You Win in the Locker Room First: The 7 C's to Build a Winning Team in Business, Sports, and Life

Chapter 4Communicate

When there is a void in communication, negativity will fill it. Fill the void with great communication.

The Most Important Thing a Coach Can Do

Jon Gordon

I was having dinner with Doc Rivers, the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, and I asked him what was the most important thing he does as a coach. He said, “I communicate to my team. Not just collectively as a team but individually. I have to know where each person is in order to lead them where I need them to be. Since I communicate often with them, I know who is struggling with a personal issue. I know who needs encouragement. I know who needs to be challenged.” I then asked Doc what he would like to improve upon as a coach. He said, “I would like to improve my communication.” I was blown away. Here was a coach who was considered by many as the best communicator in sports and he wanted to get even better. It demonstrates how important communication is and how much every leader needs to focus on it.

Communication is the foundation of every great relationship. Communication builds trust. Trust generates commitment. Commitment fosters teamwork, and teamwork delivers results. Without great communication you don't have the trust to build a strong relationship. And without strong relationships you can't have a strong team. In fact, most marriages break down because of poor communication. Most teams break ...