New Year's Eve Birthday

I've always loved my birthday, especially because it falls on New Year's Eve. Friends used to tell me that it must have been rough to have my birthday so close to Christmas.

Nah...

It's great. I still receive cool presents, everyone celebrates on my day, and I'm very fiscally dated. PLUS...our family gives a birthday week, so I can use it over a two year period!

It's also a great time to reflect on the past year and count our blessings. We are all fortunate to live in a country where we are allowed to state our views freely, to be able to make a living doing what we want, and to raise our families free from oppression.Who could ask for better gifts than that?

Happy New Year!

Dan

Little Things Mean A Lot

Mother Teresa said, "We are not called to do great things. We are called to do little things with great love."

That favorite quote of mine came to mind this morning at my Rotary meeting. During our "Happy Bucks" segment, a fellow Rotarian (Tom) told the story of an employee (Steve) of his who had lost valuable memorabilia from his high school basketball days.

It seems that during our recent flooding, water got in his basement and ruined a video album that included memorable clips from his playing career.Tom went on to recount that somehow word got out and a fellow Rotarian named Michele took action. She had been a cheerleader at the time and also had a copy of this album, so she graciously gave Steve her copy, feeling that it was more valuable to him. Tom's "happy buck" was in recognition of this kind act. Michele also received a small cake as a gift of gratitude as Tom works for a grocery store!

Here is a wonderful example of a "little thing" done with great love. These small acts of charity may not seem significant in the big picture, but I believe in the grand scheme of things, they are simply huge. It makes you wonder what would happen if we all strive to do more "little things" with great love in 2008. My guess is our corner of the world, and maybe the world itself, will be much improved for it.Happy New Year!

Dan

It's a Wonderful Life

“No man is a failure, who has friends”.

These simple words written inside an old beat-up copy of “Tom Sawyer” that were presented to George Bailey speak volumes to us. If you’re at all familiar with the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, you remember Clarence the Guardian Angel giving this present to Stewart’s character at the end of the movie. George Bailey had just been shown what life would have been like for his family and friends had he not been born. He came to find out that even though times were tough, he had led a life that impacted countless others.

I love this movie because it truly shows the value of each person. We all create a ripple effect in the world; impacting people around us in so many ways. Regardless of our vocation, the size of our family, or where we live, we are blessed to be able to touch someone else, even without knowing it. You might be a youth coach, a business associate, or even a supportive voice in difficult times. You play an important role to your family and friends and they in return play a great role to you.

Last Saturday, my wife Barb and I went out grocery shopping for the Christmas basket that out local St. Vincent DePaul Society puts together for needy families. It’s one of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season. We certainly don’t know the family of four we just provided Christmas dinner for, or why they are in the situation they are in. It doesn’t matter. What we come away with is the knowledge that in a very small way, we were able to give of ourselves that someone might be better off. It reminded me a little of another Christmas favorite, “A Christmas Carol”, when Ebeneezer Scrooge sends the prize turkey to the Cratchit family anonymously. “Mankind is our Business’, right?

Take a look at your life. See all the people who have made a difference you as well as those you have impacted. We don’t have the same chance as George Bailey to see what life would have been without us. However, we should always remember how fortunate we are, whether in good or bad times, that we have friends and family that love and care about us. Every day we have chances to be a positive source for someone. Let’s take every opportunity we have to accept those challenges.

After all, it is a wonderful life.

Merry Christmas!

Dan

Is it the Truth?

That’s the first question in the Rotary 4-Way test. Having been a Rotarian for 14 years, I’ve come to lean on that question a lot.

Last week, former Senator George Mitchell produced his expose of the steroid and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) scandal that has rocked Major League Baseball. It named names; big ones. Over the weekend, news came out that one of those players, Andy Pettite admitted to taking HGH. Pettite has been a star pitcher for the New York Yankees and Houston Astros for many years. His name being linked to the scandal was a shock. The fact that he’s “coming clean” is very refreshing.

Mitchell’s report included Pettite for just a few pages and never linked him to steroids. Pettite acknowledges that he only used HGH back in 2000 for two days while recovering from injury. He was injected by the man who also “outed” potential Hall of Famer Roger Clemens. Clemens has been implicated in a much larger role for both steroids and HGH, which has put his once lock solid election into the Hall now in jeopardy.

What’s most refreshing about Pettite is that he didn’t waste any time confirming his use of HGH. At the time, it was not a banned substance, so in his mind he wasn’t breaking any rules. His sole purpose was to re-gain his health more quickly, and he had heard HGH could do this. The fact that he came out so quickly and corroborated the story, pledged his allegiance to the integrity of baseball, and issued no bitterness towards the report makes me believe him. That and the fact that Pettite has always been viewed as an upstanding guy only add credence to his statements.

This is in stark contrast to Clemens, who issued a tersely worded statement through his attorney that he never used steroids. The preponderance of evidence, plus the fact that Pettite’s story links the same trainer, makes one lean towards not believing Clemens. “The Rocket” is at an age that seems inconceivable that he his body has held out as it has. He has struggled with injuries over the past years and it makes one wonder what steps he would take to perhaps be considered the greatest pitcher to ever live. Now, regardless of whether you believe him or not, or whether there is any firm evidence, his name has been tarnished and sits alongside Barry Bonds with a mental asterisk next to it.

I don’t know Roger Clemens to judge his character. My gut feeling is he’s guilty. My gut also tells me Andy Pettite is a stand-up guy who wasted little time facing the music. The fact his name surfaced will quickly subside.

Think about the power of honesty in your world – personal and business. Have you ever dealt with people who have been, let’s say, less than forthright? How has that impacted you? The bottom line is that in the relationship driven world we will always live in, honesty is more than just the best policy. It’s the most important one.

Dan

Quitting in the 4th Quarter

Have you ever seen a more blatant "it's all about me" situation than the Bobby Petrino story this week? Signed to a 5-year deal earlier this year to lead the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, Petrino quit after only 13 games ( only 3 wins) to take over the head job at Arkansas. Loyalty has not been a high priority in professional sports over the past decade, but this hits an all-time low. This scenario has more to do with pure character and ethics than loyalty. It's all about greed.

Petrino let down his players, his staff, and the organization that took a chance on him. The Falcons owner, Arthur Blanks accurately told how Petrino didn't commit to playing all four quarters like he required of his players. In the end, people like this shouldn't be in your organization. Arkansas - take note.

Do you have people on your team that are just in it for themselves - players, coaches, parents? If you're a high school coach it's not easy just to cut bait and let them go...but you do need to identify them and find ways to not let their agenda distract from what you're trying to accomplish.

One final note - never let the lure of money or the grass looking greener cloud your better judgement. If Petrino had even left after the season, that would be one thing. To adversely effect so many lives like he did is inexcusable. I hearken to the Rotary 3-Way test I've been saying for 14 years:

Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Is it beneficial to all concerned?

Can you get any better than that?

Dan

Positively Successful

The Seattle Seahawks clinched their fifth straight NFC West Division title on Sunday with a win over the Arizona Cardinals. It was a game they dominated from the start and they finally put to rest all the pre-season talk of another team like Arizona or San Francisco becoming the new “king of the hill” in the division.

What strikes me as special about this team over the past few years is the level of teamwork and unselfishness that they exude. Stories abound about players having to accept lesser or different roles to meet the needs of the team during the course of the season. Shaun Alexander, Bobby Engram and Patrick Kerney were three players named by coaches and teammates. A few years before that, the team had trouble climbing out of mediocrity even though they were loaded with “talent”. What they found was that they had to clean house of some of that “talent” that didn’t have the team attitude and rather the “What’s in it for me”.

Surrounding your “team” with positive and successful people is vital for your success, too. Regardless of whether your “team” is your family, workplace, or a team you coach, attitude is more important than “talent”. Take a look at your relationships. Can you honestly say that the people who surround and advise you are team players? Now, in a family, you may have to work harder at building better dynamics than in a workplace environment. At work, people can be let go, like what the Seahawks did. The bottom line is that for your “team” to function at full strength, the “we” has to be more important than the “me”. When you surround yourself with positive and encouraging people, you will find successes in all aspects of your life.

Finally, take time to challenge your team with this concept. As you know, it can be easy to preach but tough to get them to really believe. Teams like the Seahawks and New England Patriots win because of it. Make it a sports and life lesson for your athletes.

Dan

In Need of Noah's Ark

For the second year in a row, I've been down in Palm Springs when my home state of Washington has been devastated by flooding. I've watched in horror and sadness as many people have had tragedies from the rains and floods. My home is safe and for that I'm thankful. The pictures on the news look straight out of Katrina a few years ago. Let's keep all those adversely affected in our prayers and hope for a quick return to normalcy.

Dan

Who's Number One?

If you are a college football fan like me, you’ve probably been amazed at all the volatility in the BCS standings, especially with the top ranked teams. It seems that on a weekly basis, there has been a major upset and whoever the new #1 and #2 teams are, they have been bounced out by someone else. It happened again this past weekend when Kansas was defeated at home by Missouri, who then claimed the #1 spot themselves. I can’t remember a football season that has been as unpredictable as this one. It makes for a very entertaining time for football fans.

How volatile is your coaching life? Do you go through stretches where things seem topsy-turvy in your world? That may not be as entertaining to you as a college football season. The reality is that change and volatility are part of coaching. How you respond to it will decide your success or failure.

The one constant you always have is how well you present yourself. There’s an old saying that a great salesperson will never be without a job. That’s because regardless of the times, if you are a dynamic and persuasive presenter, you will be highly sought after. The same can be said for coaches. If you are able to motivate your players and communicate with parents, your season will be more successful regardless of wins and losses. Believe me, motivating and communicating are skills, just like dribbling or hitting a baseball. You need to practice them on a daily basis to be good.

Don’t overlook the most important coaching skill that can put you head and shoulders over your competition and make for an enjoyable career. Communicating and presenting will make sure you stay #1!

Dan

P.S. Need some help with your presentation and motivation skills? You’re in luck! My next Panic to Power Boot Camp is scheduled for March 18 in downtown Seattle. Your investment will pay dividends over and over again with highly motivated players and well educated parents. To register and take advantage of great Early-Bird discounts, click here.

Apple Cup at 100

Well, it's Apple Cup Week again. I'm all set to go to the game tomorrow with my daughter Kelli to root on the Dawgs. It's always great to play your biggest rivals. Even though I have close friends that are Cougs (really), when it comes to the big game, it's all about winning and school pride.

As a coach, who is your big rival? Who does your team get a little more jacked up for? When I was coaching, it was another team of Cougars...this one in Central Kitsap. Unfortunately for our side, they usually got the better end of the scoreboard. We did have some great games though.

I urge you to call upon a rivalry as extra motivation for your kids. It always adds to the experience, whether is junior high, college, or the pros! One thing that sometimes lacks is respect, so make sure that you always show it. Good natured ribbing is part of the game; disrespect should never be. It's a great opportunity to teach your young athletes that it's okay to be fiercely competitive, but in the end it is just a game. That is one of the better life lessons they can learn.

Go Dawgs!

Dan

The Big Ouch: Blondie’s Best Lesson Saved for Last

“She’s gone.”

Simple words spoken by Dr. Monica as the shot laced with an overdose of anesthesia gently ended the life of our family dog Blondie at 5:15 pm on November 19. We had scheduled this time because we brought Blondie home as a 6-week old puppy on Monday, June 1, 1991 at 5:00 pm. Sort of a fitting end. The 6,016 days in between were full of love, loyalty, and friendship.

I’ve been compiling for some time lessons I’ve learned from Blondie. Maybe I’ll write a book on them because they are lessons we humans can use at any stage of our lives.

The final lesson she taught me through this process is this – we are blessed with gifts and in some cases there is a time to give them back. The reality of letting go and helping a loved one through the dying process is a fact of life. No matter how well you prepare, until you go through it there is a huge unknown. Now, even though every death in our family will be painful and different, Blondie has taught me that it can be done with dignity, courage and love.

Yes, I know she was a dog, not a human. She was also a binding member of our family for 16 years; a common bond of love for not only our immediate family, but our extended one as well. Parents, siblings, and friends have all shared their sorrow with us. In fact, one of my daughters close friends left a bouquet of flowers on our doorstep last night. That’s one of the many gifts pets bring. They can be the “glue” that brings people more closely together Giving back the gifts are painful, yet always with a lesson to be learned. I want to thank all of my friends and family who have wished us their condolences. Each one is special and appreciated.

Finally, I want to especially thank the wonderful people at Poulsbo Animal Clinic, especially Dr. Monica and her assistant. The opportunity to say farewell to your pet in the privacy of your own home is something I can’t say enough about. Blondie hated going to the vet and this way it was just like having visitors to the house. No other people, no sterile environment; just peacefully passing away at home with your family by your side. Isn’t that the way we would all want to go?

Dan

The Gettysburg Address - November 19, 1863

Today is the 144th anniversary of one of the greatest, if not greatest, speeches ever delivered. It's short...for you fellow Toastmasters, it's about the length of a Table Topics. But its powerful. In honor of this day, please see the text below. You will also see the only known photograph of President Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg per the Library of Congress.

Dan

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that "all men are created equal".

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of it, as a final resting place for those who died here, that the nation might live. This we may, in all propriety do. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow, this ground -- The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here; while it can never forget what they did here.

It is rather for us, the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that, from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here, gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people by the people for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Here's to the trainers

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of being on the field for Senior Night with my daughter Kelli as she is an athletic trainer at North Kitsap High School. As a father of daughters, I guess it's the only way I can get on the field for a Senior Night in football.

I have a great admiration for the work of athletic trainers. Watching Jake Locker from the University of Washington go down last week, you realize how vital that group is. I'm proud Kelli (and my other daughter Mindy) have been active in this very important field.

The next time you see a trainer, thank them. They are taking care of your players and making sure they safely get back out on the field, on the court, or on the diamond.

Dan

The ONLY way to watch an NBA game!

That's me at courtside of the Sonics-Pistons game last Sunday. The Sonics are a new client of mine and they were gracious to put me and my family at courtside for the game after we met (thanks to Chris Fryar). It's the ONLy way to go! I even got a chance to say hello to my Sonics hero from my youth, Slick Watts. He looks like he can still play. So does Dave Cowens, who is a coach for the Pistons. For those of you under 40, you probably don't remember him as a member of some great Celtics teams.

This opportunity came because of sticking to my goals. What are your goals for your season. Those of you starting a new season, this winter, remember this - stick with your goals and objectives and you may end up in the front row at the end of your season!

Dan

Finding Balance on Gilligan's Island

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt totally unable to function? Last night, I was staring at my computer monitor trying to get a little work done after a busy weekend. My oldest daughter Mindy had been home from college for several days and my wife Barb was taking her to the airport. I was at home because our old dog Blondie is starting a steep decline and we didn’t want to leave her alone. Lack of sleep, a helter skelter few days, and a debilitating overtime loss by the Seahawks had me completely distracted. You probably know that weird feeling of just staring blankly at e-mails!

That’s about the time I realized that balance was needed right then and there for my life. I subscribe to Alan Weiss’ newsletter, The Balancing Act (which I highly recommend – wwwsummitconsulting.com). Alan is constantly talking about life balance. In my case, sometimes you just have to take a break.

My method for taking a break was to turn off the computer (so as to not be tempted to come back), pour a smooth glass of wine, and watch my Gilligan’s Island DVD. Now you may be thinking “Gilligan’s Island! Is this guy a kook?” Maybe so. But, at that point and time, I needed a good dose of slapstick humor and relaxation to re-charge my batteries. After a relaxing evening and a good night’s sleep…I was able to tackle the next day with more vigor and focus. If I had continued on my path of work the night before, I’m certain I wouldn’t have had the same focus.

What about you? Are there times that you need to reward your mind and body with a much needed break to find balance? Now, you may not find Gilligan’s Island to be the right remedy for you. But a nice walk, a game of chess, or a quiet dinner with your spouse or significant other may be just what the doctor ordered.

Workaholics abound in our society. The desire to get ahead at all costs often lead to high blood pressure, stress disorders, and failed relationships. One thing I have learned in my life, and continue to be reminded of, is that balance is good for the mind, heart, and soul. Remember that next time you are staring blankly at your computer monitor.

Dan

The Good Samaritan

Yesterday my family and I took a trip to Wal-Mart after church to pick up some quick items. As I got in my Suburban, I noticed a piece of paper underneath my windshield wiper. When I got out to examine I found a free-hand note stating “Your passenger-side tire is very low”. Upon further inspection, I was horrified to find that not only was it very low, it was VERY, VERY low. Fortunately, Wal-Mart has a tire service place open on Sundays because I’m not sure how I far we would have been able to go. Turns out the culprit was a screw I ran over. To make matters worse, the front tires were no longer legal for road use, so I had to replace both of them!

Two things to learn from this; first I’m very thankful to my Good Samaritan who left the note. How often do we walk by a situation like that and don’t take the time to leave a note. I could have been down the road a mile or two with my wife and daughter and been involved in an accident.

Second, be prepared. I had let my tires become hazards and if it wasn’t for a wayward screw I ran over, may have found out the hard way.

The last word – teamwork is a part of life. This unknown person became my teammate when they took the time to write that note. Look at your team. Is everyone there holding on to the rope for each other? Who has a flat tire and needs support?

Dan

Boo Birds...

I've been a huge sports fan for as long as I can remember. The first football game I remember watching was in 1975 when Larry Csonka and the Miami Dolphins beat the Minnesota Vikings. Booing has always been a form of communication in sports. Some fans, like in Philadelphia, are known for it. When you boo Santa Claus, you earn that claim to fame!I will admit, I have done my share of booing in my life. As I have grown older though, I have made a conscious decision not to. I'm not sure if that has come around due to coaching high school basketball for six years, but something has changed me. The recent booing of Shaun Alexander of the Seattle Seahawks has prompted me to write this article.Shaun Alexander has nearly 10,000 rushing yards in his career, which places him in elite company. He is a former league Most Valuable Player. Even if he slows down to average numbers for the rest of his career, he is more than likely a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And, he has played his entire career with one team, which in this day and age is unique.Due to recent injuries and an overhaul of his offensive line, Alexander has had less than sterling numbers. The Seahawks "faithful" has been riding him hard and have actually booed him the past two weeks. I don't get it. Alexander has been a hero for this community and led our once doormat team to the Super Bowl. Not only that, he has been a sterling contributor to our community with his charitable work. How soon we forget. In this society which thrives on "What Have You Done For Me Lately", it's not surprising. I'm sure the fans who do the booing would never accept it in their line of work.Final thought - the Seahawks fans are famous for raising the "12th Man" flag prior to each game. Seattle Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki just did the honors last Sunday. That means we are part of the team. What part of "team" does booing honor? Aren't we suppose to pull for OUR team and be encouraging? Unfortunately, we here in Seattle are closer to the Philadelphia model of "team" than we might like to believe.

Dan

This is FUNNY

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of giving a presentation to the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. After the event, I was talking with several attendees as they were leaving, and one gentleman happened to catch my eye. I noticed that his name badge said "Weedin". Not seeing too many people with MY last name, I took a closer look to see what his first name was. To my surprise, it said "Kelli". Why was I surprised? Well, because that's my daughter's name!Turns out this man's name was "Kelly" and he was rushing in as the event was starting. The lady at registration asked his name and he said "Kelly". Well, my Kelli was originally going to come with me, but was sick and couldn't come. She had a name tag all set for her. You can guess what happened! The registration lady peeled off "Kelli Weedin" and gave it to this gentleman who wore it the entire time without realizing it. We shared a good laugh about that one. I told him that the story would definitely end up in a speech somewhere, and of course in my blog.

Dan

Thank you Mack Strong

"Life is not easy, no matter what you are doing - whether you are playing fullback for the Seattle Seahawks or working a 9-5 job stocking groceries. There's a certain amount of pain involved in order to reach our goals and destiny in life, and a long time ago I decided I was willing to pay that price."

These words are from Mack Strong as he announced his retirement yesterday after 14-plus years with the Seahawks. Strong, playing the brutal position of fullback, is high up in the Seahawks' record book when it comes to longevity. That's a tough thing to do when you have to run into defensive linemen and linebackers all day long.

I've always marvelled at Strong's "strong" resolve to be the unselfish team player. Quietly going about his business day-to-day and year-to-year, it has only been recently that his efforts have been lauded. As Shaun Alexander became a superstar a few years ago, it became apparent that Mack Strong had much to do with that.

Strong sets a great example for us as a role model for commitment to excellence. Paying the price daily, whether as a player, coach, or parent is what we have to do to be successful in our vocation. That commitment sometimes comes with pain. But in the end, it's always worth it. Thank you Mack Strong for over 200 games as a player AND as a role model for hard work and dedication.

Dan

P.S. Are you committed to your vocation as a coach? Are you prepared to lose it all to a false accusation or liability situation? Don't let poor preparation cost you your job, your good name, and your family's privacy. There's still time to register for my 3-part teleseminar series, Sex Lies & Violence: Protecting Yourself from Liability for Coaches. The first session is Thursday, October 11 at 6:00 PM PST. You get as a bonus the audio CD whether you make the teleseminar or not. To learn more, click here.

Simplicity...

Sometimes you find inspiration in the strangest places. While attending a fundraising luncheon for the local community college, I heard a wonderful speech from a young woman who was a student. It was unpolished yet beautifully and sincerely delivered to a room of about 400 people or more. Sometimes I wonder if we work too hard to deliver the "perfect" presentation when simplicity will do just fine thank you.

Dan

Don't Drop Your Head

Driving home this afternoon, I was listening to University of Washington Head Coach Tyrone Willingham on his radio show discussing the game against (then) #1 ranked USC on Saturday. The Huskies came close in a 3-point loss that went down to the final seconds. He was describing his words to his team prior to the game. One of his statements made me stop and think.

He told his team that they didn’t have to play a perfect game to win. He reminded them that they would make mistakes during the game, but to never drop your head because of them…to keep fighting on and overcome those mistakes. The part that stuck with me was not dropping your head.

It reminded me of my days coaching high school basketball. How many times I remember kids making mistakes on the court and dropping their head in disgust, hurt, or sadness. How much harder is it to bounce back when you’re looking straight down?

The same can be said about life, too. Business, sports, and personal lives all give us plenty of opportunities to make mistakes. Some mistakes are made with all the right information and effort…it’s that “hindsight is 20/20” stuff. Some mistakes you wonder, “What was I thinking?” But in all cases, I encourage you to take Coach Willingham’s advice and keep your head up. We all make mistakes. If we are smart, we always learn from them, too.

Keep your head up. Go into your “game” knowing you will make mistakes. Resolve to learn from them and keep battling. Remember that you can’t get where you want to go if you’re looking straight down.

Dan

Save Yourself from Liability

Have you ever been accused falsely by a parent of one of your players? If you have, you know the frustration, fright, and anguish you go through. Fortunately, that's never happened to me. If you want to learn how to best protect yourself, I can help you. After 20 years in risk management, you can learn the tools that I used to protect myself. I have a teleseminar starting soon - don't miss it. It may be the best education you will get this year.

To learn more and to register for Sex Lies & Violence: Protecting Yourself from Liability for Coaches, click here. I hope you will join me for this 3-part, 3-hour seminar. Your bonus for registering is a free CD of the entire program. The value of this will be $49.95 after the series is over. Take advantage of this great deal and opportunity. Register today!

Dan

I read this blog from Dan Coughlin yesterday and loved it. I wanted to share it with you. For all of my friends in positions as athletic directors and school board members, what do you think about it?

Dan
___________________________________________________________________I have a good friend, Alan Weiss, who is a graduate of Rutgers University. I'm a grad of the University of Notre Dame. In 2002, ND played Rutgers and was a 40-point favorite. Alan was willing to bet me on the game as long as I gave him the point spread. I should have taken the bet. ND won 42-0. On August 18, 2006, ND was ranked #2 in the country, and Rutgers was not even in the Top 25. Today, 13 months later, ND ranks in the bottom ten teams in the country and Rutgers is in the Top 10. How is this possible, and what does it mean for your business? Here are a few themes that come to my mind:Leadership & StabilityGreg Schiano, the head football coach at Rutgers, was hired on December 1, 2000. That means he has been there through the bad times and the good times. Here's his record through the first six seasons:2001 2-92002 1-112003 5-72004 4-72005 7-52006 11-22007 3-0Is your organization willing to be patient when your senior manager is struggling through a 1-11 season and four losing seasons in a row? Are you as a manager willing to hang in there and keep believing in yourself?Schiano did, and he never wavered in his goal to win a national championship. He influenced those people that he could at each stage in this seven-year journey. At this point, the story is unfolding for Charlie Weis at ND. Will the university stay patient as he works to build a long-term, successful organization? Will he maintain his patience and confidence in the face of relentless criticism?MomentumWhen an organization begins to win, or lose, on a regular basis momentum is created. It's far easier to sustain momentum than to create it or change it. That's why every play counts. One win that could have been a loss, or one loss that could have been a win, can begin to shift the momentum.In your business, what small detail or seemingly unimportant project can you propel to a higher level of performance that can generate the momentum you want?Talent ManagementI think the biggest story here is the story of talent management. Rutgers held onto a guy they believed in, and gave him the time he needed to build a successful organization. In those same seven years that Schiano has been at Rutgers, ND has been through three coaches, and a lot of people want Weis fired for losing six games in a row while giving up over 30 points in each game.The first step in attracting, retaining, and developing talented employees is attracting, retaining, and developing a talented senior manager. Be patient.The second lesson on talent management is that great players make great coaches, and great coaches make great players. In other words, Schiano became National Coach of the Year when he had the players necessary to win. I doubt he became that much better of a coach in the four years it took to go from 1-11 to 11-2, but I have a hunch his players got a whole lot better.Always work to improve the quality of the performers in your organization if you want to improve the quality of your organization's performance.To read more blogs from Dan Coughlin, go to http://dancoughlin.typepad.com/

The Blondie Rule #2 – Lessons from my dog – The rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated

Last month (August 20), the Blondie Rule #1 dealt with overcoming “analysis paralysis”. This month, you will learn how my dog has taught me about perseverance.

The famous quote by Mark Twain listed in the title surely applies to Blondie. In late December of 2004, she was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in her gum. The veterinarian had taken as much out as possible, but sadly reported that she didn’t get it all. At the time, Blondie was 13 years old and all the treatments were very invasive and costly. We opted to do nothing, except make our friend as comfortable as she could be for the remainder of her life. She was given a death sentence of 2 to 3 months.

Fast forward to today and Blondie is 16 ½ and those 2-3 months are almost 3 years. The cancer has come back and spread some. In fact, just a few weeks ago, she was looking so bad and struggling so much; we began mentally preparing for her to pass on over the weekend. She fooled us again. It’s been almost a month since that day and although I can’t say she’s going on strong, she perseveres and lives to fight another day. Sooner than later we will have to make that difficult decision when her quality of life erodes. Based on how she devoured her breakfast this morning, we’re not quite there yet!

Blondie reminds me that not every day is going to be better than the day before. Some days can bring frustration, pain, and struggle. But persevering, “grinding” out the tough days, and living to fight another day should be our mantra, too. Blondie didn’t understand the diagnosis she was given in December of 2004. She just kept living every day, even when some days weren’t as good as others.

I know I have days where I grouse and complain about things. Blondie reminds me that I need to get over myself and realize that struggle is a necessary part of life; it makes us stronger. Instead of trying to be the person my dog thinks I am, I guess I just need to be more like my dog!

Dan

So Long Cy

Do you remember when you met someone who had an impact in your personal and professional life? I’ll never forget meeting Cy Wyse. Cy was a mountain of a man in his early 70’s. He had been an outstanding basketball and football player in his youth and you could tell that although he was older, he had been an imposing figure. He had the biggest hands I’d ever seen and a powerful grip. He introduced himself to me after my first basketball practice at North Kitsap High School. He asked permission to watch practices, not to critique me he carefully stated, but to watch his granddaughter, who was a junior on the team, play. I agreed and that was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Over the course of the next seven years, Cy became a friend and mentor. Now don’t get me wrong, he certainly had his opinions, but he was steadfast in his belief that the coach was the coach, and his or her word was law. Cy was always courtside at our games, even after his granddaughter graduated. He was always available to offer me sage advice, mentor me, and listen when I just needed to vent. He would invite me over to his house for some lemonade that his lovely bride, Alma would fix for us. I don’t think I ever got out in less than two hours! His stories and wisdom were priceless.

Cy passed away on Wednesday (September 19) and he will be missed by a large extended family, including the community he worked so hard to build. He was a champion for the youth, spending countless hours mentoring students, coaching athletes, and lobbying to gain increased parks and facilities. Cy was a good friend and mentor to me and I’m eternally grateful. I will miss him.

So who is that someone that has had an impact on you? Maybe the better question is - whose life have YOU impacted? We’re only on this earth a short time. Being a mentor and friend to someone else is not only a nice thing to do, it’s incumbent on all of us because someone did it for us. The best thing I can do in thanks for Cy’s generosity to me is to give that back to someone else. What about you? Whose life can you impact in a positive way?

Dan

Why You Have to Worry About Camera Phones

Have you ever had a talk with your team about camera phones? If you haven't, now is a good time to start. At a recent presentation I gave, a participant told me at a break that camera phones were being taken into locker rooms by players. They would video tape the coach giving his or her pre-game, halftime, and post-game speeches. Needless to say, if there was anything juicy on it, the parents and others soon found out. It might even end up on You Tube for the whole world to see! Make sure you ban all cell phones from your locker room and put it in writing to parents. It's one way to protect yourself from bad stuff happening.

Need more tips on protecting yourself? Then sign up for my three-part teleseminar starting in October called "Sex, Lies, and Violence: Protecting Yourself from Liability for Coaches". You will learn many ways to protect your good name, your family, and your job from false accusations and liability. In addition to being a participant, you will get a FREE MP3 copy just for registering. Don't wait for it to be sold in my store later because you will have to pay $49.95. Take advantage and pay only $29.95 for the entire series AND the MP3! Register today by clicking here.

Dan

Are You Prepared for the Unexpected?

I’m teaching my first class for the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research tomorrow in Seattle. The class is for Certified Insurance Service Representatives (CISR) and I’m at the stage of the process to teach the first half of the class. Presenting in front of a group has never been an issue for me; however there are a couple areas that have me nervous.

I’ve got a brand new laptop and projector with great slides that my daughter, Mindy helped me put together. The problem is I’ve never used either in a formal presentation, so I spent all Saturday night making sure I knew how to connect the laptop to the projector and make sure I knew how to use the wireless mouse and laser (I’ve never had control of a little red dot on a screen, but it’s pretty cool). Still, using new gadgets for the first time in a live presentation always makes me a little uneasy. You never know what challenges you will run into with the configuration of the room, the positioning of outlets, or a just Murphy showing up and imposing his law on you.

Being prepared for a presentation is really vital. Remember that for coaches, your presentations may include a locker room speech, a parent meeting, or a keynote address at a clinic. Always be ready with extra batteries, dry erase markers (lots of them), and pens. Guess how I know about all three of these? If you think I’ve been guilty of not being prepared with those items…you’re right!

Not only will you be more professional for your audience (whoever that might be), you will also be more relaxed in knowing you’ve made provisions for the unexpected. Just like in your game plan, planning for the worst case scenario will leave you better equipped to handle it well.

Dan

Reality Check...

You don’t need to go far in the 2007 NFL season to have a reality check hit you harder than a blitzing linebacker. On the 2nd half kickoff in the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos, Bills backup Tight End Kevin Everett suffered a horrible neck injury after making the tackle. Everett was rushed to the hospital and was announced to be paralyzed with little hope of recovering his ability to walk.

His teammate, quarterback J.P. Losman spoke about the tragedy in an interview and included that all NFL players sign up for and accept the risk of this type of injury. In fact, it seems every year, at least one similar type injury occurs in the NFL.

This article isn’t about the violence of the sport, not on tackling technique. Rather, it’s a reminder to keep things “real” in your coaching. We all are out to win games, but in the end we are all human beings with lives and families. One catastrophic injury like Everett’s will sometimes jolt us back to remember that it is, after all, just a game. There are more important aspects than the final score. That was evident as you watched teammates and opponents in silent prayer and vigil as Everett was being attended to.

As you spend your time coaching, the next time you are ready to blow up at a player or official, keep perspective over the fact that they are there just like you to enjoy the bond of athletics. Whatever has gotten your ire should not be enough to ruin the experience of another. Keep it real.

One postscript to the Kevin Everett story – Last night’s ESPN report indicated that Everett has shown remarkable progress in the few days following surgery. There is renewed hope that he will be able to walk again. Please keep him in your prayers.

Dan

Let Your Dawgs Out and Play

Who let the Dawgs out?

That’s my daughter Kelli and me enjoying a beautiful day in Husky Stadium where our Dawgs were beating up on Boise State. We ended their 14-game winning streak and most importantly, got off to our first 2-0 start since 2001.

As you can imagine, everyone wearing purple in Husky Stadium was ecstatic and looking forward to next week’s match-up with perennial power Ohio State. Visions of bowl games, Pac-10 championships, and Jake Locker touchdowns were dancing in all of our heads.

The funny thing was while we were driving home and listening to the post-game show on the radio, a guy called in and wanted to be the voice of caution. “We’ve seen this before. We can’t get too excited. They’ve let us down in the past”. My response was the same as the reporter. “SO WHAT!” Why can’t we enjoy this time and revel in it, especially since we haven’t had the chance to in about half a decade! Isn’t part of the love of sports based on those highs and lows we experience following and rooting for our teams? Isn’t that what makes sports special? For every New York Yankees, there has to be a Chicago Cubs right?

That got me thinking…which can be a dangerous thing. How often do we do that in our lives? Whenever things are going well, are we too cautious waiting for the other shoe to drop? Don’t want to have too much fun in anticipation of a letdown? Conversely, when we are grinding through a tough time, do we look forward to the time when the tide changes, knowing those good times are around the corner?

Life is an adventure and a journey. I liken it to a round of golf. Through 18 holes there will be some very tough times and some great holes. And, for most holes, you will be on an even keel or at least “grinding” as Tiger Woods would say. Rejoice in the birdies in your life. They don’t always come around as often as we all would like so enjoy. Grind through those double-bogeys, knowing that your next par may be on the next hole. And, most importantly, enjoy the round and who you are playing with because you never know when that may be the last one. Game on!

Dan

P.S. You're invited to subscribe to my FREE monthly e-newsletter, The Box Score. It contains valuable information to help you be a better coach. Click here to register. Did I mention it's FREE?

Your Words Have Power...

Did you read an article in yesterday’s newspaper by Travis Reed from the Associated Press about the death of an old major league ballplayer named Bill Henry? Normally, an article like this only catches my attention because I’m a sports junkie; however this one had added intrigue. It turns out the Bill Henry who died after decades of claiming he was the Bill Henry who pitched in a World Series for the Cincinnati Reds in 1961 and was an All-Star in 1960, was actually lying. His name was Bill Henry alright; however the former major leaguer is still alive and kicking in Texas! The deceased Mr. Henry had been fibbing to his family (third wife of 20 years believed him), friends, and anyone else who cared to ask for over two decades. He even had pictures taken of him and his wife with “his” baseball cards in the foreground. His golfing pals are in shock (probably wondering how many strokes he concealed over the years) and are having a hard time believing this could happen. Needless to say, that small community in Florida is in shock and probably feeling a bit betrayed.

This article isn’t meant to bad-mouth the deceased Mr. Henry, or preach about the ills of dishonesty. That one is a given. However, we should use this also as an example of the power of our words and the effect on those who hear them.

Think about Mr. Henry’s words for the past two decades. His family and friends took him at his word not only for his baseball claims, but in everything else he did in life. Now, with this revelation, does it call into question everything he did?

How important are your words? To whom does your message go? Whether you like it or not, you are a role-model and mentor for your student-athletes. If you coach youth sports like Pee Wees or Little League, you are a primary influence in their lives. The message you send out at practice, during games, and to parents not only shapes what they think about you, but also what they may model for behavior. Your message has power.

The moral of this blog is to be attentive to your words and actions. Not only will they define who you are; but they may also influence other people in your lives. You are, or will be, a role model to somebody…make your message count.

Dan

P.S. Do you want to add power and persuasion to your message? You can get some helpful tips and suggestions from my new educational CD titled, Panic to Power: Swift & Simple Speaking Strategies Anyone Can Use. You will see an image to your right with a link to purchase. Be the communicator you want to be and your athletes need you to be!

What you can learn from Wii®din

We just bought the new Nintendo game Wii® on Saturday and boy, is it a hoot! How many of you have Wii®? For those of you scratching your head and wondering what the heck is Weedin talking about, let me explain. Wii® is basically a PlayStation ® console where you can play video games on your TV. It’s a wireless game that needs YOU to do all the motions in order to make the characters on your TV move. So, if you’re playing golf, tennis, baseball, boxing, or racing cows – you perform all the actions. No more sitting like a lump on a chair with a joy stick, now you have to get up and move with Wii®.

First of all, as a family Wii® provided us hours of fun, raucous laughter at each others follies, and (unbelievably) great exercise. We were all pooped at the end of the evening. If you don’t believe me, go try out the boxing trainer and tell me you don’t work up a real sweat.

So, what can we learn from playing Wii®?

Well for starters, you can spend real quality time with your family and friends. Wii® is almost like a board game that takes everybody’s participation and attention. Unlike sitting and watching television, conversation, laughter, and bonding take place. You wouldn’t have caught me EVER saying this before about video games, but Wii® changed my mind.

Secondly, I came away with a new appreciation of humility. My daughter Kelli and I were competing in several games, namely boxing and shooting (not people – mainly space ships coming to take away little characters that look like us). She was regularly beating me (pretty soundly) in all the games that required speed, reflexes, and agility. It’s a humbling thing to be beaten by your 17 year old daughter in a boxing match! Although I was stronger (measured by the speed of your punch), she was quicker, delivering more blows.

The lesson in humility is important for all of us. One of the areas of work I need is in humility and sometimes my kids give me a wake up call. Humility is a very important aspect of good coaching. Think about it. If you’re not humble, it’s hard to listen. When listening doesn’t happen, it’s impossible to communicate. If the game becomes more about us than the players, we lose balance in our lives and do a disservice to our players.

When was the last dose of humility you received? Maybe the more important question is - what did you do with it?

Happy Labor Day!

Dan

Game Plan for 2008 - Stay Out of Trouble

Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, you are coaching in a culture that is quick to judge, assume, and allege. My goal isn't to scare you...simply to make you aware. You may think that abuse and molestation allegations are the most important liability issues to protect yourself from, and maybe you're right. However, there are many ways to get yourself in trouble.

One sure way to get a parent angry with you is to leave high school-aged and younger athletes alone while they wait for parents to pick them up. If you coach girls, this exposure goes up a lot. I've experienced this twice when my daughters were part of a team and I know how I felt as a parent. As a coach, you are responsible for your athletes' well being. Leaving them unprotected on a dark night in a parking lot leaves you culpable.

Now, you may be wondering about being left alone with a student and which is worse. My answer is two-fold. First, your athlete's safety is paramount...never sacrifice their well being for your protection. Second, make sure you have another coach or parent with you - in advance - in case a situation like this occurs. Some prior planning goes a long way to protecting your athlete and you.

Do you need some more protection tips as the 2008 school year begins? That's why I'm holding my 3-part teleseminar called Sex, Lies, and Violence: Protecting Yourself from Liability for Coaches. You will learn ways to best protect you and your student-athletes. Click here to learn more...

Final Thoughts on Steubenville

Well, I’m home now and getting used to the Pacific Standard time zone again. I wish I could say the same for my luggage. It seems my luggage was “delayed” in Philadelphia while I came home without it. Fortunately, the only real things of value were the presents I bought and my dirty laundry. I guess my luggage took to the saying of W.C. Fields who said, “All things considered, I’d rather be in Philadelphia”.

Thank you for allowing me this forum to share with you a significant event in my life. The lessons I learned from some of the experiences certainly flow into life. The concepts of teamwork, welcoming, family and faith all are integral to the walks in your personal and business life.

Think back to when you were 18 years old and had the world in front of you. Now, whether its 10, 20, 30, or even 50 years later, are you satisfied? Have you lived the life you imagined…are you ticking off those important adventures in your life’s to-do list? If not…why? This trip revitalized me to think ahead to things I want to accomplish and do. These things may be personal or business related, but they all are important, so taking the time to reflect and set goals is vital. I challenge you to do the same, regardless of what phase in life you find yourself. As my friend Jim Key says, it’s never too late to dream.

Dan

OUCH!

Ouch is the only way to describe how I feel right now as I sit in the Pittsburgh airport after having said goodbye to Mindy about an hour ago. If you have been where I have, you know what "bittersweet" really means. There's a feeling that a part of you is now missing, but not gone. It's hard to describe. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to spend the weekend with her to help her get started on her new adventure.

I'm at the same time anxious to get home and see Barb, Kelli and the dogs. Kelli just passed her drivers test, so she's official. Watch out if you're on the roads in Poulsbo;-]

That's all for now. I board a plane to Philadelphia soon and then a straight shot home to Seattle. I will do a re-cap tomorrow.

Dan

Steubenville Journal - Saturday

Today was not as packed with things to do as Thursday and Friday…which was nice. There were several events, including a parent meeting and a brunch with the Franciscan friars. At the brunch, I got to meet some folks who are from Bothell. Mindy was glad to meet another native Washingtonian, especially one who lives so close. Turns out there are nine Washington residents at Franciscan.

I continue to be amazed at the warmth and generosity of this community. It’s a very inviting and welcoming place. If you were like me, your first day of school involved walking to your first class. That’s definitely not the case here. The kids already have an idea of what daily life is like on campus and have met friends. It’s a much better way to begin.

Mindy will get the opportunity to meet with the President of the University tonight at 7:15. All incoming freshman get the chance. After that, since it’s my final night here, we are going out to Dairy Queen for a dessert. It’s starting to finally sink in for me now, just like it did for Barb, Kelli, and Steve a few days ago. Being concerned for her safety is not the issue. I know she’s at the right place…no doubt in my mind. This is the beginning of a marvelous adventure and growth for her. She’s ready for it.

The real issue is I’m going to miss her. She has already left me a voice mail that I’m not supposed to listen to until she’s not around me. I haven’t found the courage to do that yet. I still see myself holding a newborn baby in my arms almost 19 years ago. Where has the time gone?

Many of you out there know what I feel. You have been there, too. In fact, I’m among good company as I see and hear similar thoughts from other parents. Distance doesn’t make a difference; whether it’s 100 or 2500 miles, the pain is still there. I feel fortunate that technology has brought us cellular phones (thanks to family calling plans), e-mail, and webcams. We still will communicate, maybe even better than before, and that will help. It doesn’t change that she won’t be there on Saturday mornings when I make pancakes, or when we are in church as a family, or every night when Barb and I would check to see if she was asleep.

I guess the moral of the story is this. Change happens. We all go through stages in our lives and Barb and I are embarking on a new one. Closing one chapter can sometimes be painful, but always seems to lead to new adventures. As out kids grow up and move on, it will really be like old times again and will give us the opportunity to focus on each other. What changes are you going through in your life? What might you be leaving behind? And, here’s the ultimately important question – what really cool things lay in store for you?

More tomorrow from the Buckeye State..

Dan

Steubenville Journal Day 2

The university is having IT issues so I have to type this out first and put in my blogs later. Right now, I’m in the VERY cool library. Not only is it a cool place but the air conditioning is very nice as it’s extremely hot and humid outside.

So far today, Mindy has added a class to her schedule, bought her books ($500 smackers) and put money down to go to Austria next Fall. Well, I guess I paid for the books and the deposit for Austria! She and her roomie are all moved in to their dorm room and after a decent nights sleep, all is well.

We had an awesome experience last night. I’ve only been part of something remotely similar at an NBC Team Camp event. All the kids who came back to run the orientation, affectionately called the “brown shirts” since they were all wearing one, formed a type of gauntlet for all freshman and family to walk through to enter the gym for the opening ceremonies. The brown shirts were whooping and hollering and giving High Fives to everyone walking in. We felt like were rock stars. You can’t imagine the faces of all of us as were walked through…surprise and joy. Talk about being made feel welcome. To me, that is teamwork at its finest…to make your new teammates feel welcome, wanted, and excited to be there. It might make you wonder what would happen if everyone who was new to a team (athletic, business, church, etc.) were made to feel that way!

Dan

Almost Heaven West Virginia

Greetings from West Virginia! We arrived safely and I type this from my hotel room in Weirton, WV. I'm only a couple miles away from crossing the Ohio River over to Steubenville. The plane trip was uneventful as you would want one to be.

Mindy and I will be soon heading over to start getting her settled, so this will be brief.

One quick note. Normally I fly Alaska Airlines but they don't fly into Pittsburgh. I was pleasantly surprised by US Air. It was clean, on time, and the employees had fun, made jokes, and made our trip enjoyable. Customer service is a great thing...especially after my debacle with Dell.

More to come later...

Dan

Steubenville Journal

Well, I'm heading out today to Steubenville, OH to take my oldest daughter Mindy to college at Franciscan University. She's a freshman so this is an emotional time in our family as you might imagine. Many of you may have already gone through this process and can empathize. Others of you will be looking forward to it.

This will start my daily journal that can be seen on this blog about my trip. I realize this doesn't have anything to do directly with coaching, but as I mentioned on my blog, there will be posts about life journeys as well, so this is one of them. If you are interested, I hope you will check in and see how we are doing.

Last night, we had 11 people over for dinner - all members of the family. It was a great chance to see Mindy off and say "see you later" until Christmas break. Family is an important part of life, whether it's your personal family, your faith family, your family at work, or the family you coach. The support you gain from your family in all walks of your life is critical to your happiness. I'm sure Mindy received that last night.

We're off tonight on a red-eye to Charlotte and then on to Pittsburgh. My next blog will come tomorrow.

Cheers,

Dan

What you can learn from a dog - The Blondie Rule #1

What you can learn from a dog - The Blondie Rule #1

The other day I was taking my dogs out for their last potty break before going to bed. It was a miserable evening as the rain was really coming down hard. I put on my rain coat, and started the “leashing up process”. As I was getting Charlie, my black lab ready to go, my 16-year old terrier mix mutt Blondie decided she wasn’t going to wait.

She walked through the screen in the door (Now, how did THAT get there?) and proceeded to the top of the porch step just under cover. It was at that point she decided to do her duty, turn around and come back in. I guess a 16-year old dog has more wisdom than her 42-year old human owner. She wasn’t about to get wet, while Charlie and I got drenched.

So, what can we learn from Blondie? It didn’t take much analysis to determine that going down the stairs into the rain just to get her “job” done wasn’t necessary. She made a “command” decision and solved the problem at the least expense and effort, and still got the job done.

How many times do we fall victim of “analysis paralysis”? Sometimes, we may take an inordinate amount of time to make a decision that was staring us in the face all the time. Instead of using our wisdom and acting, we waste time, energy, and money in over-analyzing. Sometimes, we lose an opportunity because of it! If you’re like me, you have been guilty of this.

I’ve learned that my old dog can teach me new tricks. This was a good example. Granted, I will continue to use the acceptable human way to go to the bathroom; Blondie’s method of decision-making was not lost on me!

Dan

P.S. Are you procrastinating on getting your game plan in place? You have the opportunity to learn more about protecting yourself and your program with my webinar, Sex Lies & Violence: Protecting Yourself from Liability for Coaches. Click here learn more...

P.S.S. There is also a FREE webinar on September 13th on fundraising. Click here to learn more…

Are you prepared for the crisis?

Football practices are kicking into high gear and soon will be followed by the other Fall sports. Hard to believe summer is ending and we will soon start to feel the chill in the air.

Does your team ever get a chill in the locker room? You know what I mean - drama, fights, discontent with teammates? When I was coaching, I received some great insight from a fellow coach. He said, "Dan, every year, you will have at least three crisis' to deal with. Be prepared." He was right. Depending on your definition of a crisis, there may be a lot more than that.

As the leader of your program, are you prepared for the three or more crisis' you will face? Being prepared for a myriad of surprises is just as valuable as being prepared for that crisis in a game. The better your game plan, you more likely the crisis will be minor. How do you know what to expect? You don't. But, you've probably been around long enough to take some pretty educated guesses, right?

As part of your pre-season preparation, brainstorm some potential issues that could come up with your coaching staff. You will find that you will be better able to handle those tough times when they surface. And, they will!

Dan

P.S. How would you like to go a long way to averting a communication crisis? One of the reasons I made my educational CD, Panic to Power was to help coaches improve your presentation skills. You will learn how to most effectively communicate with parents and players in group sessions. You can learn more by finding the giant CD to your right...

What You Can Learn from Tiger Woods

If you’ve ever watched Tiger Woods play golf, you know you’re looking at arguably the greatest golfer of all time. He unquestionably fits that title for this generation at least. Even if you’re not a golfer, you are certainly aware of his dominance in his profession. This past weekend, he picked up his 13th career major victory at the PGA Championship in Tulsa, OK; moving him ever closer to Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major wins.

So what can we learn from Tiger? No, I’m not talking about his thunderous drives or his precision putting. We can however learn something about work ethic, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.

Tiger Woods has been called a “phenom” by many. However, his phenomenal play really comes from an endless regimen that strengthens his mind, body, and skills. The mental focus he brings to his game is really what sets him apart from his competitors. Think about this weekend. After 72 holes in temperatures that soured to over 100 degrees each day, he won a tournament by a mere 2 strokes. Two strokes over 72 holes isn’t a lot by numbers, but it’s that little “extra” that Tiger brings from the mental side that puts him over the top time and time again. His ability to focus on the task at hand, without being distracted about what happened in the past, or what will happen in the future, has made him the most dominant athlete in sports since Michael Jordan.

Do you bring that type of focus to your “game”?

Your players have to have the right focus, but so do you. Preparation starts with the coach and he or she transfers that through their leadership to their players. John Wooden was a master of preparation. He won a couple of championships, too!

Dan

P.S. Part of being prepared means making sure you, your family, and your program are protected from false allegations, embarrassment, and unwanted distractions. That's why I created my workshop titled Sex, Lies, and Violence: How to Protect Yourself from Liability for Coaches. You will walk away with the tools to make sure no distractions about liability ever keep you from enjoying your coaching experience. Learn more by clicking here...

Grace Stands the Test of Time

It was April 8th, 1974 and I was 9 years old. I was watching a nationally televised baseball game featuring the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. Glued to the television and clutching my brand-new Hank Aaron “714” baseball mitt, I was waiting anxiously to watch my hero come to the plate. I can still smell the leather of the glove. Aaron was tied with Babe Ruth as the Home Run King and his next homer would leave him standing alone. I’ll never forget it – his second at bat against Al Downing was hit over the left-field wall and as he rounded the bases, he was mobbed by two fans who somehow managed to elude the police. It was quite a scene and a thrill for this young fan. I remember how gracious “The Hammer” was in his comments before, during, and after the chase. Ruth was a legend and Aaron endured much hatred and contempt. His graciousness under these circumstances was more heroic than his accomplishment.

Now, 12,173 days later, Bobby Bonds stands alone as the new Home Run King. This article isn’t about blasting Barry Bonds. This is his time, plus there are enough people to tackle that job anyway. This is about a man who 33 years later still exudes graciousness. Hank Aaron wasn’t in San Francisco last night for the festivities. He had said all along he had no interest in attending and stuck to his word. However, he did issue a video statement that was played on the big screen congratulating Bonds for his “skill, longevity, and determination.” He considered himself “privileged” to have held the record and sent his best wishes to Bonds and his family. In conclusion, he said this, “My hope today, as it was on that April evening in 1974, is that the achievement of this record will inspire others to chase their own dreams”.

It makes mo wonder if I’m always gracious in challenging times. How about you? If we can learn anything from Henry Aaron, it’s this; baseball records will come and go, but what stands forever is the character of a human being.

Oh, by the way, read his final statement one more time. Are you still chasing your dreams? As my friend Jim Key has said, “It’s never too late to dream”! My hope is that you will be inspired to keep your dreams, whatever they may be, alive and well.

Dan

Do You Have Your Game Plan in Place?

Did you here the one about the 40-year old Cross Country Coach who married his 16-year old start athlete? Sounds like a bad joke, but instead it’s a stark reality - http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3305652&page=1. No wonder coaches come under the microscope so much these days. That means even coaches with the best intentions must be careful of how you are perceived by parents, players and the community.

What do you do to protect yourself? Just like you have a game plan for your games and practices, you should develop a game plan for yours and your coaches own protection from false allegations.

It can be little things that make a difference. I remember one year I was hosting a team dinner at my house. All of a sudden, about two hours before the dinner, I found out my wife had to work late and wouldn’t be there on time. Even though my two children would be present, my game plan said that if there was not at least one other adult, there would be no dinner at my house. Especially coaching girls, it was important to have a female there. In order to make it work, I called upon the aid of two very gracious team mothers who volunteered to come take part in the event. It’s a win-win for everybody – the players get the team dinner they love and the parents feel part of the team.

Sticking to your game plan may sometimes be challenging, but it’s always worth the extra effort. Just like any good planning, it takes time and effort to put together. That’s why I developed my workshop called “Sex, Lies and Violence: Protecting Yourself from Liability for Coaches”. Its three one-hour workshops spread over three months. You will learn strategies to develop your own game plan for protecting yourself, your coaches, and your program. To learn more, contact me at 360.271.1592 or dan@danweedin.com. The ability to register online is imminent at www.danweedin.com/store.php.

How much money can you make for your program?

Wow...first a blog and now a webinar. Scary how much time I'm spending looking at the computer monitor. I'm really pleased to announce that I've started doing webinars. What's a webinar, you may ask? Basically, it's a meeting or seminar you can attend from the comfort of your own home. You simply dial in on your phone, or cooler yet, log onto the web and tune in there.In September, I'm hosting a webinar for high school and youth coaches on how to earn more money fundraising so you can travel to tournaments, buy needed equipment, or attend camps/clinics. If you're a coach that wants to be a more efficient and productive fundraiser, this webinar is for you. The best news is that it's FREE. Yes, you read correctly...FREE. Here's the information you'll need to join the event:EVENT: Sweating the Little Things - Fundraising SolutionsDATE & TIME: Thursday, September 13th at 6:30pm PacificFORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast -- it's your choice)TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, CLICK THIS LINK NOW...http://instantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=472845That's it...very easy. You can even ask questions leading up to the event that I will answer.Psst..here's a secret. Even if you don't coach, you may find this webinar valuable. If you're like me and are a member of a service club or non-profit organization, you need to raise money, too. These concepts and tools work for ANY type of fundraising. You're welcome to join. After all, it's FREE!

How to protect yourself from parent problems

Have you ever had a confrontational meeting with a parent? Were there things said by either you or the parent that could come back to haunt you later? If so, what was your next step? Maybe, there has been a discipline issue you had to deal with in practice. Will you need to remember the details next month, next year, or in five years?

If you’re like me and part of the post-40 generation, you’re memory is not what it used to be! Even if you are younger, your memory will never hold up to intense questioning or in a court of law. That’s why documentation is the most important tool you have in your arsenal for liability protection as a coach and a teacher.

Do you keep a journal of unusual events, player and parent conversations, and discipline? If not, why? Keeping a written documentation is the best form of protection you have. With technology today, you can easily store an untold amount of data forever without it being a space burden. Now, you may be saying “Dan, did you say FOREVER?” Yes…you heard me right. There’s no time limit on when a bad situation rears its ugly head and you’re called upon to show your practice plan from a date many years in the past. Don’t take chances. You can store several years of practice plans and journal entries on one thumb drive.

You should have been outside my locker room five years ago when an angry parent surprised me coming out of my locker room right after an agonizing one-point loss to our arch rival. He was upset because his senior daughter hadn’t played in the game. He didn’t know that she and I had an agreement about her role on the team. She was a “bubble” player and probably wouldn’t have made the team as a senior, but we wanted to keep her because of the great person and motivator she was. She knew there would be games she might not play in. Bottom line – I had documented my conversation with the player, and then the confrontation with her father. Nothing ever came of it, but I was glad I had it in writing.

Do yourself a favor and document unusual events and conversations. I know it’s not like you have loads of free time but consider the loss of time you face if you have to re-create things. Documentation is your best form of protection.

One last note; if you have witnesses to any discussions or events and you feel their account is important, ask them to write an account and keep it with your documentation.

P.S. Would you like to improve your presentation skills so you can really get your message through to parents at your next parent meeting? Check out my new educational CD, Panic to Power: Swift & Simple Speaking Strategies Anyone Can Use. You can purchase it now by clicking under the giant CD to your right! Make sure your parents know your expectations and rules. Take the next step to better communications.