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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Fachliteratur
- Sprache: Englisch
Build a team of winners by transforming adversity into achievement
In Leading Winning Teams: How Teamwork, Motivation, and Strategy Achieve Big League Success, the CEO of the famed coaching organization Leadershipity, Trent Clark, translates the lessons he learned on the way to becoming a three-time World Series coach in three Major League Baseball Organizations to life outside of the elite sporting arena. In the book, you’ll find insights and stories from over 20 high-profile athletes and coaches who explain what it takes to succeed both on and off the field. You’ll be inspired as you discover the challenges and setbacks these all-time greats and dynamic leaders had to overcome to realize their dreams and how you can apply the same strategies they used to build the future – and the team – you’ve always wanted.
Explore the common thread that connects seemingly unconnected people from across the athletic world and find out how they consistently performed at the peak of their respective disciplines. Also discover:
- How to build a team of 1%’ers, people who regularly out-perform 99% of their peers
- Actionable strategies to improve your leadership, motivation, and teamwork, as well as those same skills in the people who follow you
- Techniques to create high-quality teams and organizations that achieve things you never thought possible
- The learning and adaptation to apply new information, stay agile in dynamic environments, and navigate changing market conditions
- Face setbacks and tough competition fostering resilience and a competitive mindset making you invaluable in leadership roles within organizations, and pursue goals with unwavering determination, contributing to a culture of achievement and success
Packed with stories, anecdotes, and interviews from world-leading personalities, athletes, and coaches, Leading Winning Teams explains how you can transform setbacks, challenges, and adversity into the building blocks of true greatness.
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Seitenzahl: 355
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
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Table of Contents
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Choose: Acute Pain or Chronic Pain
Take Action
Winners Find a Way
If You Measure It, You Manage It
1 Dreamer to Dream Maker
First Written Goals Ever
The Golden Ticket
Preparation Meets Opportunity
Blind Courage
My First Mentor Learning
Don't “Should” on Me
Dream Maker
A Letter from School
The Results
The Two Transferables
Key Takeaways
2 Lessons That Transcend Sports
The Underdog Story
Trained in Adversity and Failure
Read, Read the Bible
Confidence Equals Prep and Reps
Confidence versus Arrogance
The Five Ps
Confidence for Young Drivers
Only Judged on the Role You're in Now
Key Takeaways
3 The Formula for Great Teams Is People (and We All Need Them)
The Clarity Code
Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team
High-Level Trust Equals Low-Level Fear
Know Your Team
Mindset Styles
The Grit Formula
Assess the Members
Key Takeaways
4 Understanding and Leading Team Members
Baseball Cards for Your Team Members
The Human Experience
Not an Interrogation
Motivation and Prioritization
Four Keys to a Strong Foundation
Network and Connection
It Is Not “Who You Know”
Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged
Visibility
Key Takeaways
5 The Journey to Excellence (with a Few Stops in Mediocrity)
A Low Bar
A High Standard Is the Only Standard
King of the Mountain
Comprehensive Conditioning
Four Critical Areas
The Big “Ity”
My Two Favorite Team Words: I Will
Key Takeaways
Advanced Pain Exchange
6 Mindset: Fail Faster and WTF (Willing to Fail)
Words (and Thoughts) Matter
Wayfinder
WTF and Fail Faster
Gratitude
Vision and Breathing
A Change in Response Is a Change in Outcome
The Shampoo Treatment
The Journey of Excellence Summary
Key Takeaways
7 The Importance of Routine, Focus, and Training for Adaptability
The Power of the Three Ps
The Daily Grind
Key Takeaways
8 Four Losing Behaviors and the Quadrant of Death
Excuses
Blame
Quitting
Ignoring the Data
Cultivate Winning Behaviors
Root of Discord
The Poisoned Fruit of Privilege
Avoidance Mechanism
Silent Destroyer
Math Reality
Key Takeaways
9 The Big Leap: Setback to Stardom
Get a Rainout
Stardom
Strict Training
No Victims Here
COO Responsibility
Your GPS
Key Takeaways
10 Coaching, Communication, and Clarity, Oh My!
Character Developer
The Gift
Coach and Teacher
Review the Tapes
Open Lines
Search for Truth
Soler Listening
Key Takeaways
11 Perseverance and Positioning
Positioned for Greatness
Not to Be Denied
Show Up
Pressure over Time
Resolute or Delusional
Key Takeaways
Notes
12 Conflict and the Rules of Engagement
A Threat of Violence
Trust Equals Productive Conflict
A Conflict Wrench
No Victimhood
No Autopsy in the Street
Moderate the Mission
Rise to the Top
Key Takeaways
13 Never Stop Learning—and the Art of Continuous Improvement
Levels of Learning
I'll Know You Know It When You Can Teach It
Retention Rates Equals Coachability
Wide Open
Be a Sponge
No One Is Coming
Stay at the Top
Still Learning
Key Takeaways
14 24/7 Leadership
Always On
The “S” Word
Pride Comes Before the Fall
The Responsibility Journey
Fearmongers
Sports Teach Responsibility
Key Takeaways
About the Author
Index
End User License Agreement
List of Illustrations
Chapter 3
Figure 3.1 Five behaviors of a cohesive team.
Chapter 13
Figure 13.1 The Learning Retention Pyramid.
Guide
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Begin Reading
About the Author
Index
End User License Agreement
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Praise for Leading Winning Teams
“Leading Winning Teams is an excellent guide and blueprint by a three-time MLB World Series coach for optimizing team dynamics and driving strategy and peak performance through development and enablement of good culture and leadership via principles of perseverance, positioning, and resiliency.”
—Mike Dempsey,NFL alumnus, Carolinas Chapter Board Member
“Just devoured Leading Winning Teams by Trent Clark. All I can say is one word: revitalized. I have been CEO of my company for 25 years and fired up to incorporate this life work from Trent's life. Just started playing on a men's baseball league two months ago at age 63 and going to give this book to all my teammates as a gift as soon as it's released!”
—Mark Battiato,CEO, Growth Into Greatness Institute
“There are a lot of great recipes but most of them have the same core ingredients. Most chefs keep those ingredients secret. But Trent has done just the opposite with his book. Drawing from the experiences of many successful people in various walks of life including his own, Trent reveals those core ingredients that have contributed to the success of many folks. A must-read for anyone wanting to feast on the ingredients that have produced great recipes for success for many folks in various walks of life from business to sports.”
—Darrell T. Davies, professor of human anatomy and physiology, USTA and ITA certified tennis official and referee for the USTA Boys 18s and 16s National Championships
“Exceptional insights on building winning teams! Leading Winning Teams is a guide that will resonate with leaders across industries. An inspiring read!”
—Cary Chessick, founder of Restaurants.com, Rabine Technologies, Rewards21, and Profitology; author of Pitch Before Product
“Leading Winning Teams is a game plan for ultimate success. Trent Clark leverages his experience at the highest level across sports and business to provide a roadmap for us to become leaders in whatever journey we choose. He provides actionable steps to give us clarity on the unique nature involved with leading winning teams.”
—Amobi Okugo, former professional soccer player turned athlete entrepreneur and creator
“Trent's impact on our firm has been nothing short of transformative. With his guidance, our high-potential team and leaders have experienced significant growth, both personally and professionally. Through his insightful coaching, we've not only unlocked our team's potential but also propelled our firm forward year after year. Leading Winning Teams brilliantly captures the principles that Trent instilled in us, which contributed to our firm being a sought-after entity for acquisition. This book is a testament to his expertise and an invaluable resource for any organization aiming to achieve sustainable success.”
—Brian Sullivan, partner, Cherry Bekaert LLP (PKF Mueller)
“Trent's book is a game-changer for leaders at all levels. Leading Winning Teams provides strategies for achieving big league success. A must-read!”
—Tom Coverly, TV show host, motivational speaker
“In Leading Winning Teams, Trent scientifically offers up the recipe of winning. A game-changer for anyone who seeks to be a leader in any industry.”
—Jamie Mittelman, founder and CEO, Flame Bearers
Who better to write the book on Leading Winning Teams than Trent Clark? (Three World Series rings is no leadership accident!) Trent understands how to help his readers blend the theory of winning with the reality of how to win. If you take leadership and winning seriously, and you're open to continuing to level up your ability and game, you must buy and read this book today!”
—Mike Malatesta, CEO, best-selling author, and dream exit expert
“Wow! It's been a while since I've read a business book that really connects. The stories alone make this a page turner packed with so many lessons and insights.”
—Jeff Lem, founder and CEO, Portable Intelligence
“Winning doesn't happen by accident; it happens by design. Trent has captured that design perfectly in Leading Winning Teams. It is a must-read for those looking to win.”
—Phil Pelucha, founder, Billionaires in Boxers; international award-winning usiness consultant
“I have known Trent for many years, and knowing him is to know the energy he puts into his craft. In his book Leading Winning Teams, you can feel his energy and his passion throughout! And that makes you want to read every page.”
—Dan Heuertz, CEO Hirize Inc
“Trent's first book is a powerful playbook, packed with actionable insights that elevate both personal growth and leadership.”
—Michael Levin,New York Times best-selling author
“As an entrepreneur who has shared the TEDx stage with Trent Clark, I can attest that Leading Winning Teams captures his game-changing strategies for sustainable excellence. This masterclass transcends sports, providing invaluable lessons in moral, mental, physical, and emotional conditioning to unlock any team's potential. With real-world insights woven throughout, Trent equips readers to set high standards, stay humble, and embrace continuous growth. Whether you're an executive or entrepreneur, the principles in these pages will inspire you and teach you how to assemble championship-caliber teams. I wholeheartedly recommend Trent's tour de force on achieving greatness.”
—Ethan King, best-selling author of Wealth Beyond Money; co-founder of Zeus' Closet; former president, Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Atlanta
“Leading Winning Teams is a transformative guide for anyone aspiring to elevate their leadership skills and cultivate high-performing teams. With practical strategies and insightful anecdotes, the author provides invaluable wisdom on fostering collaboration, inspiring motivation, and achieving collective success. This book is a must-read for leaders ready to unleash the full potential of their teams and drive impactful results.”
—Crystal Waltman, author of Quitting to Win
“Regardless of your experience, you can't help but learn from Trent and his teammates! There is wisdom in every chapter, and it comes alive with the stories shared!”
—John Kassing, co-founder, Marquis Software
“Trent Clark has spent his professional life studying and teaching leadership. His messages on leadership in Leading Winning Teams will be valuable to any individual, young or old, who wants to become a better leader in any walk of life!”
—Tim Selgo, Grand Valley State University Athletic Director (retired); author of Make One Play and The Anchor Way
“Trent Clark is a passionate leader who always seeks to involve others in his work so we can all level up together. This is one of the characteristics that makes Trent stand out in the team building and leadership space. He is the leader who begins with serving and bringing others around a cause that improves the world. That's who I want to learn from and follow!”
—Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch.com
“Trent Clark helped me get out of my own way. I had no comprehension of the unnecessary barriers I had been creating for my business, myself, and therefore invertedly for my family. Trent was crucial in guiding me through my business, which allowed me to change the direction and focus of the company. When I say I now know what my purpose in life is, it is important to understand that I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran where our life by design was to follow a purpose that disappeared like a magic trick when I left the service. Now, I truly understand what a purpose created by oneself means leading me to a purposeful, fulfilled, passionate, and happy lifestyle.”
—Jeremy Spann, Marine; entrepreneur; world-beater
“This book is a must-read for any leader looking to advance their team. Leading Winning Teams provides a blueprint for success through effective teamwork, motivation, and strategic planning. A game-winning read!”
—Ty Van Burkleo, MLB coach and player (retired)
“I highly endorse Leading Winning Teams by Trent Clark. This book offers invaluable insights from a three-time World Series coach, translating elite sports strategies into real-world success. Through compelling stories and actionable advice, it teaches how to cultivate a team of high-performers, navigate adversity, and achieve extraordinary results. A must-read for anyone seeking to elevate their leadership and organizational prowess.”
—Tanya Burnell, vice president, Growth Equity and Sustainability, Henry Crown and Company/CC Industries
A game-changer for leaders! Leading Winning Teams is a playbook for unlocking your team's full potential. A must-read for anyone serious about achieving big-league success.
—Dave Kerpen,New York Times best-selling author of Get Over Yourself: How to Lead and Delegate Effectively for More Time, More Freedom, and More Success
Trent is the real deal. I met Trent through EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization), and this book reads just like having a conversation with him. In Leading Winning Teams, Trent brilliantly dissects the anatomy of success, revealing the winning combination of teamwork, motivation, and strategy. It is jam-packed with great takeaways—a masterpiece for leaders at all levels.
—Gail Davis, Founder and president of GDA Speakers
LEADING WINNING TEAMS
HOW TEAMWORK, MOTIVATION, AND STRATEGY ACHIEVE BIG LEAGUE SUCCESS
TRENT M. CLARK
Copyright © 2024 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies.
Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Published simultaneously in Canada.
The views and opinions expressed in this book and by its author are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Angels Baseball LP or the Los Angeles Angels organization. The facts and assertions expressed in this book were not provided and have not been independently verified by Angels Baseball LP.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) 750-4470, or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) 748-6011, fax (201) 748-6008, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permission.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:
Names: Clark, Trent, author.
Title: Leading winning teams : how teamwork, motivation, and strategy achieve big league success / Trent Clark.
Description: First edition. | Hoboken, New Jersey : Wiley, [2024] | Includes index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2024011119 (print) | LCCN 2024011120 (ebook) | ISBN 9781394247721 (hardback) | ISBN 9781394247745 (adobe pdf) | ISBN 9781394247738 (epub)
Subjects: LCSH: Teams in the workplace—Management. | Employee motivation. | Supervision of employees.
Classification: LCC HD66 .C4973 2024 (print) | LCC HD66 (ebook) | DDC 658.4/022—dc23/eng/20240315
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2024011119
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2024011120
COVER DESIGN: PAUL MCCARTHYCOVER IMAGE: COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR, ANGELS BASEBALL LPAUTHOR PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR
To my wonderful parents, I offer my deepest gratitude and respect. As I have traveled the world, I realize just how extremely fortunate and blessed I have been to have had you both in my life. My father was my coach, mentor, disciplinarian, advocate, and trusted advisor. We miss you every day, Papa. Your influence lives on through me every day. Mom, your unwavering support and mindset for abundance that you have passed on to us is incredible. You educated us that our only limitations are those we place on ourselves. Thank you for the unconditional love you provide and for believing in me always.
Acknowledgments
I WANT TO thank you for joining me on this journey, and I am excited to share all I have learned, as well as the stories and experiences of many other successful one-percenters. Below, are just some of the folks who have supported me during this process and have been a part of my journey in helping this project come to fruition.
First and foremost, I am thankful for Julie Kerr. As my editor and task expert, she has kept me and this project on track and assisted me throughout the process. She has poured herself into the text and takes my ideas, concepts, and strategies and creates value for the reader. I am grateful that she is on my team.
Also, I would like to thank the marketing team for this endeavor. Rachel Weaver, Nissa Jean Arellano, Michael Levin, and Vince Lanci have been instrumental in getting me prepared for the launch of this book and have added so much. Their ideas, dedication, experience, and brilliance astound me.
The guests of Winners Find a Way have been inspirational and key to the writing of this book, and each of them has contributed key elements to this project. You will find many of their quotes in this book, but many more have contributed to the theme and theories of our leadership and growth coaching.
The coaches who have shaped my abilities and learning on how to lead and mentor have been instrumental, along with the athletes I have coached. Special bonds are made along the way and I can think of so many, but here are some of the key influences in my life: Butch Perry, Tom Bommersbach, Darrell Davies, Joe Kruzel, Stan Sanders, Matt Eberflus, Pat Birney, Tim Selgo, Sparky Anderson, Brad Andress, Larry Herndon, Kirk Gibson, Alan Trammell, David Wells, Tom Izzo, Nick Saban, Ken Mannie, Gene Orlando, Tim Maxey, Fernando Montes, Brian Grapes, Mike Hargrove, Jim Thome, Kenny Lofton, Marquis Grissom, Paul DePodesta, Josh Byrnes, Manny Ramirez, Mark Shapiro, John Hart, Dan O'Dowd, Wendy Hoppel, Orel Hershiser, Joe Maddon, Mike Scioscia, Tim Mead, Matt Wise, Scot Shields, Tim Salmon, Mike Butcher, Scott Spiezio, Aaron Sele, David Eckstein, Shawn Wooten, Garrett Anderson, Jarred Washburn, John Lackey, Bud Black, Tony Reagins, Darrell Miller, Francisco Rodriguez, Don Wakamatsu, Ty Van Burkleo, Mike Couchee, Bobby Magallanes, Dino Ebel, Tim Buss, Arte Moreno, Dick Jacobs, and Bill Stoneman, as well as many more.
For the many days in baseball, I am forever grateful for some of that time talking business. My two passions of entrepreneurship and sports never wane. I stand in awe of Magic Johnson, a fellow Michigan kid, and a man I've known from a slight distance over the years from my days at Michigan State University, when we first met, to my work alongside of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), where our paths crossed, with Magic educating me and my colleagues in his entrepreneurial learnings. In many ways, Magic has been an inspiration for athletes who have transitioned many of their skills as athletes to their skills in leading winning teams.
To my Wiley team, Christina Rudloff, Deborah Schindlar, Amy Handy, and Trinity Crompton: Thank you for the encouragement and support. I have learned so much and will continue to do so to do my best for your initiatives, as well as my own. Your guidance, patience, and leadership throughout this process has been instrumental—you are consummate professionals, and it is a pleasure to be your partner.
The leadership team at Bloom Growth make it happen every day. You are dedicated, smart, and savvy, and the organization is better for your involvement. To Todd Smart, your guidance is exceptional—the right leader. Isaiah, your unwavering support and real-world experience is impactful. Sheila Dodd, you've been so helpful and the key to keeping the train on the tracks. To Charlene, you make the whole thing go for us partners. No one moves forward without a little push from you, and the strength and energy you bring us with no reserve is uncanny and admirable. Every team needs a player like you on the team! Our partnership and process approach to growth allows each of us to scale. Thank you for challenging me every day and making us all better in the process.
To my wife, Kerri, for her unwavering support. I am thankful every day that we are on this life journey today and always. My children, Noah, Brig, Isaiah, Skylar, and Elijah—I take inspiration from each of you and I'm grateful to be your father. Just being a part of your growth as humans has been an inspiring journey that I never want to stop. I love you all, and you make everything I do better.
To the professionals and associates at Winners Find a Way podcast, Courage Coach, Athletic Influencer Marketing, and Leadershipity. Day in and day out, you make it happen for our clients. You help us set and maintain the standards for both us and the client and put them into practice. I stand in awe of your work ethic and your leadership, and am beyond thankful that you have chosen to share your time and talent with us. Thank you to Haley Toigo, David Gregory, Deepa Kartha, Joshua Conran, John Trainor, Rob Teis, Nissa Jean Arellano, and Luis Concha.
I have so many colleagues in my EO World who have had numerous hours alongside in forums, trainings, and global initiatives from the boards. I have learned so much. There are too many to mention, but the brief list is Jeremy Allen, Sid Bala, Dr. Amelia Case, Michael Hobbs, Jimi Michalscheck, Todd Gagerman, Michon Ellis, Ian Kieninger, Nancy Schumacher, Ryan Smallegan, Tim Volkema, Matt McKinney, Curtis Cottle, Tyler Cottle, Shannon Kasten, John Toigo, Joe Elias, Greg Gianino, Justin Bajema, Nick Pope, Anthony Ramirez, Jeremy Spann, Jenny Feterovich, and many others.
I have been blessed with many mentors throughout my life. Don Hannah, a serial entrepreneur, YPO and WPO member, is one of those pivotal people who changed my life forever, as well as Peter Thomas, Scott Robinson, David Updegraff, Cary Chessick, Jerry Jenkins, my father, and some mentioned above.
Lastly, and certainly not least, to our clients: You put your trust in us every day. You have invited us into your boardrooms and your retreats, and allowed us to partner with you to realize incredible results and outcomes. You are the reason we exist. You provide us with the opportunity to do what we love, with people we admire.
If I have forgotten to mention anyone, it is certainly not intentional. I am fortunate to have a large group of supporters: friends, family, and colleagues who have encouraged me, helped me, challenged me, and influenced my thinking throughout this process.
Thank you, the reader, for proving that “leading winning teams” is as important to your team members and their families as it is to the strength and stability of your organization.
Trent M. Clark
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, in everything you are looking to accomplish, a universal concept for all. The difference is that the above highlighted list goes into deep training from the best in the world and they know exactly what it takes.
Now, I'm not talking about the pain where your mom tells you to “stop being a pain in the neck” or when you get a little booboo on your finger. Not that pain!
I'm talking about the two pains in life: the pain acquired through discipline, or the pain experienced with regret. The question I pose is, which pain do you choose? The pain of discipline, a high value at a high cost but acute and short-lived pain? Or the pain of regret, a chronic pain that lingers for a lifetime?
Discipline is not always pleasant, but it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those trained by it. It is about acquiring treasures of learning the right way, satisfaction, and understanding through attained skills and wisdom.
Now, let us delve deeper into the essence of discipline. It is not just about enduring pain; it is a strategic choice. Consider the difference between acute and chronic pain. Acute pain, like the soreness after an intense workout, is short-lived. I am grateful for my health and being able to play with my grandkids on the floor and lift them up! Imagine 10 years from now lifting and playing with your grandkids, walking the golf course, taking a beautiful hike, waking up feeling healthy and well.
In my journey, discipline was the key. I have been through trials, learned from failures, and felt the acute pain of discipline in various forms, from bringing myself to nausea in hill running to pushing my physical and mental limits in business, travel, late-night meetings, and 4 a.m. workouts afterwards. But here is the thing about acute pain—it does not last. It is a necessary part of growth, a short-term sacrifice for long-term gain.
Winners understand this, embracing the acute pain to avoid the chronic pain of regret.
Now, let us consider the pain of regret—a chronic ache that replays in our minds. We have all faced moments where we were unprepared, unwilling to choose the harder but right path. Consider my state finals prep my senior year in high school—our baseball team's third state championship in a row. I'm resting on my laurels; I have a tweaked back from a muscle strain; I'm not doing my physical therapy and not as focused physically, mentally, and morally as I have been in the past and should be now. I will never have that chance again to go back. The state title is no longer an option—20 young boys with the biggest moment in our short lives, and the one we will remember for the rest of our lives—lost, but forever felt in the pain of regret.
The regret of our choices can endure for a lifetime. And we have all been there. My mother told me I shouldn't have gone to that party; the marital proposal, but the “one that got away”; my teacher told me I should study hard for this exam because the score could help me get into my dream school; my boss's request to work diligently on this account as the next VP will be named by the participant's success.
In one of my early regrets, I recall letting my parents down as a boy, and then after being caught, taking up a lie about my disobedience to add kerosene to the current fire that was raging. That ended up in a wallop to my tushy, and though the physical punishment was an acute reminder, the disappointment in my parents' faces was what stayed with me. I had let them down. They probably questioned if I would be trustworthy in the future. I had crossed a line of our honesty—a stringent value in my household. That regret I carried for years.
As I transitioned from being an athlete to coaching world-class athletes, I observed a common trait among the most accomplished—self-discipline. It is a daily commitment to doing the hard things, meeting deadlines, learning continuously, and executing with precision. The best prioritize discipline over regret, knowing that, in the grand scheme of things, the acute pain of discipline is a small price to pay for satisfaction and wisdom.
Winners, in sports, business, or any field, understand this pain exchange. They also understand the importance of routines.
Consider the analogy of reviewing the tapes. Winners go back after the game and study the video. They analyze both what went wrong and, sometimes even more importantly, what went right! They make minor changes to those wrongs that yield a massive impact! It is a mindset of continuous improvement, a commitment to excellence.
Success is not just about being interested; it is about being committed to taking action every day. It is not about talking; it is about doing. Actions speak louder than words, and winners set themselves apart by their commitment to taking consistent action.
As we navigate our lives, we constantly encounter the pains of discipline and regret. Discipline should be the obvious choice. Understanding that acute pain is a stepping stone to triumph, embracing the daily grind, and accepting the challenges of difficult and strenuous routines gives you a major advantage. Most importantly, discipline is the first step to achieving your goals and consistently being successful.
To paraphrase Theodore Roosevelt, winners strive valiantly, knowing the triumph of great achievement. So my challenge to you today is this: in your daily choices, choose the pain of discipline, spend your energy on a worthy cause, and find your triumph of great achievement, just like Eddie Murray.
Are you ready to make the exchange?
Adapted from Coach Trent M. Clark's TEDx Talk in St. George, Utah, November 2023; Acknowledgment: Editors Jaime and Chris Lah
Make the exchange! You can do it. If you have never been trained to understand the benefits of discipline like world-class athletes have, that is okay. You can still conquer this, and we all have it inside of us. The decision to be disciplined is a choice you make moment by moment.
“Success is a choice”
– Rick Pitino
This book will include excerpts from over 30 interviews with prominent leaders as we discuss challenges in leading winning teams, and the many experiences that helped shape the ability to create our best possible team.
I have been a part of world champion teams, and others that needed a lot of improvement. My goal was to interview world-class leaders to stress-test my learnings from coaching with some of the best coaches in the world.
From Dave Fish, Head Coach (retired), Harvard Tennis (42 years); Head of Development, UTR Sports
Coaching is really about character development. It is about teaching people the art of self-improvement, to reach for excellence in all aspects of their life, and to take pride in the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to something that is greater than themselves.
Good coaches recognize the value of learning and contributing to the greater good of the community of which they are a part. They have mastered the ability to listen, learn, and be flexible in their approach to teaching while upholding strong moral values.
Sports and athletic programs teach young people responsibility: how to handle and manage stress, how to grow focus and discipline, and how to cultivate strong personal and professional values.
“If you're around excellence it's up to you to go out and participate in it and talk to people.”
– Dave Fish
What is a coach? A coach can be defined as educator, listener, strategist, guide, mentor, confidant, friend, and authority, just to name a few.
Take Action
Each chapter includes quick key takeaways and an opportunity to put the readings into action in your own journey.
The concluding section of each chapter gives you the tools to do your own pain exchange. These present a pointed exercise to engage in so that you can get moving on your journey to leading winning teams.
Winners Find a Way
This experience of coaching the best in the world has created a constant solutions-minded view of attainment and production. There were challenges along the way and roadblocks too. This is where I really started to understand how critical it is for winners to find a way to win! I learned that I could overcome obstacles that were in my way and find solutions for obtaining my goals, or the end game. This has always been an adventure for me, and I have leaned into the challenges. I believe that I can face adversity and challenges successfully, because of many successes—along with too many failures to count—mentors, and experiences.
I have found that a lot of entrepreneurs are often the youngest in their family. As the youngest of four, I found immense value as a kid from the many times I got to see all the game films of my brothers and my sister going through repetitions in sports, music, school, and many other things. I also got to see my parents' reactions—both good and bad—to things that were happening in my siblings' lives. I was observant so I was taking in these action items and things that were happening in my brothers' and sister's lives. It helped me navigate my environment to gain efficiency, stay out of trouble, and please my parents (most of the time).
Incredibly early on, I learned that effort was extremely important. It was a variable I could control. I knew that if I practiced like I wanted to play, I would be ready for any game situation. I was that guy who wanted to be up to bat tied in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and the bases loaded. Combine effort with commitment and become a force to be reckoned with. Show me someone who exudes effort, and I will show you someone who has respect for both themselves and for the people they are serving whether that is their parents, their boss, their coach, their team, their opponents, their spouse, or their kids.
If You Measure It, You Manage It
Because I have had these great opportunities and experiences, I started a podcast a few years back called Winners Find a Way. The show is based on a quote from The Four Disciplines of Execution that says, “Winners, when shown data that they are losing, find a way to win.” That struck me immediately because that has been my entire life—scorekeeping on anything and everything, measuring marketing and sales statistics, wins and losses, scoreboards, and more measurements. Peter Lynch's famous quote, “What gets measured gets managed,” reflects the importance of measurable goals. So I have been diligent about surrounding myself with winners who find a way to win! They are abundant-minded, solutions-driven people, willing not only to look at all options as a solution, but to commit strongly to the root cause of any challenge along the way so that they can find the process to resolve the challenge and meet their goals, repeatedly!
I joined the Entrepreneurs' Organization back in 2011. One of my mentors when I was 25 recommended that I join as soon as I could. The challenge with that is that only 3.4% of all North American businesses qualify for this exclusive organization. I was 41 when the fifth business I had started at that point qualified for the parameters to join the organization. This peer group has been transformative for my life and a testimony to the importance of surrounding myself with winners.
I learned along the way from good mentors in my family, and from friends and colleagues, to give back. I was given several gifts when I was born, strengths and attributes that other people may or may not have, and I feel obligated to share those strengths and fabulous experiences with others. I believe in passing along my good fortune to others who can benefit from these strengths that I have cultivated with the help of so many people.
1Dreamer to Dream Maker
I WAS PROBABLY always seen as a dreamer. I certainly fit into the category of being a person who is a visionary.
When I was in seventh grade, I was in class with my favorite English teacher, Mr. Metcalf. He had decided that we were going to do “career week” at school, which included an assignment encompassing what life looks like when you're 30 years old. As a 12-year-old, I wasn't exactly focused on what life looks like at 30 but I knew that it was considered really old. After doing the math, I realized my 30th birthday would land on December 31, 1999. Although 1999 seemed another lifetime, its significance was heightened by Prince's then-current '80s hit “Party Like It's 1999.”
First Written Goals Ever
I answered the five key questions Mr. Metcalf had asked us based on what I thought my career and life would look like when I was 30. The assignment I turned in probably looked like the ones from a bunch of other boys who also said they wanted to be a professional baseball player. My guess is that the teacher had a stack of papers that reflected similar big-time dreams. I certainly thought my goal was really big and I certainly thought it was really important.
I turned in that paper and never thought about it again. Or at least, that is how it seemed.
