If you’re not in sports, you may not know that at the start of July, women’s basketball coaches across the country hit the road for recruiting. I did this for years, and it’s never easy. And I know many of my former coaching colleagues and current clients can’t help but remembering Pat Summitt as they hit the road.

Here are a few lessons from Pat Summitt’s legacy that stay with me, and I hope they’ll stay with you, too, whether you’re on the road or in an office.

#1: Everyone is Family.

You are a part of a great profession. No matter what division, which conference, or what place in that conference, you belong to the coaching family.

Instead of searching for your seat next to your “bubble,” reach out and include someone new. It is up to coaches to continue to grow this game and developing new relationships for sharing is vital.  There has been some amazing stories about Pat reaching out, assisting coaches she didn’t know.  Princeton Head Coach, Courtney Banghart has one of the best remembering Pat Summitt. Read below.

Some coaches do a great job of this, others…not so much.  If you’re a part of the not-so-much club, make this July different, and perhaps it will help your recruiting.

Pat shared “You win in life with people.”  Don’t you think those recruits will recognize that also?

#2: Competitive Kindness

This lesson is simple. Be kind.

If you know someone, say hello. Use “excuse me” when trying to maneuver your seat in the most visible spot in the building. If you’re the only two coaches on the court, sit and talk! Don’t hide behind your technology.

Recognize, if you move your chair up to see both courts, you may be blocking several others behind you. Look around and remember that next time, that might be you. So move your chair.

Current Tennessee Head Coach Holly Warlick shared a story in which Pat stated the University of Tennessee’s success wasn’t about her. Well, if UT’s success wasn’t about her, then absolutely your chair placement in an ice cold gym is NOT ABOUT YOU!

Pat taught everyone that competitiveness and kindness can coexist in the world of coaching.  My guess is that Pat would give you her seat. Are you willing to give yours to someone else this July?

To all my coaching friends, whether you coach sports or other work, go be kind and make Pat proud!