π Good morning!Β βGreat Teams Better Leadersβ is written by Greg Berge. Have an idea or something to share? Just hit reply. I read and respond to every message.
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π ONE THOUGHT
Let Them Lead
One of the hardest things to do as a coach is to give up control.
Not because we donβt trust kids.
Not because we donβt value leadership.
But because letting go feels risky.
I know this is a challenge for me personally. I like clarity. I like standards. I like knowing things are done right. And if Iβm honest, sometimes it feels easier to just do it myself.
But leadership doesnβt grow in comfort.
It grows in responsibility.
One small strategy I use is forcing players to lead a huddle for 30 seconds. No help. No saving them. They have to talk the entire time.
At first, itβs awkward.
Then something shifts.
Confidence grows. Ownership follows.
Here are four simple ways to let them lead:
1οΈβ£ Let them run part of the practice.
Give players ownership of a warm-up, drill, or competitive segment. Set the standard, then step back.
If itβs messy, let it be messy.
Leadership reps matter more than perfection.
2οΈβ£ Put them in charge of accountability.
When effort dips or body language slips, pause and let them address it.
Ask: βWhat do we need right now?β
Then listen.
Peer accountability sticks longer than a coachβs correction.
3οΈβ£ Have them solve problems out loud.
After a mistake or breakdown, ask players to explain what happened and how to fix it.
Thinking out loud builds confidence, communication, and trust.
4οΈβ£ Let them lead off the court.
Team rules. Travel standards. Locker room expectations.
Invite leaders into those conversations.
Shared ownership builds shared responsibility.
Want a simple way to practice leadership without guessing?
One tool I use with team leaders is a set of 25 real leadership scenarios they have to talk through, decide on, and own.
It puts them in situations theyβll actually face: teammates, adversity, effort, conflict, before those moments happen in real life.
π Download the 25 Leadership Scenarios here
(Perfect for captains, leadership councils, or small-group discussions.)
Hereβs the truth:
If we never loosen our grip, they never learn to hold the wheel.
Where could you step back this week so your players can step up?
Sometimes the best way to leadβ¦
is to let them lead.
Good luck,
Greg
P.S. If you want to be more intentional about developing player leadership, Team Leader OS gives you a clear, practical system to do it.
No fluff.
No motivational speeches.
Just real tools to help players take ownership, lead peers, and grow into leaders your program can trust.
π Learn more here: [Check out the Team Leader OS]
π GREAT QUOTES
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard"
"I am building a fire, and every day I train, I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match."
π LINKS FOR LEADERS
π₯ Video: The Greatest Interview Ever! [LINK]
π ICYMI: It only takes one. [LINK]
π° Article: The Hidden Side of Coaching
π 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.
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π LOOKING FOR MORE?
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Check out my website for more: www.gb1leadership.com
Need resources? www.gberge.gumroad.com
Contact Me: Greg Berge, [email protected]