I was listening to an NBA player talking about a coach who was relentless in seeking improvement.  The team was one of the best in the league.

“No matter how well we were playing, he’d always be tweaking us. He’d say, “I think we can get a little better at scoring on inbound plays under the basket.” We would focus on it and get better. Then it would be offensive rebounding. Or handling a full-court press. He drew our attention to small things to improve, and we would do it.”

It was the coach’s way of focusing concentration. It helped the team with increasing competence. One skill built on the next. It earned championships.

It’s a great technique. You can employ it at work for sure:

• “I think we can get a little better with nail gun safety…”
• “I think we can squeeze an extra stack of pallets if….”
• “I think we can get a few more pieces out by watching what we’re putting in the dumpster…”

You just have to take the initiative.

But think of it another way. What about the kids you influence? Can they get a little better? It’s the rare child who decides to get a little better without someone suggesting it. Can you be that one?