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βGreat Teams Better Leadersβ 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.
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π ONE THOUGHT
Chatter Donβt 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 playersβ heads.
And eventually, into your culture.
Hereβs what Iβve learned:
The best teams donβt feed the noise. They tune it out.
They donβt play for approval.
They donβt chase likes or praise.
They stay connected. They stay focused.
They stay true to the work.
Thatβs what βChatter donβt matterβ is all about.
Why It Matters
Athletes today are surrounded by constant noise, most of it unhelpful.
One missed shot? Someoneβs posting about it.
One tough loss? Everyone has an opinion.
One bad quarter? The critics show up fast.
Thatβs why Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard made βChatter donβt matterβ 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:
β Their preparation
β Their mindset
β Their connection to each other
Itβs 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.
βIf theyβre not in the gym or in the huddle, their opinion doesnβt carry weight.β
βListen to your coaches, your teammates, and people who know the mission.β
Build a culture that values truth over noise.
2. Create Reset Language
Give your team phrases they can lean on when things get loud:
βChatter donβt matter.β
βEyes forward.β
βLet the work speak.β
βControl what you can.β
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.
Donβt get too high or too low based on what outsiders say.
Donβt overreact to wins or losses.
Keep the focus steady: growth, effort, consistency.
Players take their emotional cues from you.
If youβre grounded, theyβll 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?
Whatβs 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 canβt control the noise.
But you can teach your team how to respond to it.
The best teams block it out, not because they donβt hear it, but because they know it doesnβt define them.
They donβt play for clicks.
They play for connection.
They play for the team.
βChatter donβt matter.β 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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π GREAT QUOTES
βA good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life".β
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
π LINKS FOR LEADERS
π₯ Video: Anson Dorrance: The Vision of a Champion [LINK]
π ICYMI: 7 Mistakes New Coaches Make [LINK]
π° Article: Dealing with Difficult Parents
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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. Itβs 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.
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Contact Me: Greg Berge, [email protected]