture that sticks.

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📜 GREAT QUOTES

“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life".”

John Wooden

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Eleanor Roosevelt

🔗 LINKS FOR LEADERS

🎥 Video: Anson Dorrance: The Vision of a Champion [LINK]

🆇 ICYMI: 7 Mistakes New Coaches Make [LINK]

📰 Article: Dealing with Difficult Parents

🏆 Dealing With Difficult Parents

5 proven strategies to help you handle tough parent conversations with confidence.

gregberge.beehiiv.com/p/dealing-with-difficult-parents

𝐗 POSTS FROM OTHERS

Anyone who thinks curriculum is more important than culture is fooling themselves. Environment has far reaching consequences that mostly hide in the background. Create a judgement free atmosphere that promotes positivity, ownership & most importantly fun! Athletes will thrive!
— Jon Beck (@CoachJonBeck)
5:46 PM • Jun 29, 2025

The older I get, the more I realize knowing when to keep your mouth shut is the ultimate life hack.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom)
6:36 PM • Jun 28, 2025

PLAYERS: If your coach holds you accountable in the little things be grateful because that can set you up to achieve the big things you desire most.
— Jamy Bechler (@CoachBechler)
2:09 PM • Jun 28, 2025

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