- Great coaches can galvanize individuals with different interests and divergent objectives, and focus them on a common goal. Joe Frontiera, PhD and Dan Leidl, PhD, managing partners of Meno Consulting, spoke with elite lacrosse coaches, each of whom has led a team to at least one NCAA championship, to uncover commonalities in their methods -- lessons that apply in the office as well as on the playing field.
- 1.Commitment to the Job
Great coaches model the devotion they expect in their athletes.
- 2. Commitment to the Job
Focus on conversations, be on time, commit to details, show concern for people.
- 3. Commitment to Empowerment
Ask for feedback, ideas, and input on decisions.
- 4. Commitment to Empowerment
Missy Foote, who has won five titles at Middlebury College, asks her athletes specific questions about what they want from her.
- 5. Commitment to the Big Picture
Sports are a vehicle through which larger life lessons can be communicated.
- 6. Commitment to the Big Picture
Three-time champ Dom Zimmerman of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County arranges service projects, family style dinners, and outings for his players.
- 7. Commitment to the Big Picture
Getting to know people can lead to big payoffs. Assisting people in their larger goals inspires effort and enthusiasm.
- 8. Commitment to Accountability
Establish clear expectations for performance, and hold people to task when they're not achieved.
- 9. Commitment to Accountability
University of Virginia's Julie Myers asks players what they want to be known for, and then, "What do you think you're going to bring to this?"
- 10. Commitment to "Edging"
Individuals and teams that develop and perfect skills beyond a structured practice environment are often the most successful.
- 11. Commitment to "Edging"
Salisbury University's Jim Berkman has won more games than any other men's coach. He calls this extra effort "edging."
- 12. Commitment to "Edging"
IT pros can be encouraged to raise their games via conferences, continuing education, personal interests, and so on.
Leadership 
