Saw a very interesting article out on Jeff Janssen’s Championship Coaches Network site. It was part of an interview with Terry Francona, manager of the world champion Boston Red Sox.

Francona listed four things that are required to win at the highest level. (Actually there are more, but you have to be a paying member of his network to get the rest.) The four things listed are:

1. Establish your core values — things like being on time, respecting your teammates, etc.

2. You don’t have to have played to be a successful manager. You just have to be knowledgeable and a good communicator.

3. Create the right culture in the clubhouse. It’s really all about character.

4. Wherever you’re coaching is as important as the Boston Red Sox. Maybe not to the masses, but to the people you’re coaching. As a result, take your responsibility seriously and give it all you have.

It’s an article well worth reading in its entirety. Click on the link above to see it. But then remember to come back here!