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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.
Letβs dive in.
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π ONE THOUGHT
Let βEm Sleep
Some teams are built to dominate.
Others are built to surprise.
One of the most special seasons Iβve ever been part of started with many question marks. We had just graduated a group of standout seniors. Going into the following year, we knew things would look and feel different.
We were starting two freshmen.
One of our senior leaders had been a three-year starter on some very good teams and knew this year would be different.
He was unsure of what lay ahead.
I looked him in the eye and said, βYouβve got to trust me with these freshmen.β
And to his credit, he did.
These two freshmen were in my sonβs class. I had coached them at the youth level, so I knew how good they were and how good they could be.
We were the team of βtooβsββ¦
Too young.
Too small.
Too skinny.
But they could flat-out shoot the basketball. That season, we made 304 of 699 threes, 43.5%, unheard of in high school hoops.
Our lineup?
A 5β9β ninth grader who shot 45.9% from three.
A 6β1β ninth grader who shot 46.3%.
A 5β7β senior who was tough as nails and shot 40.3%.
A 5β10β lights-out shooter at the point who hit 47%.
A 6β4β lanky post who drained threes at 45.7%.
We werenβt built like your typical powerhouse. But we traded 2βs for 3βs. And eventually, the underdog energy became our identity.
By midseason, a simple phrase caught on:
βLet βEm Sleep.β
It became our rallying cry. We liked being overlooked. Every game, we taped a sheet to the gym entrance:
LET βEM SLEEP
And every player hit it walking in. That phrase carried us through the playoffs.
In the section championship, we played the top seed. Heavy underdogs again. But a smart, high-IQ, lights-out shooting team punched their ticket to state.
Then came a moment Iβll never forget.
Before heading to the state tournament, we visited our local elementary school for a send-off.
700 kids packed the gym.
We shared our story. We thanked them.
And then, it happenedβ¦
βLET βEM SLEEP!β
βLET βEM SLEEP!β
βLET βEM SLEEP!β
The chant echoed across the gym, and in my heart β 700+ elementary students chanting our mantra, our rallying cry.
It was powerful.
Thatβs what happens when a team finds its identity.
When a phrase becomes more than words.
When belief is shared.
This is culture.
And this is why building culture is the #1 job of a coach.
Thatβs why I created the Culture Wins OS, a step-by-step blueprint to help you define, build, and live out your teamβs identity. It also includes a custom AI tool that provides personalized culture strategies based on your blueprint.
It launches on June 15th to the waitlist.
Join the waitlist below to get 25% off + the Culture Wins Curriculum for FREE (a $99 value) when it goes live.
5 Things That Made This Season Special:
A shared team mantra that they believed in.
Embracing the underdog mindset.
Playing to their strengths: shooting and smarts.
Trusting one another.
Making the moment bigger than themselves.
Reflect:
Whatβs your teamβs identity right now?
Do your players have a phrase or mantra to rally around?
If not⦠what if you found one?
Because when belief is sharedβ¦
Magic can happen.
Good luck!
Greg
P.S. Culture doesnβt happen by accident; itβs built on purpose. The Culture Wins OS launches this June. If you're eager to help create a championship culture,Β join our waitlist here for early access and a special discount.
π GREAT QUOTES
"Know yourself and you will win all battles."
βItβs not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.β
π LINKS FOR LEADERS
π ICYMI: Wisdom for Young Coaches [LINK]
π₯ Video: Steph Curry Leadership [LINK]
π° Article: The 4 Cβs That Define Great Team Leaders
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π LOOKING FOR RESOURCES?
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.
Better Coach OS: Better Coach OS is a practical masterclass for coaches who want to grow beyond the Xβs and Oβs. It covers everything from leadership and communication to culture, motivation, and handling tough situationsβdelivered in short, actionable lessons. Whether you're a new coach or a veteran, it's built to help you lead with confidence and clarity.
π LOOKING FOR MORE?
Interested in Sponsoring an Issue? Reply to this email or click here: Sponsor Great Team Better Leaders.
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]