We all have signs in our locker rooms that send an everyday message to our teams. I like to say that we want to make our locker room “talk.” But I want to make sure that when the locker room talks, it’s not just the players’ voices talking.

Signs are a good way to get your voice and message in the locker room. We have also used DVDs to allow the players to listen to other messages we feel are important. It could be an interview with Kevin Garnett or Kobe Bryant or President Obama — anything that will reinforce your message. On our practice days, we have running tape of the opponent we are about to face so that the guys see it over and over and over again when they are getting changed. The same can be done with other motivational topics.

I challenge you to come up with some messages that may not be mainstream, or messages that are dear to you but may not have been said by anyone famous. Sometimes what comes out of your heart is even more likely to resonate with your team than a recycled quote they may have heard for the last 10 years.

One of my favorite signs in our locker room when I was a college coach asked these three questions:

“If your mother, father, teacher or preacher saw what you did today, would they be proud?”
“If an NBA scout saw you today, would you be proud of your performance?”
“If you were 100% truthful, would you be proud of the man in the mirror?”

The old saying is true….we only get one chance to make a first impression, and first impressions are the most powerful opportunity we have to build the future we dream about. The lesson we were trying to convey: Always give the best you have — you never know who may be watching!

On a side note, let me add that we have often talked about one person always watching you…and that is you. And if you are a great self-evaluator, then you can really have a tremendous impact on your own future. Problem is that too many people do not evaluate themselves truthfully.

Anyway, think of ways you can have your voice in that locker room. Be creative and put some of your own stuff in there. Let them know that you are there.