Read Time: 2.5 min

Note: We are permanently moving our “BETTER This Week” section down after the body of the newsletter. We want the first thing you see each week to be the idea from the newsletter. We don’t want to keep you from getting right to it. But, we had a busy week - check it out there!

The Idea: Being Fully Present

This week’s idea is so simple yet so profound. So this week’s newsletter is simple, and to the point. It revolves around an often overlooked yet immensely powerful skill: The Art of Truly Engaging in Conversation.

Do you want to be the coach that a recruit remembers after their official visits are over? Are you an AD trying to make great impressions with fans, donors, or co-workers?

In the age of information, it can be so easy to look for grand strategies, book series, or complex systems to lead your team better. Because we have access to so much information, it’s easier than ever to miss on the elements of leadership that, quite simply, are more human.

In a world saturated with distractions, genuine attention is a rare commodity. Young people, in particular, are used to others’ being distracted in conversation and most likely do this to others.

Dale Carnegie, famous author of How to Win Friends and Influence People and originator of many modern leadership ideas, called “attentive listening” the key to being considered a great conversationalist.

Anecdote: John Wooden

John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, was once asked about his secret to connecting so deeply with his players. He replied,

Attentiveness fosters relational trust. You can be different than other leaders in your people’s life just because you pay attention.

Research: Yes, it’s that simple.

A study from Michigan State University highlights that active listening—where one genuinely tries to understand the speaker's perspective rather than planning their own reply—enhances relationships and improves comprehension of the topic at hand.

Putting it all together:

So, what are some reminders when entering environments with our team to be more present?

1. You listen with your eyes.

   • The way you show others your listening is eye contact and body language. Face them. Keep your eyes in their direction.

2. Follow Up.

   • People can understand how you feel about them without you having to tell them, by how you follow up.

3. Ask Multiple Questions.

   • Just asking a question connected to what they are saying shows them you aren’t just mime-ing listening, you’re actually comprehending.

4. Listen to understand, not to respond.

   • This requires checking your ego at the door. It is human nature to want to sound smart or to reply with a funny connection or story. But, that causes our brains to forget to comprehend. Risk your reply being the best by making sure to understand.

5. Multiplication

   • This is contagious! It doesn’t take much before you will start to see this behavior multiplied in your team!

Conclusion:

Engaging authentically in conversations might seem like a small gesture, but its ripple effects are profound. By giving full attention, being curious, and genuinely listening, you're not just building better employees or players or productive people —you're building better individuals. And as a result, a better team. Implement these strategies today and watch the transformation in your team dynamics. Remember, in a world where attention is scarce, giving yours generously can make all the difference.

BETTER This Week

• Seth led a retreat for UGA Golf then flew to Mississippi State to lead their All-Staff training to kick off the year!

• Kevin met with leaders from the NCAA Offices, leaders from the Robert Morris Athletic Department, and a team within Seminole Boosters

The Culture Playbook + Cohorts

Coaches have access to a lot of coaching content. What they lack are systems.

The Culture Playbook is 10 leadership ideas with the exercises you need to install the ideas and culture into your program. It’s the exact system we use to help coaches build their programs around mindset, leadership, and performance. We’ve used it at schools like Oklahoma, Mississippi State, and Florida State.

Since the Culture Playbook was released almost a year ago, nearly 1,000 coaches have purchased and are using it for their programs.

You can get it for your program today.

Culture Playbook Cohorts

We are offering Culture Playbook Cohorts if you’re interested in exploring the Culture Playbook on a deeper level.

We’ve had a few dozen commitments over the last week and aren’t starting with very many cohorts, so reserve your spot today!

Monthly Calls + Powerful Content + Practical Application + Community = Accelerate Your Growth

If interested, simply DM Seth or Kevin on Twitter.