Happy Monday!

I had lots of conversations around leadership this past week. Here are a few messages that really resonated with me, plus a quote a player texted me this week:

1. you're not a mind reader

A few months ago, a respected NFL coach shared that a great coach is defined by their willingness to discover what players are truly thinking. Most people, he said, assume they understand players' thoughts from their actions, but in reality, we can only infer intentions—we never truly know unless we ask.

Players hold insights, frustrations, and preferences you’ll never access unless you intentionally create space for them to share. Most won’t volunteer this information, but they may open up if you ask and come from a place of care.

It’s the leader’s responsibility to initiate these conversations.

Questions such as, “What’s on your mind?” “What are you working on?” “What helps you learn best?” or “How are things off the field?” open doors to their minds and hearts.

Remember, it’s a two-way street. Just as you can’t read their minds, they can’t read yours. Clearly and consistently share what’s on your mind so they aren’t left to guess.

Try this: Before your next practice, meeting, or one-on-one, pick one person and ask a question that goes beyond performance, such as, “What’s been on your mind lately?” or “How do you learn best?” Listen without interrupting or correcting. After they share, briefly reflect back on what you heard, then share one thing that’s been on your mind as a leader. No fixing. No defending. Just clarity and connection. Repeat this consistently and watch trust and performance grow.

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2. navigating choppy waters

After more than a decade in pro sports, I know the weight that fills a locker room when losses pile up. Communication slows. What was once light and connected turns cautious and tense. Laughter disappears. People guard themselves. Some withdraw; others subtly assign blame.

This is when leadership matters most.

Great leaders lean in during tough times. They communicate more, not less. They name what’s happening, reset expectations, and pull people closer. They don’t let anyone hide. Instead, they ground themselves in trust and return to fundamentals. No blaming, just shared ownership.

Losing doesn’t just test talent—it tests relationships, communication, and resilience.

If you’re in a rough stretch, act in spite of how you feel. Bring your people together. Be the leader they need now. Calm is contagious.

Try this: If your team is struggling, call a brief reset meeting within 24 hours. Name the moment out loud. Acknowledge the tension and frustration, without blame. Refocus everyone on the fundamentals. Ask each person to commit to one controllable action over the next few days, then end by reminding the group of your shared mission and your belief in them. Lead with calm, clarity, and presence. In moments like these, how you show up sets the tone for everyone.

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3. natural talent vs. chosen talent

Many people underestimate how hard elite athletes work behind the scenes. The flawless performances we see are built in private, long before the spotlight. A professional athlete shared this quote with me last week:

This highlights the power of hard work; paying the price day after day, holding on when others let go, and continuing when others stop. Commitment over time creates an undeniable edge.

Those who persist develop real talent—the talent of perseverance, learning from failure, and getting back up after every setback. You might be terrible at first. But if you embrace the journey and stay committed, you’ll eventually surpass many who seemed more gifted.

Consistent effort builds talent. And when you pair work ethic with skill, the results are powerful.

Try this: Pick one skill that matters in your role and commit to working on it privately for 30 days. Strip it to the fundamentals and schedule a short daily block of focused practice, even when motivation is low and no one is watching. Track your reps, not the results. Measure success by consistency, not performance. At the end of the month, reflect on what improved simply because you stuck with it longer than most would.

Thank you for joining me this week.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Justin Su'a

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