🏆 The Disease of ME. How to Spot it and Stop it.

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Here's what's coming:

• 6 Danger Signals of the Disease of ME from Pat Riley 🦠

• Hubert Davis GOLD🥇

• Nick Saban Motivation 🏈

• Read Time ~ 4 minutes.

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“Welp, I have my season themes picked out for my next 50 years of coaching! I love how Coach Berge breaks down the culture lessons into very bite-sized, related stories that are easy to implement with any sports team.” - Matt Hackenberg (on Culture WINS)

💭 ONE THOUGHT

Do you have players that suffer from the Disease of ME?

Team sports are about sacrifice, commitment, and dedication to the group.

They are about WE > ME.

They are about much more than just winning and losing. They're about building character, learning teamwork, and developing a solid work ethic.

But what happens when one player puts their needs ahead of the team? That's when the Disease of ME starts to take hold.

Pat Riley, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, coined the phrase "The Disease of ME" to describe the phenomenon of individual players becoming too focused on their own personal success and failing to prioritize the team's success as a whole.

Riley identified six danger signals that coaches can look out for in players who are suffering from the Disease of ME:

6 Danger Signals of the Disease of ME:

1. Chronic feelings of underappreciation–focus on oneself.

It is human nature for players to want to focus on themselves. One way this comes to the surface is through feeling under-appreciated.

Coaches and team leaders need to keep a pulse on the team. Team leaders must work hard to ensure all team members feel connected and appreciated.

If leaders begin to see this behavior, it is crucial to address the players early so that it does not become detrimental to the team.

2. Paranoia over being cheated out of one’s rightful share.

Not getting enough playing time? Not getting enough shots up or plays called? Not scoring enough?

If players get consumed by their own stats or playing time, then the ME > WE behavior will start. This will sabotage the team.

Successful teams and winning cultures do not worry about stats. They worry about team success.

3. Leadership vacuum resulting from the formation of cliques and rivalries.

Team leaders must work to “connect” all players together on the team. When players do not feel part of the group, they begin to shift the focus to themselves.

This is how cliques form. This is how rivalries form. This is how trust erodes.

Leadership Matters so much on teams. I am reminded of one of my Twitter posts on Leadership. Does your Locker Room have the following?

4. Feelings of frustration even when the team performs successfully

If you sense players feeling down even though the team is successful, you know you have a player thinking about themselves first, not the team.

You must address these players early.

Have a conversation. Build a relationship with them. Let them know you value their role. Remind them about your team concept.

Do not let it fester. The need to know that you know.

It will hurt your team and make them become bitter if you do not.

5. Personal effort mustered solely to outshine one’s teammate.

Sometimes players become competitive with teammates. While this is not bad, it can become destructive if that is the only focus.

When this happens, the player worries more about an individual battle than the team's success.

Keep an eye out for this.

6. Resentment of the competence of another.

Great teammates celebrate the success of their teammates, of their friends.

When you see teammates who are bitter or resent the success of others, you know you have a ME > WE first situation going on. Address this when you see it.

Coaches: Have you ever had teams summer from the Disease of Me?

I am sure the answer is “Yes.” It is human nature. It happens every season on some level or another.

So what can you do?

If you see any of these signs in your players, addressing them early is essential. The Disease of ME can quickly spread through a team, and it can be challenging to stop once it gets out of hand.

Here are four quick tips for coaches on how to stop the Disease of ME:

1. Create a team-first culture. From the beginning, make it clear to your players that the team comes first. Reward players who make selfless plays and who help their teammates succeed.

2. Set clear expectations. Let your players know what you expect of them both on and off the field. They're less likely to step out of line if they know what's expected.

3. Praise and appreciate all roles. Ensure your players know you appreciate all roles and contributions on your team. Even a simple "good job" can go a long way.

4. Be a role model. As a coach, you're a role model for your players. If you want them to be selfless and team-oriented, you must model those behaviors yourself.

Summary:

The Disease of ME is a real problem, but it can be prevented.

By creating a team-first culture, setting clear expectations, appreciating all roles, and being a role model, you can help your players stay focused on the team and avoid the Disease of ME.

Talk about these with your team. Be proactive. Develop relationships with all of your players. If you see the “Disease of ME” starting to form, you must intervene early.

Not addressing these 6 danger signals can create a ME-first culture and sabotage your team.

Remember, building your team culture is the #1 job of a coach. Do not wait for it to happen. Be proactive.

Good Luck!

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