Meeting Allistair McCaw was an eye opener. Allistair McCaw is an internationally recognized leader in the field of athletic performance enhancement. His well-proven method of athlete training, ‘The McCaw Method’, has set the standard for providing world class athletes and coaches with cutting-edge training techniques, products and knowledge.

What sets him apart from the rest of his field is his everyday search for greatness. From this meeting I have retained a lot. The next 7 points are all about becoming a better coach/leader and the next 10 points are all about Why Champions Succeed:

Great coaches and leaders do

1. They listen better: Great coaches and leaders know how to listen well. They understand that they will be able to come up with better answers, solutions and decisions for their athletes or teams when they tune in and simply listen better.
2. They adapt better: Great coaches are like chameleons. They are able to adapt to their environment. They are great at making decisions and finding solutions to problems. They are also great at adapting to the different personalities in their athletes and teams.
3. They lead by example: You must hold yourself accountable before you can hold anyone else. For example, if you expect your players to be on time, then you need to be on time. You want to be the type of leader who raises the level of everyone around you. Remember that your word’s mean little when you aren’t leading by the example.
4. Everyday they bring the 3E’s: Effort, Enthusiasm and Energy. When you have these 3 things, you will find that you will be even more successful as a leader or coach. Your clients and athletes look and come to you for these and not just the X’s & 0’s of playing a game.
5. They care more: Every human being longs to feel loved and cared for. Make your athletes or clients feel special and cared for. I just love this saying: “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
6. They keep it simple: Don’t try and complicate things. When you talk, keep it brief and to the point. Your athletes or clients don’t need to know about the anatomy of a shoulder if you’re explaining an exercise. When it’s kept simple, it’s understood better. When it’s understood better, productivity and results will be higher.
7. They show confidence: Your attitude is something you have complete control of and will influence everything you do in life. A good energy and positive attitude helps build confidence. You must have a strong self-worth and be confident in your abilities, without being arrogant or cocky. No one is going to follow someone who doesn’t believe in themselves. Confidence comes from a sound work ethic and from being prepared.

All in all, great leaders and coaches love to SERVE.

Great players do:

1. They have a vision and deeper purpose.
2. They are willing to get up at any hour in the morning to go train.
3. They are willing to go harder and longer than their opponents.
4. They never look for excuses or blame others. They take responsibility.
5. They never blame their circumstances or past.
6. They are obsessed and constantly thinking about it.
7. They have a deeper purpose and are driven by their ‘why’.
8. They are protective of their energy and who they associate with.
9. They aren’t trying to be perfect, instead they are doing, trying, failing and trying again until they get it right.
10. Last but not least, and probably the most important one; they simply want it more and will do whatever it takes.