Coaches Quote by Dick Motta
“A coach has to worry not so much about creating motivation, esprit de corps, as about destroying it. The true competitor has it; he wouldn't be a star if he didn't. So you have to mold all these egos together and make sure in your selection of people that you don't destroy the feeling of togetherness or morale, because it is a fragile thing.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: NBA Coach Dick Motta, 1970s (Sports Magazine)
A coach must protect team morale, as it is fragile and essential for collective performance, more than merely creating motivation.
In simple terms: Coaches must guard team spirit.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize morale over individual ego.
Themes
teamwork
leadership
motivation
morale
coaching
Mood
inspiring
strategic
Type
motivational
leadership
When to use this quote
- sports teams
- corporate project teams
- classroom groups
Key Concepts
Group dynamics
psychology of motivation
leadership theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions boost team cohesion?
- How can leaders balance individual and group needs?
A Different Perspective
Morale can be undermined by overemphasis on competition.
![“The [best] coaches... know that the job is to win... know that they must be decisive, that they must phase people through their organizations, and at the same time they are sensitive to the feelings, loyalties, and emotions that people have toward one another. If you don't have these feelings, I…” quote by Bill Walsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/539/bill-walsh-8609_best-coaches_the-best-coaches-know-that-the-job-is-to_2218645.jpg)
