George Adams found encouragement to be so important to a person's existence that he called it "oxygen to the soul."

All athletes need to be encouraged! When they arrive in a new situation, they encounter many changes and undergo many changes themselves. Encouragement helps them reach their potential; it empowers them by giving them energy to continue when they make mistakes.

As a coach, you need to use a lot of positive reinforcement with your people. Don't take acceptable work for granted; thank people for it. Praise the athlete every time you see improvement. And personalize your encouragement any time you can. Remember, what motivates one person may leave another cold or irritated. Find out what works with each of your team members - then use it.

UCLA basketball coach John Wooden told players who scored to give a smile, wink, or nod to the player who gave them a good pass. "What if he's not looking?" asked a team member. Wooden replied, "I guarantee he'll look." Everyone values encouragement and looks for it - especially when his leader is a consistent encourager.