šŸ† Chatter Don't Matter

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

šŸ‘‹ Good morning! Welcome to the 43 new subscribers who joined 15,300+ coaches and leaders this week!

ā€˜Great Teams Better Leaders’ is written by Greg Berge. Do you have an idea or something to share? Just hit reply - I read and respond to every message. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.

Let’s dive in.

šŸ’­ 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 ā€œChatter don’t matterā€ 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 ā€œChatter don’t matterā€ 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.

  • ā€œIf they’re not in the gym or in the huddle, their opinion doesn’t carry weight.ā€

  • ā€œListen to your coaches, your teammates, and people who know the mission.ā€

Build a culture that values truth over noise.

2. Create Reset Language

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

  • ā€œChatter don’t matter.ā€

  • ā€œEyes forward.ā€

  • ā€œLet the work speak.ā€

  • ā€œControl what you can.ā€

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:

  1. What outside voices are affecting you right now?

  2. What voices should you be listening to instead?

  3. 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.

ā€œChatter don’t matter.ā€ 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.

GO PRO!

🚨 Coaches: Want a 24/7 assistant built just for you?

Upgrade to GTBL PRO and unlock the Coach OS AI - instant help with practice plans, leadership tools, culture builders, parent talks, and more.

What is included with GTBL PRO?

šŸ’”The Coach OS AI
šŸ„‡ The Winner’s Circle Premier Sunday Newsletter
šŸ„‡ The Edge Tuesday Premier Newsletter
🧠 GB1 Notion Swipe Files
šŸ’° 20% off all GB1 products
āž• And more on the way!

šŸ“œ GREAT QUOTES

ā€œA good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life".ā€

John Wooden

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

Eleanor Roosevelt

šŸ”— LINKS FOR LEADERS

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

šŸ†‡ ICYMI: 7 Mistakes New Coaches Make [LINK]

šŸ“° Article: Dealing with Difficult Parents

š— POSTS FROM OTHERS

šŸ“š LOOKING FOR RESOURCES?

Save big when you bundle ALL of my paid resources for coaches into the MEGA Bundle!

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.

šŸ‘€ LOOKING FOR MORE?

  1. 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.

  3. Check out my website for more: www.gb1leadership.com

  4. Need resources? www.gberge.gumroad.com

Contact Me: Greg Berge, [email protected]

Reply

or to participate.