Leading Winning Teams

Introduction

ONE OF THE most important lessons I have learned is that what you wish to accomplish cannot be done alone. Goals are important, but mentors are imperative. I would not have advanced without the many who came alongside to encourage me, reveal weaknesses, and train me in the skills needed to pursue my visions for the future. I am thankful to the many coaches who took their time to help me. And teams that win over and over and over again are relentless on process.

Choose: Acute Pain or Chronic Pain

There are two important types of pain in life: the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. You choose.

The Pain Exchange

It is October 24, 1995, game three of the World Series, Cleveland Indians versus the mighty Atlanta Braves. I am a 25-year-old Indians’ coach in my second season in pro ball. It is an extra-inning thriller, and our team is down two-zero in the Series. Then, in a near-midnight stroke of magic, veteran Eddie Murray steps up in the bottom of the 11th, a man built on consistent actions of discipline and preparedness, hitting the game-winning hit. A triumph of great achievement!

After being part of professional baseball, and over 2000 games, three World Series over 12-plus years, I learned a profound lesson—I call it the pain exchange. This lesson extends well beyond baseball; it resonates across elite forces, military, police, firefighters, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and world-class athletes. But the pain exchange is for everyone, everywhere, ...