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GREAT COMMUNICATION SECRETS OF GREAT LEADERS
KEEP ON LEARNING
Tinsley also revealed what might be the secret of Harvey’s coaching—he
never stopped learning. As a coach at the University of Texas, Harvey made it
a point to find out “the methods and teaching techniques” of the person who
had taught the player. “My dad gained a lot of knowledge from these experi-
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ences.” And somehow it is fitting that a man who seemingly devoted himself
to a game was in reality devoting himself to helping generations of men and
women, young and old, find a better way to play the ultimate game—life itself.
Leadership Communications Lessons
Teach, teach, teach. We all need someone to show us how. Penick
showed how the mechanics of an age-old game, coupled with its
traditions, make for a pretty good life.
Coach your people. Find what out how the individual learns. When
you discover this factor, you can coach the person to success.
Uphold honor. You can cheat in life, as you can cheat in golf. Uphold-
ing the honor system is righteous.
Be courteous. Rudeness has no place in life. Penick taught his players
to be courteous to everyone. Courtesy will repay itself many
times over.
Show some humility. Life is a humbling experience, as is golf. Penick
preached graciousness toward opponents in moments of victory
as well as acknowledgement when someone beats you.
Live your message. Consistency in thought, word, and action rein-
forces the coach’s methods. Harvey Penick’s life was a model of
following through on messages he taught to others.