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- 🏆 Let 'Em Sleep
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💭 ONE THOUGHT
Let ’Em Sleep
Some teams are built to dominate.
Others are built to surprise.
One of the most special seasons I’ve 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, “You’ve got to trust me with these freshmen.”
And to his credit, he did.
These two freshmen were in my son’s 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 “too’s”…
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 5’9” ninth grader who shot 45.9% from three.
A 6’1” ninth grader who shot 46.3%.
A 5’7” senior who was tough as nails and shot 40.3%.
A 5’10” lights-out shooter at the point who hit 47%.
A 6’4” lanky post who drained threes at 45.7%.
We weren’t built like your typical powerhouse. But we traded 2’s for 3’s. And eventually, the underdog energy became our identity.
By midseason, a simple phrase caught on:
“Let ’Em Sleep.”
It became our rallying cry. We liked being overlooked. Every game, we taped a sheet to the gym entrance:
LET ’EM 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 I’ll 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 happened…
“LET ’EM SLEEP!”
“LET ’EM SLEEP!”
“LET ’EM SLEEP!”
The chant echoed across the gym, and in my heart → 700+ elementary students chanting our mantra, our rallying cry.
It was powerful.
That’s 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.
That’s why I created the Culture Wins OS, a step-by-step blueprint to help you define, build, and live out your team’s 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:
What’s your team’s 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 shared…
Magic can happen.
Good luck!
Greg
P.S. Culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built on purpose. The Culture Wins OS launches this June. If you're eager to help create a championship culture, join our waitlist here for early access and a special discount.
📜 GREAT QUOTES
"Know yourself and you will win all battles."
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.”
🔗 LINKS FOR LEADERS
🆇 ICYMI: Wisdom for Young Coaches [LINK]
🎥 Video: Steph Curry Leadership [LINK]
📰 Article: The 4 C’s That Define Great Team Leaders
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𝐗 POSTS FROM OTHERS
Avoid people who don't fit your vision
— Charles Miller (@charlesmiller_7)
5:49 PM • May 24, 2025
Do the work.
Rest.
Progressively make it harder.
Tweak as needed.
Repeat. Over and over again.No hacks. No bro-science. There is nothing complex about progress in most endeavors. It is as simple as what's above. And it is as hard as what's above.
— Brad Stulberg (@BStulberg)
11:00 PM • May 24, 2025
📚 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. 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. |  |
👀 LOOKING FOR MORE?
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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]
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