By Shane Dreiling, Director and Founder, TeamArete.com

• Don’t ask too much until they are ready.  (Mike Dunlap – build your drills to gradually reach your total expectations)
• “You gotta touch their heart before you ask for a hand.”
  There must be an emotional connection before you can make the physical demands necessary.  We always talked a lot about our teams being family.
• When in doubt, don’t hire – keep looking.  Make sure your best coaches are handling your biggest opportunities and not your biggest problems.
• If you want to motivate your people to go to a whole new level, get motivated to grow and develop yourself.  Remember that people do what people see so be an example.
• Never pass negatives down.  A team will always reflect their coach’s attitude.  If you want a positive team, you have to show them that personality, especially during trying times.  Be an energy giver and act like a winner!
• Be strong but not rude.  Rudeness does not equal strength nor is it a good substitute.  Rather, be confident in who you are and treat others with kindness and respect. 
• Expect the best from those in your program.  Don’t be afraid to be demanding.
• Teach your players a way of life.  Don’t assume they already know the answers and don’t just say, “there are many ways.”  Find one to emulate for your players that will help them develop as outstanding people.
• Have consequences for mistakes in behavior and judgment.  The quickest way for a coach to lose his team is to allow a lack of discipline throughout the program.  Teach your players to be responsible for their actions and to own up to their mistakes.