In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Detroit Tiger's manager Jim Leyland:1. Be a dynamic listener. During the casual baseball talk with the veterans, listen and take it all in. Don't say much. Take what you like and use it and discard the rest.
2. If a manager wasn't a good player, he can get a complex and do a lot of big talking. Don't let them know how much you know. Go about your business and do a lot of listening.
3. You will have some prospects, but more suspects. Make all of them feel like a part of the team. Don't give special attention to the prospects only. That's the way you mold a team.
4. Baseball is a basic game of 27 outs and nine innings. Don't get hung up on how smart you are. Don't worry about the other team and managing against the other manager. You have no control over his team. Worry about your own team.
5. Be interested in your players as human beings. Develop a relationship with them and in the process you'll learn a lot about them. Keep one eye and one ear open and eye and one ear closed. You'll find our whatever you want to know that way, but don't go looking for a bunch of garbage either.
6. Be yourself, work hard, keep your nose clean, and don't blow your own horn.
