Jerry Brainum, in the April 2010 IRONMAN Magazine writes about Anabolic Steroids and the Skin, a troubling issue for teens and bound to get your and their attention. Mr. Brainum is an exercise and nutrition researcher and has been a respected sports journalist for more than 25 years.

Mr. Brainum writes that medical research and literature points to medical abnormalities such as liver and cardiovascular problems in athletes that use anabolic steroids. But the more common problems, and the ones that are bound to get yours and your teens attention are: Premature male pattern baldness in men and woman, excessive stretch marks, and severe acne.

Less hair on top, weird body hair and more zits, yikes! Just what your teen wants!

Bald and bad skin is a bad combo for me, not to mention a teen.

In a study of power lifters cited by Mr. Brainum:

• 53% had acne
• 47% had increased body hair
• 27% had a higher incidence of oily skin
• 20% had a loss of scalp hair

Worse, the type of steroid related acne does not always respond to routine medical treatment if athletes continue to utilize steroids. Steroids can also worsen skin pathologies.

The stretch marks associated with steroid use, usually show up in the neck, chest, shoulders and upper arms.  This is also not good for teens that fixate on their looks.

Teens and other athletes that inject steroids under less than sterile conditions can often get bacterial and sterile abscesses, particularly in the gluteus (the rear end) the study said.

My comments: Sports pharmacology is serious business conducted by an underground community of unscrupulous coaches, trainers, authors, competitors, medical doctors, drug dealers, and self-proclaimed experts. Additionally, your teenager will probably buy some form of crap that may have no relation to steroids, from some “self-proclaimed expert” (read: uneducated, high school drop out, gang-banger, gym-rat, sleaze bag)

Furthermore, rampant steroid abuse has given rise to an industry to mask the evidence of steroids.   A whole industry was built just to fool the drug tests.  This means your teen athlete, who by the way knows about this shady underground industry, will need to take more drugs to hide the evidence of steroids in his (her) blood. Not good.

Well, how do you fix the problem?
How do you recognize steroid use or abuse?
What can you do to protect your teen?
How do you talk to your ambitious teen athlete?

Gather information:

Start by monitoring your teen’s physical condition for rapid strength or size changes and watch for aggressive mood swings. Twenty pounds of weight gain over a summer may not be a troubling sign.  But, when mixed with explosive acne or hair loss along with the symptoms listed above may be an indication of steroid use.  Years ago a teenage family friend blew up to 290lbs. Yes, 290 lbs. He suffered from mood swings and body image issues. Today as a successful executive he still has trouble controlling his weight.

Learn more:

Check out your teen’s sport, their coaches, and the goals of the athletic program.

Check to determine if the sport they are playing has prevalent steroid use. You would be surprised at the sports that have rampant doping and drug use.  There are rumors that steroids have tarnished golf’s most honored and respected winner. Yes even golf. Ever heard of blood doping? You better believe your teen has! Ask them.

It is also a good idea to pay close attention to the philosophy of the school athletic program or team your teen plays on.  Especially be watchful of an over ambitious coaching staff. Visit the team weight room or practice unannounced and just observe.

It would be good to determine if the sport they engage in is subject to drug testing and learn the drug policies of the school, conference and/or the state sports governing organization. As a parent YOU should know the legal consequences or suspension (or banning) practices for engaging in steroids, even if your teen does not. Remember steroids are a controlled substance and as such are against the law.

Talk to a medical doctor that specializes in sports medicine. The doctor should provide you with information. Search the web or visit your local library. The effort in research and planning is worth your time. The more you know about steroids the easier it becomes to open a meaningful dislodge with your teen.

But how do you combat or even begin to discuss a problem when your teen might be in, or is in, the “stupid, stubborn, arrogant, know-it-all,” time of life and has a hard time listening to rational thought, especially from “uncool” parents?

Try a guided discussion:

Engage your teen in subtle guided discussions about competition, cheating, and steroids.

Subtle guided discussions are a counseling tool for you to use to seek information, engage in thoughtful discussion and to lead your teen to introspected thought and hopefully to honorable conclusions.

Engage your teen in subtle guided discussions about the dangers of steroid use. Do not lecture or preach but try to make the conversation fun. Try to determine your teen’s competitive need to succeed or win in the sport. Try to determine if your teen would do anything or everything (even cheat) to win.

Ask non-threatening questions about your teens training routine such as the amount of time spent in the weight room and the specific diet/supplementation requirements of their sport. Learn about their sport and their heroes by name. Learn what is required in training time to become a champion. Show a genuine interest in their sport and their life.

Discuss sports heroes that were caught cheating with steroids (especially in their sport) and ask their opinion.

Questions such as: “Mark McGuire is trying to rehabilitate his image and is coming back to baseball, what do you think of that?”  Then perhaps, “McGuire is really paying a hefty price for his indiscretion, do you think that is fair?” “Was his fame worth the public humiliation?”  “Do you think he should get in the Baseball Hall of Fame?”

Try to spend most of your time listening to the responses.

Your teen probably will not listen to important medical information you provide about the dangers of steroids unless you are very subtle in your approach. Instead, talk about baldness and facial scaring from acne; that might get their attention. Always remain cool and in charge of your demeanor and thus the discussion. If your teen does not wish to engage in the conversation, subtly move to another.

Invite their attention to articles like the one written by Mr. Brainum and other reputable experts. Ask them to explain the issues importance or lack of.  Do not debate or argue with their comments. These are subtle guided discussions remember…not arguments. Be a good leader and be a parent your teen can talk to. Yes even about steroids.

Talk to and observe your teen’s friends:

Learn as much as you can about your teen’s life, their interests, music, video games, x-box stuff, clothes, bad teachers, gangs or bullies, just as you would learn about your best friend. You can learn a lot by quietly observing and listening to their friends. Even try to engage in their sport. For instance, you might be surprised at the skill and practice skate boarding or other X-sports require. When you speak to your teen’s friends ALWAYS do so in a friendly non-threatening manner. Show that you care and have an interest in their problems and their future. Remember do not lecture.

Worst case scenario:

If you suspect that your teen is using anabolic steroids and he (she) will not quit, have him (her) monitored by the family physician. Not the best solution, we agree but at least it keeps you and your teen in the health loop. It might save your teens hair and prevent severe acne scars that remain for life. It also might keep your teen from being banned from the sport for life or worse…going to jail. Remember too, that steroids are expensive so your teen may become a “pusher” to afford the drugs, Dealers get long jail sentences.

Everything in life has a price.

Your thoughtful comments or your horror stories are appreciated.

Dr. John Morgan

Saints Coach Sean Payton and lessons in leadership

Indianapolis Colts Management are you listening?

On Wednesday, Dec. 30th 2009, I posted a blog, Gutless Indianapolis Colts coaching staff means they will not go down in history.  Well, a lot has happened since then.

In Monday’s Miami Herald, Jeff Darlington writes, “The Saints became Super Bowl Champions because of a calculating quarterback, a risk taking coach and a team’s faith that did not waiver.” Drew Brees is quoted as saying this about his coach, “Not only is he an aggressive play caller, a confident play caller, but he’s a guy that can instill all those qualities in his players.” My words: That’s what leadership is all about.

This is not to say that the Colts players didn’t give the game every ounce of effort, because I’m sure they had.  As a matter of fact I know they did.  Surely the Indianapolis sportswriters will second-guess the coach’s decisions well into next season. This second-guessing may prove beneficial to the organization, maybe it will not.

I say it probably will not because my thoughts go back to the regular season and to the decision to rest players when the Colts had a chance at destiny, to go undefeated entering the Super Bowl. The Colt’s executive and coaching staff chose to play it safe.  It was considered a “smart football decision” and thus they decided to defeat themselves, to quit, and not to strive to become the greatest NFL football team and thus the greatest Super Bowl Champions ever. Well, the Colts got their wish. They are the most rested, injury-free, second greatest, not Super Bowl champions.

When the decision to sit players was made, so went the Super Bowl.  The Colts organization demonstrated a lack of need and commitment to be the best. Not good! These types of “committee” decisions must be washed away from the Colt’s organization if they are to recover to become champions again. The organizations will, their non-aggressive attitude, and their leadership skills must improve if they are to become champions. If not, they are destined to become what they desired by sitting their players…a safe and mediocre, second place team.

Am I being tough on the Colts organization? You bet. But what do we tell our kids? “OK little Johnny, strive to be the best, but only if it’s not too hard. If you get tired or afraid or if your goal is stressful play it safe.”  It’s Okay to phone it in, Lil Stewie.

Is that what we teach our kids about striving to be the best?

I’ll bet they aren’t saying that to the kids in New Orleans!

As usual your thoughtful comments are welcome.

Dr. John Morgan

It’s ten days into 2010 and I’m guessing enough time has passed for you to forget all the resolutions you made for the coming year.  Losing weight, stopping smoking or teaching a child to read, you know, all the non-essential stuff has finally taken a back seat to the more important issues in your life, like Facebook.

Well, thank goodness for Facebook. Some genius came up with a great way to use the millions, if not billions, of people on the social networking site to remember a great cause.

If you haven’t heard, all you have to do is update your status with your bra color and you will raise awareness of breast cancer.  Even the Susan G. Komen Foundation said the idea is a great way to keep people from forgetting about the dangers of breast cancer.

What I do like about the campaign is its simplicity.  All you need to do to become an “activist” is logon and up-date your status with your bra color.  The idea is so good that all the major television stations, like ABC, CBS and NBC picked up the story.  The idea is so good that not one of the stations actually told women to do anything besides up-date their status.

But that is the one small problem with Facebook.  The problem with Facebook and all the social media websites is an inherent lack of action.  Yes, I want to be an “activist” and fight for a cause.  Perfect, now I can become an “activist” from my couch.  I don’t even have to get dressed; I can just update my status.

Did I miss something? In order to be an activist, I thought you needed to take action.  I do not care how aware of breast cancer you are, if you do not take action it all means nothing.  Stop and think for just a minute, think about the words activism and activist.  Both words imply that some action will take place.  What action are you going to take to become a true activist?

Women, make an appointment today to get a mammogram. Take action, men ask the women in your life questions.  Everyone, go grab your mom, daughter, sister or wife and physically take them to the doctor. It is not as easy as updating your bra color, but highly more effective.

The bottom line: Facebook awareness is useless without action.

Comments welcome.

Post the date and time when you scheduled your mammogram.

Today, in the 2010 Gator Bowl, the West Virginia University played Florida State University.  It was the last game for the great, FSU, 80 year old, Coach Bobby Bowden.

Earlier in his career, Bowden spent 10 years coaching at West Virginia University. His children attended college there.  He is deeply loved and respected by both the people and the fans in West Virginia.

In 1970, WVU Coach Bill Stewart played there as a linebacker under Bowden for a year.  Stewart said that he is honored to be the last coach to compete against the legend.

Today, Coach Stewart and his team played their hearts out to win. Even though the sentimental favorite was Coach Bowden and that many fans, including me, hoped that Bowden could be victorious in his last game, Coach Stewart simply said…OK, Earn it.

WVU Coach Stewart didn’t back down or call off his team. Out of respect for Coach Bobby Bowden and for the game, he did the opposite. He went after the FSU Seminoles full bore.

Good for you Coach Stewart and your leadership. You and your team are to be commended for your values and your integrity. In the end, WVU came up short and FSU did win the game. But, they won it with hard work and teamwork.

WVU played tough until the very end of the game.  They left all their effort on the field.  They didn’t protect first team players or seniors for next year. They did not give the victory to Bowden and FSU.

WVU displayed a great desire to win.  Thanks for a tremendous ball game.  Your effort and character prove that you are also true champions.

I guess that is the difference between watching a real football game and a simple business transaction.

Your comments are welcome.

Dr. John Morgan PhD.

Gutless Indianapolis Colts coaching staff means they will not go down in history

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Thomas Edison

The Indianapolis Colts had a chance at destiny, to become an unbeaten team and maybe to win a Super Bowl.  They had an opportunity to become one of the greatest teams in NFL history. But the leadership and coaching staff chose to quit, to self-destruct and to ultimately fail. The coaches chose to sit their best players, the result a loss to the New York Jets.

The executives and coaches actively chose not to become un-beaten. They chose not to go down in history with their honor and integrity intact. Instead, they chose to play it safe, quit and rest their star players.  In doing so they left their courage, honor and thus their chance at destiny back in the locker room.

Some will say that their conduct was smart football by savvy executives. Some will say the coaches were protecting their All-Pro quarterback from injury. Some will say they were resting for the playoffs. I say, hogwash!!!

Leadership is being out front showing the way. It is to motivate and inspire people to achieve goals that mere mortals fear. It is accomplishing impossible tasks and beating unbeatable foes.  Leadership is having what it takes to attack your one chance at destiny with courage, valor and integrity. It is not celebrating, taking a break or drinking a cappuccino because you are almost perfect.

What the executives at the Indianapolis Colts demonstrated was “management” at it’s very worse.  What happened was certainly not an example of effective or meaningful leadership.  Can you imagine the Colt managers telling Vince Lombardi, or Don Shula to rest players on their way to a championship, or perhaps, a perfect season?

Imagine the carnage left behind after they had made that kind of suggestions to Lombardi or Shula.  The executive offices would have been littered with the bodies of the attorneys, accountants, managers, administrators, and facilitators that dared to make that suggestion.

Yes, maybe time will tell that the decision by the Colts was smart football.  But, in the meantime the Colts may become just one of many teams to win the Super Bowl.  They will not be special, they will not be the greatest. They may just be another team in a long line of forgotten champions.

One shot at destiny destroyed from within, by the very organization and people that simply do not understand the leadership, courage, and tenacity required to be the best of all time.

Oh, a special note to Colt managers and coaches. I’m on my way to Starbuck’s for a skim, half-caff, vanilla latte.  Bring your latest management book and let’s have a swell discussion on administering and facilitating people, committees and the decision making process. Bring a sweater or a light jacket; sometimes it gets chilly down here in south Florida.

Your comments are welcomed.

John Morgan, PhD

Should we care about Tiger Woods?

So, Tiger Woods confessed to transgressions (read infidelity and adultery) in his marriage. So he betrayed his wife, he lied, cheated and broke his commitment to her and repeated this conduct with different women.  It would seem that his actions were not a “mistake” but a calculated, planned and managed activity over many months.

What was he thinking?

Perhaps to him it was no more serious than buying himself a little fun, a new girlfriend or two, it’s just like getting a new car or boat, right.  Perhaps he is viewed as a stud and a hero to be envied by regular men that can only fantasize what it must be like to live a life similar to Tiger Woods.  Like the name of Tiger’s 200-foot yacht “Privacy,” should we just forget the story and give him his privacy?

But what do we tell our children who are fans of and look up to Tiger?

How do we teach them character, virtue and other lofty traits? How do we teach our kids basic ethics, and moral behavior? How do we teach them to resist negative behavior and to control their feelings and emotions?  No, we are not trying to be the moral police or preach, but how do you explain to your twelve-year-old son what has happened to his hero?  Do we say, “See Tiger got caught!” Is that all there is to this life lesson, getting caught? Or, is it just like the Las Vegas commercial? “What happens in Tiger’s bedroom stays in the bedroom.”

My comments

At least Tiger gave us a topic to discuss with our kids.  At this moment, he is trying to rectify his behavior with his family.  He needs his wife’s forgiveness, as much as he needs ours.  However all these guys must realize, Tiger, Alex Rodriguez, Terrell Owens, Ray Lewis, and others, whether you believe it or not, whether you measure up to the responsibility or not, you are role models to our children.  Is it time for the sports community, the writers and the commentators to hold our sports heroes accountable for their behavior?  Or, is the Tiger story no big deal and just another sports story without social importance?

Your comments are welcome.
John Morgan, PhD

I posted a simple question on the forum. Follow the link just below.
Would it be worse/better if Tiger were caught cheating at the Masters?

This is part four of a four part series on the importance of practice.

Just because practice is simple, do not overlook its importance. Here are the four basic rules of practice:

You must practice to become better.
What you learn first is what you remember.
How you practice is how you will play.
You must have a simple practice plan.

Rule Number Four:

Plan Your Practice

When you train for your sport, do you train with a purpose or just to have fun? The question sounds like a quiz but the answer does matter. Actually, you should be training with a purpose and having fun.

If you stay engaged in the sport without both fun and practice you probably will not get better. I can guarantee you, if you are not having fun, you will not be training or engaged in the sport or activity very long.

Remember, practice, play and compete to have some fun and to improve your skills. Take the time to develop and follow a simple practice plan. Make sure you are improving and that you practice on a schedule.

The practice plan does not always have to be detailed. Break down the activity you wish to practice in to separate parts. Then schedule practice on each of these parts separately and with simple lessons.

For instance: In flight simulators, professional airline pilots place importance on and thus practice two things. They practice take-offs and landings.

Take the same approach as a pilot and practice the most important, most critical or most difficult aspects of your game or sport. If you play golf for example, practice your short, medium and long game. If you are a football wide receiver, practice the basics like running pass routes and catching the ball.

Do not forget to track and measure your progress. It is a waste of time to practice without a system in place to measure your progress. An easy way to insure you are getting better is to grade your performance during practice and to debrief or think about what you did correctly and incorrectly.

Complete a simple feedback loop such as: think, plan, brief, practice, debrief/correct, and then think, plan, brief, practice and correct again in a continuous loop. Follow this feedback loop and you will improve and refine your skills.

Practice is just like the other important aspects of your life. You must prioritize and schedule your practice in advance. This might mean to schedule a practice once a month or once a day, but the goal is to stay consistent in your training. Consistent practice insures two things: First, the repetitive action reinforces the action learned and second it ingrains good habits until the motion becomes subconscious.

I cannot make it any simpler than that. Take the time to develop an easy to follow, basic practice plan and follow it.

When you practice on a schedule, have a plan with measurable goals, you will become better at your game or sport and definitely have more fun. By the way, you have more fun when you are good or great at something.

On a side note about the video: I could find a lot of videos that had a practice lesson, but none of them fit the message nicely. Most videos were planning overkill and diluted the message. Like we preach “K.I.S.S.” Which stands for “Keep It Simple Stupid.”

Then, I happened to find a video of Allen Iverson “AI.” I’m not quite sure why he is talking about practice, (please read with sarcasm) but listen and watch him carefully.

For some reason, I don’t think the reporters are commenting on his great work ethic at practice. I’m not an NBA fanatic, but I don’t think AI or his teams have ever won a championship. At this moment, I think he is having trouble finding a team.

Oh yeah, also watch the second video. It’s a great sequel.

This guy is a Hall-of-Famer, can someone please tell me what is going on?

Are discipline, responsibility, and accountability lost concepts in the NFL?

After the teams 3 wins, 6 loses start, the Buffalo Bills Football team announced it has fired Head Coach Dick Jauron. His record since being hired is 24 wins and 33 loses.

As their replacement to Coach Jauron, the Bills hired team defensive co-coordinator, Perry Fewell. Coach Fewell does not have head coaching experience, on any level.

If you don’t know, since the end of the 2000 season, the Bill’s have hired and fired 4 head coaches.

Commentary:
Hey, Bill’s front office!

Do you guys see anything wrong with this picture?
How can you wonder why or how this is happening to your organization?
Do you have a disciplined process in place to select key people?
Is this operation run by knee jerk reaction?

Apparently, the problem starts at the top. Judging by the undisciplined approach to picking a head coach, it seems there is little discipline in your organization at the highest levels. Looking at your previous four choices, it seems you are selecting the first person available.

What about it Mr. Russ Brandon? Are you not the guy responsible and accountable for these decisions? Are you not the GM?

Well, this decision sounds like a snap, knee jerk reaction to fire Coach Jauron and a worse knee jerk decision to select Coach Fewell.

We hope Coach Fewell great success but Mr. Brandon you have some accounting to do regarding your leadership, organizational and management skills.

For heavens sake why not pick your doctor or your attorney to run the team…they do not have any head coaching experience either.

Dr. John

Tell us how you feel…
p.s. I will post this question on the forum also.

Follow the link below to the forum.
Who’s next to be hired or fired in the NFL?

In his new book Open, Andre Agassi talks about his troubled relationship with his father, his love-hate relationship with tennis and that he was a lonely, insecure youngster. The former tennis great and philanthropist also confessed to using the illegal substance crystal methamphetamine twelve years ago. For those who don’t know, Meth is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant.

Agassi goes on to say that he was so messed up on meth that his coach gave him two choices. The choices, either give up tennis and retire, or start all over again and re-learn the game from the beginning. Agassi chose to start all over.

Almost daily, we read or hear about sports stars, entertainers, politicians or the rich and famous either getting into trouble as adults or re-living some form of a troubled past.
Some of these people, like Agassi, can overcome their past, while others struggle to find meaning to their lives as adults.

The lesson is just that. It’s not just you that is lacking or suffering in some way. Everybody including the rich and famous, struggle with the challenges of life. Difficulties and downright catastrophes are part of life. It’s not the problem it is the solutions that make all the difference.

So, if or when this happens to you, take some down time to heal. The amount of down time depends on the nature of the emotional or physical issue. To help you recover, don’t be afraid to seek professional help if necessary.

At some point you must choose to make a decision about life and start to fight to get your act back together. Choose, quit or start from the beginning.

Get up and get yourself back in the fight for success. Start with a self-correcting plan and with intense effort. You’ll be back in no time.

Whether you are a Wimbledon Champ or an average Joe or Jane, don’t be too hard on yourself. Problems are a way of life; dismiss your doubts, your fears, or your past. You are worthy of success. Pick yourself up and go achieve your dream.

Oh, and remember: It is not just you, everybody is screwed up or lacking in some way.
So what! Get over it!

Good Luck,
John Morgan, PhD

Tell us how you got back up.

This is the third part in a four part series on practice.

Just because practice is simple, do not overlook its importance.

Here are the four basic rules of practice:

You must practice to become better.

What you learn first is what you remember.

How you practice is how you will play.

You must have a simple practice plan.

Rule Number Three:

How you practice is how you will play.

In the last lesson, we finished up with the law of primacy or what you learn first is what you will know and do forever.  The law of primacy leads us into rule number three perfectly.  Rule three is “how you train is how you will play.”

When I was in the Air Force, we had a saying,  “Fight like you train and train like you fight.”  Meaning, how you practiced everyday was how you would perform in the heat of the battle or during an emergency. In a nutshell, this is called the law of exercise.

When you practice you should be doing everything exactly as if you were in a game, race or battle.  From the way you put your socks on to the exact motions you will make as you run, catch or ride, everything should be the same as game or race day.

If you build good habits from the beginning and train like you want to play, the physical motions of your sport will become second nature.  This way, you will be able to free up valuable brainpower to think, compete and win.  Usually, if you out-think your opponent, you win.

The Hero of the Hudson, Capt Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger saved the day along with 155 lives on January 15, 2009 because he flew like he trained.  In simulators, pilots train for hundreds of hours how to deal with emergencies and the unexpected.  In a crisis situation Sully fell back on his training and years of experience.  He saved the day because he flew like he trained.

How do you practice like you are going to play?

Tell us.

This is the second part of a four part series on practice.

Just because practice is simple, do not overlook its importance.

Here are the four basic rules of practice:

You must practice to become better.

What you learn first is what you remember.

How you practice is how you will play.

You must have a simple practice plan.

Rule Number Two:

What you learn first is what you remember.

There are two basic laws of learning that comprise the next two rules of practice.  I will cover one in this lesson and one in the next lesson.

First, we will cover the law of primacy.  This law states, the way you learn a lesson, a behavior or skill the first time is the way you will remember it and how you will perform the task forever.

That being said, you can see the importance of learning to perform a task correctly from the beginning.  Bad habits learned in the beginning will be habits that will be hard to break in the future.  Take the time, slow down and focus. Make sure you learn a technique or skill correctly. Work hard to develop good habits and techniques in the beginning.

There are basic building blocks that must be learned in any sport.  Great basic techniques will pay off dividends and serve you well in the future.  Do not skip learning the fundamentals.

This summer, I had the privilege to attend the Donnie Hansen Motocross Academy (DHMA).  Needless to say, Donnie had his work cut out with this old guy.  It’s a good thing Donnie has taught thousands.

Like any great instructor, Donnie started with the basics.  After a brief introduction and warm-up, the first lesson was on riding position. While on the bike, he asked the class to demonstrate the basic riding and attack position.

From novice all the way up to the expert racer, all skill levels were represented in the class.  Each and everyone in the class had some form of improper body and riding position.  For the next two days Donnie and I struggled to break my old bad habits, as did the rest of the class.

Learning the basics from the start will make it easier to learn more complex techniques later on as you become more advanced.

Your mom was right, “Bad habits are hard to break”

Tell us your stories.

ESPN’s Chris Berman interviewed Josh Mc Daniels during the half on Monday night’s game between the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins.  Josh McDaniels is the Denver Bronco’s 33 year old, rookie head coach.  For of those of you who don’t know, Coach McDaniels and the Broncos have started the season 5-0.

During the interview, Berman asked Mc Daniels “When did you know that you were special?” Mc Daniels responded that he had to give credit where it was due most.

He first gave credit to the veteran players for their leadership in helping the other players get ready for the games.  He then said that all his players look for challenge, fit well within the system and team philosophy.

McDaniels further said that what the team accomplished validates all the preparation time, hard work and effort that the players have put in.

Wonder why this guy is a head NFL Coach at 33 years old?

He is a leader.  Even after being given a very pointed question, he gave credit for the team’s success to his players and passed on the opportunity for self-aggrandizement.

Of course he is a good coach and manager, but it is his leadership skills that are making the difference so far this season.  He is establishing a winning philosophy for the team and he is praising his players loudly and in public for their hard work.

Watch the interview…

Think I could get a uniform?

John Morgan, PhD

This is the first of a four part series on practice. The importance of the basics is easy to forget.  The sad part, it is the basics that have the most direct effect on performance and outcomes.  From peewee to the major leagues, practice is the one thing anyone can do to dramatically improve his or her performance.

You say you don’t care about outcomes and just want to have fun?  Remember, as you practice and become better, you will enjoy doing any activity more and more.  From simple math to riding a bike, the practice effect is the same.  As you get better, any activity will become more enjoyable.

Sounds simple, but do not overlook its importance. Here are the four simple, basic rules of practice:

You must practice to become better.

What you learn first is what you remember.

How you practice is how you will play.

You must have a simple practice plan.

Rule Number One:  You Must Practice.

Today, everybody thinks just because “I watch the pros play on Sunday” or  “I got the high score on Madden 10″ that they are ready for the NFL.  Well, think again junior. When was the last time you were outside or even played a game of catch?

The pros make it look easy.  What they are not showing is the thousands of hours of practice behind the scenes.  The game winning catch or tackle has been done a thousand times.  A simple throw and catch is rehearsed over and over, before it was ever attempted in a game on Sunday.

Before the first snap is made on Sunday, the football was thrown and caught hundreds of times away from the lights, crowd and glamour. The quarterback and receiver practiced all week in relative pain and obscurity.

This is the basic repetitive nature of practice and it something that must be done.  It is repeating the simple and mundane tasks until they become habit.  It is concentrating on the basics all the time, not just when you are starting out.

Take the time to continue practicing the basics like throwing, catching, blocking and tackling.  The Super Bowl in all its complexity can be broken down to four basic things.  The team that performs the basics best is usually the victor.

All sports can be broken down to the basics.  Want to ride a motorcycle faster?  There are only a few basic things you need to master.  Practice acceleration, braking, jumping and turning.  Get better at them and you will ride faster.

Practice the basics.  Concentrate and practice everyday and your performance will improve dramatically.

Go watch the pros practice the fundamentals.

Remember, practice.

Do you really listen? Can you withhold judgment until all the facts are in?

Is your conduct measured and controlled?

Do you really listen for concepts and solutions?

This also means for YOU to stop talking, for YOU to be silent.

To draw your people out, ask questions.   To encourage others to talk, yield the floor to them.

Everybody must know that you value his or her opinions. They must know that you are fair and open to reason. They must know that you conduct yourself with discipline, precision and restraint before you act. They must know that when you do act it is from a factual position.

Your people will talk to you because they know that you verify and confirm facts before moving to action. Phrases like: “I think,” I believe so,” I was told,” “He said,” “I’m not sure but,” and other similar phrases must be verified before action is taken.

Your subordinates must know that you do not listen to gossip, rumor or innuendo. You must show them by your conduct that you are patient and moderate in your response to information.

False moves based on inadequate facts or faulty information is costly to repair in terms of time, effort and subordinate good will.

Finally…being out of control, angry, foolish, sophomoric, or quick to judge…is a sure fire recipe for failure.

Certainly not the behavior or the type of leader you aspire to be.

Best of luck and remember,

Leadership starts at the top with you.

Are you accessible to your troops? Does your manner invite communication?

Leadership starts at the top with you. Leadership is influencing your people. This is accomplished by treating people fairly and with respect. It is you establishing a trusting relationship with your subordinates.

You must get to know your people.  Be seen often. You must get out in the field where the work is being performed. Listen to your subordinates with your eyes and your ears.  Be careful what you say and how you say it.

Remember you set the style and tone of your organization by your behavior. By your thoughts, words and deeds. What you say and do is important.  Your personal and professional conduct impacts everyone.  Tell your subordinates that their work is important at every opportunity.

Keep them informed, and give them an input into decisions. Your subordinates must know that they can come to you anytime with any problem and that you will listen with respect.

The day your subordinates stop talking to you, is the day you lose the ability to lead.

Are you willing to take responsible risks to allow your subordinates to grow and become more productive?

This question speaks to the heart of leadership and to the 21 leadership character traits. Character is demonstrated through behavior. It is your values, your discipline and your “will to win,” that exemplify leadership.

Think how many character traits you need to have as “a leader” to take responsible risks.  Risks like nurturing your students so that their productivity, efficiency and effectiveness increase. This means that productivity increases are directly proportional to your effectiveness as a leader.

Your  “responsible risk taking” greatly contributes to the success of the organization, school or team. Give your subordinates responsibility and the management tools to accomplish their assigned goals. Give them enough space to prosper and watch for results.  You will be pleasantly surprised as your subordinates flourish with their new responsibilities and then grow professionally right before your eyes.

Good leaders give people purpose and reason to excel and achieve. Good leaders see excellence when ever and where ever it is. Good leaders move other people to action to achieve excellence. Good leaders do impossible deeds to accomplish goals. Good leaders take care of the welfare of their people.

The ultimate “win-win” situation.

Try it, you’ll like it, and they will to.

Give people the opportunity to perform and excel and watch them achieve goals.

Over supervise and watch them whither on the vine.

Are you willing to let your subordinates be creative?

I am sure you know how many smart and talented people you have in your organization. From top to bottom, the people where you work have the day-to-day experience and the expertise to get the job done.

Think back, you have probably heard, seen or actually worked in an office or been on a team that gets the job done in spite of the boss.

Do not be that boss.

Listen to your people, especially the people who are the experts in their field.  This means, listen to the people who get the work done day-in and day-out.

Remember get out and go to them.  They maybe the furthest removed, but are usually the ones directly affected by your bad policy or procedures at the front lines. These are the people who usually have the fastest, smartest and most efficient solutions to your (their) pressing problems.

Creative solutions and new ideas, no matter how far fetched may be just the thing a difficult problem needs to be solved.

Let the people with the problem find the solution.  Build your teams self-esteem, give them the freedom to make changes, implement solutions and be creative in their work.

Solicit input, let people talk and listen to their solutions.  Never ridicule a new idea. This might stifle a thought that could lead to the idea that saves you the most time, money and material.

Leadership is having the wherewithal to know that someone else is better suited to solve a problem, implement change or institute policy than you.

Listen, Listen, Listen!

And then stay out of the way!

Are you flexible when dealing with changing situations? Are you willing to risk new ideas?

Only one thing is certain in life, change.

Think how the computer, cell telephones and the Internet have changed our lives and the way we operate.  Then, think about how your life will change over the next two to ten years.  To survive and to succeed, you must be able to adapt to change.

Now is the time to think strategically. That means to think three, four or more years into the future.  Think about your decisions, advances or technology today that will affect the outcome of the future and your plans.

By thinking strategically and planning ahead, you will develop a clear picture of where you want to be and how you will get there. This will give you a reference or roadmap for the tactical (smaller) decisions that you will make day to day.

A clear strategic vision of where you want to be does not mean that you still cannot be flexible. Being a leader means that you must develop the ability to adapt, respond and act, often in a rapidly changing environment.

If you have a clear, calculated vision and give it direction, change becomes easier to manage and it becomes easier to take calculated risks.

The same is true for your people.  Go out and instill this vision in your people, and listen to their ideas of how to get there. They may know a better way to complete the mission or accomplish the task.

People always do best when carrying out their own ideas. This way, they have a vested interest in making the idea or solution work.

This also shows people that you have confidence in them and that you expect them to do their best.  Do not be upset by new ideas and do not become a victim of “the not invented here” philosophy. (Meaning, not invented by you)

Do not become extinct like the dinosaurs.

Anyway, why would anybody need a computer?

Do you really want to command? Are you sure your motivation is more than simply having the command experience entered into your record?

This is a critical question you must ask yourself.  Nobody can predict how you will react to the pressure of command.  Only you know if you are ready and willing to accept the responsibility of command. As Gen. Colin Powell says, command is a “lonely place,” and you must be ready to “suffer greatly” for your unit.

What is your motivation? Take a good look at yourself, and find out what is your motivating factor.  Could it be money, power and recognition? These are a few of the very powerful benefits to being in charge.

Think about your career progression.  Is a leadership position a simple line added to the top of your resume? Although powerful, this too is not the only reason to be in charge.  Look deep within, see what motivates you and then go for it.  Because, when you are in command, you usually get what you are asking for.

Here are some other related questions to consider.

Do you manage yourself effectively?

Are you proficient in all aspects of your job?

Do you have the drive and energy to accomplish difficult tasks?

Do you think in terms of long-range goals?

Do you think about what is best for your team or organization?

Do you like working with people?

Do you really want to be the person responsible for results?

Tough questions that only you can answer.

Are you confident that you can produce a superior unit from average people?  Can you inspire people to achieve outstanding results?

As a leader, your role is to get everyone to “want” to achieve organizational goals and outstanding results.

In order to get outstanding results, you will need the support of everyone and you must use them effectively.

Inspiration and people skills are a must. Average people will do outstanding work for a leader they “want” to follow.

Notice, I said “Want” twice.

People only do what they “want” to do, the trick is to get them to want to perform exceptionally. When you motivate and inspire your people they will “want” to perform exceptionally.

To be a great leader, you must understand what people want.  You must learn what makes each person tick. Learn about their needs, desires and expectation.  Get to know your people and about their personal history.  Take time to understand their hopes, dreams and aspirations.  Talking, and more importantly, listening to your students will give you insight on how to lead and motivate them.

Respect and give everyone the opportunity to be outstanding. Gain insight on what your people want.

You may be surprised at the results; average people are constantly accomplishing extra-ordinary tasks.  All over the world, a little leadership and the right motivation can inspire anyone to achieve greatness.

Are you willing to do your best with what seems inadequate means?

Life is not perfect and neither is your school, athletic department or organization. Understand this reality now.  The sooner you get over worrying about what you do not have, the sooner you can succeed with the things you do have.

Use the available talent and resources you have…and press on.

Even when the means are inadequate, do your best, keep a positive attitude and do not quit.  As a leader, you must make a commitment to the success of your people and organization. You must be able to use the available resources you have to fulfill that commitment.

Even if you think you are lacking the basic necessities, you most likely have a resource second to none.  Look around you.  Your people are a source of skill, talent and answers.  Your students are ready and up to the challenge and not at all inadequate.

Remember, talented people, given guidance, leadership and proper direction can overcome anything. Enlist and trust in your team’s talents, skills and strengths to help you overcome inadequate means.

Use your leadership skills. Go ahead, this is a perfect opportunity to give kids a sense of direction, encouragement, and goals to reach. Encourage their participation in problem solutions.

“Are you willing to leave a comfortable office to check or supervise training, maintenance, and other activities of your unit?”

Leadership requires movement, you must get out from behind your desk. You cannot insulate yourself from your responsibilities, you must go out to meet them head on.

Leave your air-conditioned office and find out where the action is.  Then go spend some time there.

Get to know everybody by name.  Find out what makes your people tick and get to know their problems. In order to influence, you must let your leadership be seen and heard.

Remember, communication is a two-way street. As an open and accessible leader, you will encourage open, frank and constructive communication.  Only by being there, can you actively seek new ideas, implement appropriate solutions and get complete follow up.

Get out there, be seen, get dirty, earn respect, supervise and then listen, listen, listen to your people.

If you don’t believe me, look leadership up in a dictionary.  To be a leader, you must be in front.  Even less, you cannot lead anyone from behind a desk or in an air-conditioned office.

Sorry, yes, that means, sitting at your desk is not action.