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Joan Benoit Samuelson Teaches the Runner’s Mindset

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Lewis Hamilton Teaches a Winning Mindset

Serena Williams Teaches Tennis

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Stephen Curry Teaches Shooting, Ball-Handling, and Scoring

Tony Hawk Teaches Skateboarding

Wayne Gretzky Teaches the Athlete's Mindset

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Celebrating 10 years of MasterClass by giving one member the chance to jump-start their writing career.

We're celebrating 10 years of MasterClass by giving one member a chance at a life-changing experience.

Watch her class, and you and a guest will have a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Esther's relationship retreat in Paros, Greece.

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Introduction: Write Your Own Story

Shooting: Stance, Alignment, and Mechanics

Shooting off the Catch

Ball-Handling: Foundations

Shooting off the Dribble, Part 1

Ball-Handling: On the Move

Shooting off the Dribble, Part 2

Creating Space From Your Defender

Film Session: Creating Space and Beating Your Defender

Ball Screens

Film Session: Ball Screens

Scoring at the Rim

Off Screens: Curl, Pop, and Fade

Ball-Handling: Overloading

Improve Dribbling & Ball Control

Optimize Your Body for Performance

Goal Setting 

Balancing the Runner’s Mind

Closing

Pregame Preparation

Meet Your Instructor: Wayne Gretzky

Dad’s DIY Guide to Learning Hockey

Off-Felt Training

Learning New Skills

Introduction - Focus and Desire

Mental Toughness

Training Like a Pro

Working Out Smarter AND Harder

The Importance of Proper Recovery

Catalysts for Success

How to Demand Maximum Effort

Finding Your Streaming Style and Routine

Increase Your Powers of Concentration

Vert Basics & Intermediate

Sand Sculptures

Bonus: How to Tie Ancient Knots

Meet Your Instructor

Don’t Be a Gumby 

Learning the Ropes 

Redefining Limits: El Capitan

Footwork 

Climbing Holds  

Balance and Movement 

Crack Climbing

Achieving Flow: The Nose Speed Record 

Taking It Outdoors: Bouldering 

Taking It Outdoors: Sport Climbing 

Taking It Outdoors: Trad Climbing 

Learn Advanced Climbing Skills

Double Attacks - Part 1

Double Attacks - Part 2

Pins

Deflection/Attraction

Interference

Winning Trades

Jason's Game

Dennis' Game

Case Study: Opening

Game Theory and Math

Tournament Strategy: Late Stages and Final Table

Cash Games

Table Image and Metagame

Controlling The Court

Learn Advanced Endgame Strategies

Sports & Athletics

Teaches Wilderness Survival

Jessie Krebs

Jessie Krebs Teaches Wilderness Survival

Teaches a Winning Mindset

Lewis Hamilton

A Sports Documentary From Serena and Venus Williams

Copa 71

Teaches the Runner’s Mindset

Joan Benoit Samuelson

Teaches Ballet Technique and Artistry

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland Teaches Ballet Technique and Artistry

Teaches Skateboarding

Tony Hawk

Teaches Poker Strategy

Phil Ivey

Phil Ivey Teaches Poker Strategy

Teaches Chess

Garry Kasparov

Teaches Shooting, Ball-Handling, and Scoring

Stephen Curry

With Noted Pros

Bet Smart: Top Sports Betting Strategies

Teaches Mental Strength

Robin Arzón

Robin Arzón Teaches Mental Strength

Teaches the Athlete's Mindset

Wayne Gretzky

Teaches the Athlete’s Mindset

Teaches Gymnastics Fundamentals

Simone Biles

The Greatest of All Time

Teaches Tennis

Serena Williams

Teaches Fitness and Wellness Fundamentals

Joe Holder

Teaches Leading Winning Teams

Geno Auriemma

Teaches Values-Driven Leadership

Coach K

Teach Rock Climbing

Alex Honnold & Tommy Caldwell

Teaches Effective and Authentic Communication

Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts Teaches Effective and Authentic Communication

Known as “The Great One,” Wayne Douglas Gretzky made NHL history over his twenty-one-year career and set himself apart as one of the most accomplished professional athletes. Born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Wayne started playing junior hockey at a young age. At age seventeen, the World Hockey Association drafted Wayne for the Indianapolis Racers; the WHA eventually folded, and Wayne’s next team, the Edmonton Oilers, joined the National Hockey League.

After playing for the Oilers for a decade and breaking NHL records, the league traded Wayne to the Los Angeles Kings, and he played for them from 1988–1996. In 1996, he played for the St. Louis Blues before heading to the New York Rangers as a free agent. He gave three years to that team before ending his superstar NHL career. Heralded as one of the best ice hockey players of all time, the Hockey Hall of Fame admitted Wayne upon retirement in 1999, having led his teams to four Stanley Cup championships.  Wayne was the Phoenix Coyotes' head coach, breaking multiple scoring records. He also worked on numerous Winter Olympics hockey teams.
An athlete mindset is a form of mental preparedness that helps athletes train, face opponents, and perform at their best. The greatest athletes have their own athlete mindset, which may vary from person to person, but the central tenets stay consistent. These may include strict warm-ups and practice regiments to accomplish daily, steps to improve mental performance, and ways to reward hard work. Hence, athletes know when to check out and prioritize their well-being and [mental health](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health).

This mindset is something elite athletes curate to achieve their peak performance, although everyone from high school athletes to world-class Olympians may create their version of this [growth mindset](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained). In sports, mental skills are just as necessary as physical ones, so this mindset is instrumental in fueling a player’s [self-confidence](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-confidence) and preparing them for future games.
The athlete mindset offers a way to:

- __Create rewards__: Athletes create mile markers to celebrate meeting their goals. This lets them take time off to recharge and recenter, and in future difficulties, these rewards act as a reminder of past successes.
- __Establish milestones__: Athletes cannot achieve significant [career goals](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/personal-development-plan) in one day. Long-term goals require planning, which is why milestones are essential. They are the stepping stones for athletes to work toward to see their success unfold.
- __Maintain wellness__: An athlete’s mindset helps athletes to practice discipline and helps to separate the sport from personal life. A healthy perspective protects one’s overall health.
- __Practice consistently__: The athlete mindset also has athletes set their regimens. Routines allow predictability and consistency, which can be comforting in a fast-paced and demanding workout schedule.
- __Train harder__: Having the mental strength to know limits lets athletes push themselves safely. The athlete mindset invites trainers to set schedules, so goals are doable instead of pressurizing.

> “You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky shares how to develop a sterling athlete mindset. Consider Wayne’s tips:

1. __Celebrate teamwork__. As the old saying goes, there is no “I” in team, but more importantly, internal competition can corrode athletic spirit and victory. Wayne says, “For the success of any championship team, there has to be a commitment as a group that you’re going to be the hardest-working group and the hardest-working team to play against.”
2. __Develop a routine__. Routines can be hyper-specific to each athlete. Beyond superstitions, routines give a sense of sturdiness to one’s practice and structure to one’s day. Wayne says, “I always found that the routine was the best thing. I really didn’t change my routine from the time I was a youngster to the day I retired. You know, for me, it was putting on the skate: the left skate first, and then putting in my left shin pads, and then putting on my right skate, and my right shin pad.”
3. __Hone mental strength__. Mental preparedness is as vital as physical preparedness. It is easy to get distracted, and mental strength is crucial to the athlete's mindset. “You have to have the right frame of mind,” Wayne shares. “You have to be strong-willed, and you have to believe that the practice you’re putting in and the time you put in is going to make you a better player and a better team the next day.” 
4. __Practice, practice, practice__. Every athlete must put in the time to make it to the big leagues. “Whether you’re a professional athlete or an athlete playing for fun, that repetition is everything,” Wayne says. “Practice is part of the makeup that makes great athletes. I don’t think any great athlete in the world will sit here and tell you that they don’t practice hard.” 
5. __Set attainable goals__: “I think the reality is to make our goals attainable one step at a time,” Wayne says. Players can set themselves up for success by working backward from a goal. If someone is training for a marathon in four months, that runner may consider what they need to do each day to maintain stamina and finish 26.2 miles in a way that works for their body. Unattainable goals can dampen spirits because the person who set them may not be able to reach them.
6. __Take the shot__. Wayne’s famous quote, “You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take,” speaks about the importance of taking chances, which is applicable in and outside the hockey rink. “The quote is unique in that Glen Sather and John Muckler, the coaches in Edmonton, my father, Walter, some of my teammates—the one thing that they would continuously tell me [is], you should shoot more. You got to shoot more,” Wayne says. “You should get more selfish. You should shoot more.”
Want to become a better athlete? The [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) provides exclusive video lessons from the world’s best athletes, including Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, Stephen Curry, Tony Hawk, Misty Copeland, and more.
In sports psychology, elite athletes develop their athlete mindset, a form of mental toughness to train their minds and bodies to take their skills to the next level. Learn NHL star Wayne Gretzky’s tips for developing an athlete mindset.

In sports psychology, elite athletes develop their athlete mindset, a form of mental toughness to train their minds and bodies to take their skills to the next level. Learn NHL star Wayne Gretzky’s tips for developing an athlete mindset.

Athlete Mindset: Wayne Gretzky’s on the Athlete Mindset

Known as “The Great One,” Wayne Douglas Gretzky made NHL history over his twenty-one-year career and set himself apart as one of the most accomplished professional athletes. Born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Wayne started playing junior hockey at a young age. At age seventeen, the World Hockey Association drafted Wayne for the Indianapolis Racers; the WHA eventually folded, and Wayne’s next team, the Edmonton Oilers, joined the National Hockey League.After playing for the Oilers for a decade and breaking NHL records, the league traded Wayne to the Los Angeles Kings, and he played for them from 1988–1996. In 1996, he played for the St. Louis Blues before heading to the New York Rangers as a free agent. He gave three years to that team before ending his superstar NHL career. Heralded as one of the best ice hockey players of all time, the Hockey Hall of Fame admitted Wayne upon retirement in 1999, having led his teams to four Stanley Cup championships. Wayne was the Phoenix Coyotes&#39; head coach, breaking multiple scoring records. He also worked on numerous Winter Olympics hockey teams.

A Brief Introduction to Wayne Gretzky

An athlete mindset is a form of mental preparedness that helps athletes train, face opponents, and perform at their best. The greatest athletes have their own athlete mindset, which may vary from person to person, but the central tenets stay consistent. These may include strict warm-ups and practice regiments to accomplish daily, steps to improve mental performance, and ways to reward hard work. Hence, athletes know when to check out and prioritize their well-being and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health","linkCopy":"mental health","category":null}'>mental health</a>.This mindset is something elite athletes curate to achieve their peak performance, although everyone from high school athletes to world-class Olympians may create their version of this <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained","linkCopy":"growth mindset","category":null}'>growth mindset</a>. In sports, mental skills are just as necessary as physical ones, so this mindset is instrumental in fueling a player’s <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-confidence' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-confidence","linkCopy":"self-confidence","category":null}'>self-confidence</a> and preparing them for future games.

What Is an Athlete Mindset?

The athlete mindset offers a way to:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Create rewards: Athletes create mile markers to celebrate meeting their goals. This lets them take time off to recharge and recenter, and in future difficulties, these rewards act as a reminder of past successes. </li><li class="">Establish milestones: Athletes cannot achieve significant <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/personal-development-plan' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/personal-development-plan","linkCopy":"career goals","category":null}'>career goals</a> in one day. Long-term goals require planning, which is why milestones are essential. They are the stepping stones for athletes to work toward to see their success unfold. </li><li class="">Maintain wellness: An athlete’s mindset helps athletes to practice discipline and helps to separate the sport from personal life. A healthy perspective protects one’s overall health. </li><li class="">Practice consistently: The athlete mindset also has athletes set their regimens. Routines allow predictability and consistency, which can be comforting in a fast-paced and demanding workout schedule. </li><li class="">Train harder: Having the mental strength to know limits lets athletes push themselves safely. The athlete mindset invites trainers to set schedules, so goals are doable instead of pressurizing. </li></ul><blockquote class="mc-text--italic mc-opacity--hinted mc-my-8 mc-mr-0 mc-ml-6 mc-pl-6">“You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky</blockquote>

Why Is an Athlete Mindset Important?

Wayne Gretzky shares how to develop a sterling athlete mindset. Consider Wayne’s tips:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Celebrate teamwork. As the old saying goes, there is no “I” in team, but more importantly, internal competition can corrode athletic spirit and victory. Wayne says, “For the success of any championship team, there has to be a commitment as a group that you’re going to be the hardest-working group and the hardest-working team to play against.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Develop a routine. Routines can be hyper-specific to each athlete. Beyond superstitions, routines give a sense of sturdiness to one’s practice and structure to one’s day. Wayne says, “I always found that the routine was the best thing. I really didn’t change my routine from the time I was a youngster to the day I retired. You know, for me, it was putting on the skate: the left skate first, and then putting in my left shin pads, and then putting on my right skate, and my right shin pad.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Hone mental strength. Mental preparedness is as vital as physical preparedness. It is easy to get distracted, and mental strength is crucial to the athlete&#39;s mindset. “You have to have the right frame of mind,” Wayne shares. “You have to be strong-willed, and you have to believe that the practice you’re putting in and the time you put in is going to make you a better player and a better team the next day.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Practice, practice, practice. Every athlete must put in the time to make it to the big leagues. “Whether you’re a professional athlete or an athlete playing for fun, that repetition is everything,” Wayne says. “Practice is part of the makeup that makes great athletes. I don’t think any great athlete in the world will sit here and tell you that they don’t practice hard.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Set attainable goals: “I think the reality is to make our goals attainable one step at a time,” Wayne says. Players can set themselves up for success by working backward from a goal. If someone is training for a marathon in four months, that runner may consider what they need to do each day to maintain stamina and finish 26.2 miles in a way that works for their body. Unattainable goals can dampen spirits because the person who set them may not be able to reach them. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Take the shot. Wayne’s famous quote, “You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take,” speaks about the importance of taking chances, which is applicable in and outside the hockey rink. “The quote is unique in that Glen Sather and John Muckler, the coaches in Edmonton, my father, Walter, some of my teammates—the one thing that they would continuously tell me [is], you should shoot more. You got to shoot more,” Wayne says. “You should get more selfish. You should shoot more.” </li></ol>

Wayne Gretzky’s 6 Tips for Developing an Athlete Mindset

Want to become a better athlete? The <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> provides exclusive video lessons from the world’s best athletes, including Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, Stephen Curry, Tony Hawk, Misty Copeland, and more.

Learn More

In sports psychology, elite athletes develop their athlete mindset, a form of mental toughness to train their minds and bodies to take their skills to the next level. Learn NHL star Wayne Gretzky’s tips for developing an athlete mindset.

In sports psychology, elite athletes develop their athlete mindset, a form of mental toughness to train their minds and bodies to take their skills to the next level. Learn NHL star Wayne Gretzky’s tips for developing an athlete mindset.


athlete-mindset

Deliberate practice is a strategy for continuous improvement that uses individualized training programs and repetition to address a specific skill and enhance performance. Instead of supporting the notion of innate talent, proponents of deliberate practice believe anyone can achieve their goals with hard work and hours of practice. This form of purposeful, task-centered instructions requires full concentration over an extended period of time to reach a goal. To implement deliberate practice, focus your mind on the action to prevent yourself from merely going through the motions.
Deliberate practice is an effective tool for boosting your current level of performance. Consider the below advantages of applying deliberate practice to your personal and professional life: 

1. __It’s versatile__. You can apply deliberate practice to improve any type of skill—mental or physical. While coaches use deliberate practice to train athletes for upcoming games and competitions, companies and organizations implement deliberate practice to improve employee performance. Deliberate practice also applies to everyday challenges and personal objectives. Consider adopting the methodologies of deliberate practice to achieve your goals and instill productive habits. 
2. __Promotes dedication and motivation__. Deliberate practice also encourages learners to adopt a growth mindset for skill development. It’s common for beginners to associate elite performance with natural ability; however, deliberate practice supports the notion that anyone can master a skill with the right amount of practice and commitment.
3. __Supports productive practice__. Not all forms of practice are beneficial to development and improvement. The role of deliberate practice is to teach individuals across industries how to initiate a high quality of practice. Passive forms of practice, in which your mind does not engage with the activity, does not generate the type of results associated with purposeful practice. If you plateau at a certain skill level, engaging your mind and incorporating deliberate practice stimulates growth and improvement.
Deliberate practice is a way to step out of your comfort zone and channel your focus toward a goal. Consider the below examples of deliberate practice in different settings: 

- __Developing a skill at work__. Challenging yourself to develop a new skill and repeatedly practicing it at work is a common example of deliberate practice. For example, computer programmers can foster skills by studying different software programs. Using different functions to create multiple solutions is a way to achieve expert performance over time. 
- __Learning a new language__. Practice activities such as one-on-one conversations with native speakers, listening comprehension exercises, and grammar worksheets are examples of deliberate practice strategies for learning a new language. Performing these activities on a consistent basis helps learners reach fluent or expert-level status.
- __Playing a musical instrument__. Professional musicians use deliberate practice methods to reach a level of automaticity when performing. By rehearsing the same piece over for hours each day, top performers play their instruments without relying on music sheets.
To promote skill attribution, consider the following tips for sustaining deliberate practice: 

1. __Outline time for regular practice__. The amount of time you dedicate to your practice sessions contributes to your level of skill. To achieve an elite level, dedicate a set amount of deliberate practice time each day. Incorporating the structured activity into your daily routine promotes consistency and continued learning. 
2. __Set specific goals__. Having a clear objective inspires motivation and focused-thinking. Goal-setting is an integral aspect of deliberate practice because it informs your practice activities. Outline your main goal using clear, concise language, so your mind has a strong mental representation of what you’re trying to achieve. 
3. __Seek immediate feedback__. The process of skill acquisition requires honest feedback. Consider reaching out to a coach or mentor, and see if they can monitor your performance. Having an expert review your training activities is an effective way to determine areas for improvement.
All you need is a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of *Teen Vogue* and host of CBS’ *The Talk*), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s *Insecure*), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams. 
Developed by psychologists K. Anders Ericsson and Jerad H. Moxley, the concept of deliberate practice stems from the science of expertise. Olympic athletes, world chess players, and business leaders use this type of practice method to master new skills and achieve a high level of performance.

Developed by psychologists K. Anders Ericsson and Jerad H. Moxley, the concept of deliberate practice stems from the science of expertise. Olympic athletes, world chess players, and business leaders use this type of practice method to master new skills and achieve a high level of performance.

Deliberate Practice: 3 Benefits of Deliberate Practice

Deliberate practice is a strategy for continuous improvement that uses individualized training programs and repetition to address a specific skill and enhance performance. Instead of supporting the notion of innate talent, proponents of deliberate practice believe anyone can achieve their goals with hard work and hours of practice. This form of purposeful, task-centered instructions requires full concentration over an extended period of time to reach a goal. To implement deliberate practice, focus your mind on the action to prevent yourself from merely going through the motions.

What Is Deliberate Practice?

Deliberate practice is an effective tool for boosting your current level of performance. Consider the below advantages of applying deliberate practice to your personal and professional life: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. It’s versatile. You can apply deliberate practice to improve any type of skill—mental or physical. While coaches use deliberate practice to train athletes for upcoming games and competitions, companies and organizations implement deliberate practice to improve employee performance. Deliberate practice also applies to everyday challenges and personal objectives. Consider adopting the methodologies of deliberate practice to achieve your goals and instill productive habits. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Promotes dedication and motivation. Deliberate practice also encourages learners to adopt a growth mindset for skill development. It’s common for beginners to associate elite performance with natural ability; however, deliberate practice supports the notion that anyone can master a skill with the right amount of practice and commitment. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Supports productive practice. Not all forms of practice are beneficial to development and improvement. The role of deliberate practice is to teach individuals across industries how to initiate a high quality of practice. Passive forms of practice, in which your mind does not engage with the activity, does not generate the type of results associated with purposeful practice. If you plateau at a certain skill level, engaging your mind and incorporating deliberate practice stimulates growth and improvement. </li></ol>

3 Benefits of Deliberate Practice

Deliberate practice is a way to step out of your comfort zone and channel your focus toward a goal. Consider the below examples of deliberate practice in different settings: <ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Developing a skill at work. Challenging yourself to develop a new skill and repeatedly practicing it at work is a common example of deliberate practice. For example, computer programmers can foster skills by studying different software programs. Using different functions to create multiple solutions is a way to achieve expert performance over time. </li><li class="">Learning a new language. Practice activities such as one-on-one conversations with native speakers, listening comprehension exercises, and grammar worksheets are examples of deliberate practice strategies for learning a new language. Performing these activities on a consistent basis helps learners reach fluent or expert-level status. </li><li class="">Playing a musical instrument. Professional musicians use deliberate practice methods to reach a level of automaticity when performing. By rehearsing the same piece over for hours each day, top performers play their instruments without relying on music sheets. </li></ul>

Examples of Deliberate Practice

To promote skill attribution, consider the following tips for sustaining deliberate practice: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Outline time for regular practice. The amount of time you dedicate to your practice sessions contributes to your level of skill. To achieve an elite level, dedicate a set amount of deliberate practice time each day. Incorporating the structured activity into your daily routine promotes consistency and continued learning. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Set specific goals. Having a clear objective inspires motivation and focused-thinking. Goal-setting is an integral aspect of deliberate practice because it informs your practice activities. Outline your main goal using clear, concise language, so your mind has a strong mental representation of what you’re trying to achieve. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Seek immediate feedback. The process of skill acquisition requires honest feedback. Consider reaching out to a coach or mentor, and see if they can monitor your performance. Having an expert review your training activities is an effective way to determine areas for improvement. </li></ol>

Tips for Deliberate Practice

All you need is a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of Teen Vogue and host of CBS’ The Talk), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s Insecure), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams.

Ready to Start Designing Your Dream Career?

Developed by psychologists K. Anders Ericsson and Jerad H. Moxley, the concept of deliberate practice stems from the science of expertise. Olympic athletes, world chess players, and business leaders use this type of practice method to master new skills and achieve a high level of performance.

Developed by psychologists K. Anders Ericsson and Jerad H. Moxley, the concept of deliberate practice stems from the science of expertise. Olympic athletes, world chess players, and business leaders use this type of practice method to master new skills and achieve a high level of performance.


Books and open notebook with Spanish words highlighted and a coffee cup placed on top of right page

deliberate-practice

Cultivating a vibrant culture isn’t easy—but the following suggestions, culled from [Coach K](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/coach-k-teaches-value-driven-leadership)’s many years of experience leading winning teams, can help.

__Recruit Between the Lines__
Before you can be an effective leader, you have to build the right team. So while you’re weighing a potential recruit’s skills and qualifications, share your values and standards to try to get a sense of whether the candidate will embrace them. Look beyond the areas of their background that slot neatly into the position you’re looking for, and consider the ways in which their extracurricular projects may have contributed to their skills and perspectives. “Great employees can bring talent and experience from a variety of sources, such as work history, [volunteering](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/malala-yousafzai-teaches-creating-change/chapters/every-action-matters), or personal backgrounds,” Coach K says.

__Don’t (Always) Lead With Fear__
Leaders should not seek to be feared _or_ liked; they should aim to be respected. And to command respect, you must develop trust, lead with integrity, and tell the truth no matter what. That said, [fear can be a good motivator](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/robin-arzon-teaches-mental-strength/chapters/hustle-and-grit) under the right circumstances. Avoid using it to motivate your team, but consider using it—judiciously—when there’s a violation of standards.

__Make a Habit of Motivation__
Coach K found that even small gestures, like cracking a joke or putting on a rousing video, could motivate teams. “You don’t just wait for a big moment,” he says; “motivation should be like a habit.” Case in point: He liked to share a clip of American pop star [Beyoncé](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/amanda-gorman-teaches-writing-and-performing-poetry/chapters/before-performing-watch) warming up in her dressing room before a show. “She’s belting it out,” he says. “She’s not half stepping. She’s motivated before she goes on the stage.” During the show—i.e. the “big moment”—she likely experiences a swell of emotional motivation. For Coach K and his team, that emotional motivation would typically come during a game, but there were times when he’d spark a comparable response with a fervent speech or a poignant anecdote. Calibrating your motivation to any context is, Coach K says, “one of the beauties of leadership. You have an ever-changing landscape upon which to lead.”
__Reorient Egos__
In 2008, when Coach K was in charge of the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team, he had the herculean task of wrangling the egos of some of the greatest basketball players in the world, including NBA legends Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. He decided the best way to get the most out of each player was to ask them to bring their egos into the arena instead of leaving them at the door. But rather than tap into their personal egos, they were urged to cultivate an ego for Team USA. “You’re not playing for the United States,” Coach K told them. “You _are_ USA basketball.”

> “The most interesting thing on Earth is a human being. The most important thing is a human being.” —Coach K

__Meet Challenges With Empathy__
When you’re dealing with friction among team members or lackluster performance, Coach K urges you to think about everyone’s insecurities, life obstacles—even their fears of being let go. An [empathetic](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/the-power-of-empathy-with-pharrell-williams-and-noted-co-instructors) approach will help you better diagnose the root cause of any problem and craft effective solutions.

__Breed Leaders__
Try to develop [leaders](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/howard-schultz-leading-a-values-based-business) within each tier of your organization’s hierarchy, and promote them to more senior tiers once they’ve excelled in their current roles. (Coach K also believes it’s perfectly okay to stay in one tier; think of those individuals as specialists.) Identify burgeoning leaders and give those individuals the confidence to act as “captains” within a department or group. To determine who those people are, ask yourself: _Who embodies the values of the organization? Who steps forward to get the whole team on the same page? Who actively develops their skills?_ Finally, resist the urge to micromanage. Give people autonomy and confidence to handle projects and issues on their own.
Your team’s talent will only take it so far. For sustainable success, leaders need to create a framework that combines elements like thoughtful recruiting, consistent motivation, and well-harnessed egos. You’ll also want to establish trust with, and among, teammates to create an environment where everyone feels like they’re allowed to make mistakes. These tenets certainly paid off for Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, who, as head coach of men’s basketball at Duke University, led his team to five NCAA championships and 13 Final Four appearances. 

Your team’s talent will only take it so far. For sustainable success, leaders need to create a framework that combines elements like thoughtful recruiting, consistent motivation, and well-harnessed egos. You’ll also want to establish trust with, and among, teammates to create an environment where everyone feels like they’re allowed to make mistakes. These tenets certainly paid off for Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, who, as head coach of men’s basketball at Duke University, led his team to five NCAA championships and 13 Final Four appearances. 

Want to a Build a Winning Culture on the Court—or at the Office? Ask an NCAA Legend

Cultivating a vibrant culture isn’t easy—but the following suggestions, culled from <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/coach-k-teaches-value-driven-leadership' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/coach-k-teaches-value-driven-leadership","linkCopy":"Coach K","category":null}'>Coach K</a>’s many years of experience leading winning teams, can help.Recruit Between the Lines Before you can be an effective leader, you have to build the right team. So while you’re weighing a potential recruit’s skills and qualifications, share your values and standards to try to get a sense of whether the candidate will embrace them. Look beyond the areas of their background that slot neatly into the position you’re looking for, and consider the ways in which their extracurricular projects may have contributed to their skills and perspectives. “Great employees can bring talent and experience from a variety of sources, such as work history, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/malala-yousafzai-teaches-creating-change/chapters/every-action-matters' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/malala-yousafzai-teaches-creating-change/chapters/every-action-matters","linkCopy":"volunteering","category":null}'>volunteering</a>, or personal backgrounds,” Coach K says.Don’t (Always) Lead With Fear Leaders should not seek to be feared or liked; they should aim to be respected. And to command respect, you must develop trust, lead with integrity, and tell the truth no matter what. That said, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/robin-arzon-teaches-mental-strength/chapters/hustle-and-grit' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/robin-arzon-teaches-mental-strength/chapters/hustle-and-grit","linkCopy":"fear can be a good motivator","category":null}'>fear can be a good motivator</a> under the right circumstances. Avoid using it to motivate your team, but consider using it—judiciously—when there’s a violation of standards.Make a Habit of Motivation Coach K found that even small gestures, like cracking a joke or putting on a rousing video, could motivate teams. “You don’t just wait for a big moment,” he says; “motivation should be like a habit.” Case in point: He liked to share a clip of American pop star <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/amanda-gorman-teaches-writing-and-performing-poetry/chapters/before-performing-watch' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/amanda-gorman-teaches-writing-and-performing-poetry/chapters/before-performing-watch","linkCopy":"Beyoncé","category":null}'>Beyoncé</a> warming up in her dressing room before a show. “She’s belting it out,” he says. “She’s not half stepping. She’s motivated before she goes on the stage.” During the show—i.e. the “big moment”—she likely experiences a swell of emotional motivation. For Coach K and his team, that emotional motivation would typically come during a game, but there were times when he’d spark a comparable response with a fervent speech or a poignant anecdote. Calibrating your motivation to any context is, Coach K says, “one of the beauties of leadership. You have an ever-changing landscape upon which to lead.”

Reorient Egos In 2008, when Coach K was in charge of the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team, he had the herculean task of wrangling the egos of some of the greatest basketball players in the world, including NBA legends Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. He decided the best way to get the most out of each player was to ask them to bring their egos into the arena instead of leaving them at the door. But rather than tap into their personal egos, they were urged to cultivate an ego for Team USA. “You’re not playing for the United States,” Coach K told them. “You are USA basketball.”<blockquote class="mc-text--italic mc-opacity--hinted mc-my-8 mc-mr-0 mc-ml-6 mc-pl-6">“The most interesting thing on Earth is a human being. The most important thing is a human being.” —Coach K</blockquote>Meet Challenges With Empathy When you’re dealing with friction among team members or lackluster performance, Coach K urges you to think about everyone’s insecurities, life obstacles—even their fears of being let go. An <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/the-power-of-empathy-with-pharrell-williams-and-noted-co-instructors' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/the-power-of-empathy-with-pharrell-williams-and-noted-co-instructors","linkCopy":"empathetic","category":null}'>empathetic</a> approach will help you better diagnose the root cause of any problem and craft effective solutions.Breed Leaders Try to develop <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/howard-schultz-leading-a-values-based-business' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/howard-schultz-leading-a-values-based-business","linkCopy":"leaders","category":null}'>leaders</a> within each tier of your organization’s hierarchy, and promote them to more senior tiers once they’ve excelled in their current roles. (Coach K also believes it’s perfectly okay to stay in one tier; think of those individuals as specialists.) Identify burgeoning leaders and give those individuals the confidence to act as “captains” within a department or group. To determine who those people are, ask yourself: Who embodies the values of the organization? Who steps forward to get the whole team on the same page? Who actively develops their skills? Finally, resist the urge to micromanage. Give people autonomy and confidence to handle projects and issues on their own.

Your team’s talent will only take it so far. For sustainable success, leaders need to create a framework that combines elements like thoughtful recruiting, consistent motivation, and well-harnessed egos. You’ll also want to establish trust with, and among, teammates to create an environment where everyone feels like they’re allowed to make mistakes. These tenets certainly paid off for Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, who, as head coach of men’s basketball at Duke University, led his team to five NCAA championships and 13 Final Four appearances.

Your team’s talent will only take it so far. For sustainable success, leaders need to create a framework that combines elements like thoughtful recruiting, consistent motivation, and well-harnessed egos. You’ll also want to establish trust with, and among, teammates to create an environment where everyone feels like they’re allowed to make mistakes. These tenets certainly paid off for Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, who, as head coach of men’s basketball at Duke University, led his team to five NCAA championships and 13 Final Four appearances. 


A trophy in silhouette against a green circle, which is superimposed onto a blue photograph of a basketball and hand inches from a basket.

build-winning-culture

[Chris Voss](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/chris-voss-teaches-the-art-of-negotiation) is an acclaimed businessman, author, and academic with twenty-four years of experience as a Federal Bureau of Investigation hostage negotiator and lead international kidnapping . At the FBI, Chris led [negotiations](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss-on-mastering-tone-and-inflection-in-negotiations) with some of the world’s most dangerous criminals in high-pressure situations. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, he became a SWAT officer at the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office. He later became a lead crisis negotiator and a key player in the New York City Joint Terrorism Task Force. After retiring in 2007, [Chris](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss) joined the private sector and founded the [Black Swan](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-using-black-swans-in-a-negotiation-from-chris-voss) Group, a negotiation training and consulting firm dedicated to teaching people how to negotiate.
Chris shares the tools of effective negotiators: solution-based thoughts, emotional intelligence, and maintaining the right [tone of voice](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss-on-mastering-tone-and-inflection-in-negotiations). See how great negotiators use the below tips to handle high-stakes conversations with kidnappers, terrorists, and more:

- __On fairness__: Chris refers to fairness as the “f-bomb” because of how important it is in negotiating for gaining control. “At the beginning of a negotiation, I want you to say to the other side, ‘It’s my intention to treat you fairly. If at any point in time I’ve been unfair, let me know. We’ll go back and address it and fix it,’” he says. “Be proactive. Put yourself in a position where they’ll deal with the problem because otherwise, if they feel they’ve been treated unfairly, it’s gonna explode on you.”
- __On finding yourself in a negotiation__: “If you want somebody to say ‘yes’ to anything, you’re in a negotiation,” Chris says. We may not know that we are in negotiations every day, so it is important to embrace each encounter with a positive frame of mind and [active listening](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-active-listening-to-improve-your-communication-skills). “If somebody’s trying to get you to say ‘yes’ to something, you’re in a negotiation,” he says. “If you say ‘I want’ or ‘you think I need,’ you're in a negotiation. You’re probably in three to seven negotiations every single day.”
- __On gaining agency__: “Negotiation gives people power in the face of a bully,” Chris says. Learning how to negotiate can give people agency, enable emotional stability, and develop <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking","linkCopy":"public speaking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>public speaking</a> skills. People can use negotiation tactics to [deal with liars](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss-on-how-to-deal-with-a-liar), negotiate a pay raise, communicate with teenagers, and make business negotiations.
- __On saying ‘no’__: Too many yeses can lead to a bad deal. “People feel safe and protected when they say ‘no,’” Chris says. “This is another one of these human nature laws of gravity. . . . A ‘no’ to a properly phrased no-oriented question is worth at least five yeses.” Often the person will provide additional information after responding “no” to a question.
- __On seizing control__: Successful negotiations make the other party feel empowered. “[A] calibrated question is what we used to refer to as an open-ended question. And it’s calibrated for effect—we calibrate it to make the other side feel in charge,” Chris notes. “The secret to gaining the upper hand in a negotiation is giving the other side the illusion of control. We calibrate our questions mostly with the words ‘what’ and ‘how’ because people love to be asked what to do. People love to be asked how to do something.”
- __On the mirroring technique__: “[Mirroring](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mirroring-negotiation-guide) makes the other person feel listened to,” Chris says. Mirroring is another valid [negotiating strategy](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/negotiation-strategies-from-former-hostage-negotiator-chris-voss) in which you repeat the last two or three words of someone’s sentence. This establishes trust. “Part of the message it sends to the other person is, ‘I heard every word you said word for word, and I’m proving it because I just repeated it back to you. But it’s not enough. I still don’t get it,’” Chris says. This serves as an invitation for the person to share more information.
- __On the rule of threes__: “Getting three yeses to the same thing is important,” Chris says. “If they’ve said ‘yes’ two or three times, it’s more likely that it’s gonna stay a yes.”
- __On triggering reciprocity__: If you ask for something, it must be tactful; know the other person may ask for a favor in return. “Reciprocity is a natural human dynamic that exists in us because we’re humans. Some people are very guarded about it, so we have to be careful about how we trigger it. If we ask, we tend to owe,” Chris says.
- __On trusting your inner voice__: You can have the highest level of preparation, but if the person sitting across from you does not believe your sincerity, the negotiation will be a failure. “Why is how you say something so important to a negotiation? Well, the reality is, your inner voice betrays your outer voice,” Chris says. “Your voice, your delivery speaks volumes. It conveys deference. Everybody loves deference. It conveys genuine curiosity. It conveys collaboration. Your voice alone can be such an art.”
- __On using tactical empathy__: “Empathy is becoming completely aware of the other side’s perspective,” Chris says. [Tactical empathy](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-tactical-empathy-to-negotiate) is perhaps the most valuable secret of negotiation because it shows you are open and understand the opposing person’s side. “It’s not an agreement in any way. It’s not compassion. It’s not sympathy,” Chris shares. “[Emotional intelligence](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-develop-your-emotional-intelligence)—or what I call tactical empathy—is the bedrock of my negotiation approach and comes from years of dealing with hostage crises.”
Learn more about negotiation strategies and <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> skills from Career FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. Perfect tactical empathy, develop intentional body language, and get better results every day with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/).
Discussing how good negotiators use calibrated questions, tactical empathy, and the illusion of control, former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss shares his tips for how to read body language and employ open-ended questions to finesse the art of negotiation.

Discussing how good negotiators use calibrated questions, tactical empathy, and the illusion of control, former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss shares his tips for how to read body language and employ open-ended questions to finesse the art of negotiation.

Chris Voss Quotes: Negotiation Tips From Chris Voss

<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/chris-voss-teaches-the-art-of-negotiation' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/chris-voss-teaches-the-art-of-negotiation","linkCopy":"Chris Voss","category":null}'>Chris Voss</a> is an acclaimed businessman, author, and academic with twenty-four years of experience as a Federal Bureau of Investigation hostage negotiator and lead international kidnapping . At the FBI, Chris led <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss-on-mastering-tone-and-inflection-in-negotiations' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss-on-mastering-tone-and-inflection-in-negotiations","linkCopy":"negotiations","category":null}'>negotiations</a> with some of the world’s most dangerous criminals in high-pressure situations. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, he became a SWAT officer at the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office. He later became a lead crisis negotiator and a key player in the New York City Joint Terrorism Task Force. After retiring in 2007, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss","linkCopy":"Chris","category":null}'>Chris</a> joined the private sector and founded the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-using-black-swans-in-a-negotiation-from-chris-voss' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-using-black-swans-in-a-negotiation-from-chris-voss","linkCopy":"Black Swan","category":null}'>Black Swan</a> Group, a negotiation training and consulting firm dedicated to teaching people how to negotiate.

A Brief Introduction to Chris Voss

Chris shares the tools of effective negotiators: solution-based thoughts, emotional intelligence, and maintaining the right <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss-on-mastering-tone-and-inflection-in-negotiations' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss-on-mastering-tone-and-inflection-in-negotiations","linkCopy":"tone of voice","category":null}'>tone of voice</a>. See how great negotiators use the below tips to handle high-stakes conversations with kidnappers, terrorists, and more:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">On fairness: Chris refers to fairness as the “f-bomb” because of how important it is in negotiating for gaining control. “At the beginning of a negotiation, I want you to say to the other side, ‘It’s my intention to treat you fairly. If at any point in time I’ve been unfair, let me know. We’ll go back and address it and fix it,’” he says. “Be proactive. Put yourself in a position where they’ll deal with the problem because otherwise, if they feel they’ve been treated unfairly, it’s gonna explode on you.” </li><li class="">On finding yourself in a negotiation: “If you want somebody to say ‘yes’ to anything, you’re in a negotiation,” Chris says. We may not know that we are in negotiations every day, so it is important to embrace each encounter with a positive frame of mind and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-active-listening-to-improve-your-communication-skills' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-active-listening-to-improve-your-communication-skills","linkCopy":"active listening","category":null}'>active listening</a>. “If somebody’s trying to get you to say ‘yes’ to something, you’re in a negotiation,” he says. “If you say ‘I want’ or ‘you think I need,’ you&#39;re in a negotiation. You’re probably in three to seven negotiations every single day.” </li><li class="">On gaining agency: “Negotiation gives people power in the face of a bully,” Chris says. Learning how to negotiate can give people agency, enable emotional stability, and develop <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking","linkCopy":"public speaking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>public speaking</a> skills. People can use negotiation tactics to <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss-on-how-to-deal-with-a-liar' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chris-voss-on-how-to-deal-with-a-liar","linkCopy":"deal with liars","category":null}'>deal with liars</a>, negotiate a pay raise, communicate with teenagers, and make business negotiations. </li><li class="">On saying ‘no’: Too many yeses can lead to a bad deal. “People feel safe and protected when they say ‘no,’” Chris says. “This is another one of these human nature laws of gravity. . . . A ‘no’ to a properly phrased no-oriented question is worth at least five yeses.” Often the person will provide additional information after responding “no” to a question. </li><li class="">On seizing control: Successful negotiations make the other party feel empowered. “[A] calibrated question is what we used to refer to as an open-ended question. And it’s calibrated for effect—we calibrate it to make the other side feel in charge,” Chris notes. “The secret to gaining the upper hand in a negotiation is giving the other side the illusion of control. We calibrate our questions mostly with the words ‘what’ and ‘how’ because people love to be asked what to do. People love to be asked how to do something.” </li><li class="">On the mirroring technique: “<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mirroring-negotiation-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mirroring-negotiation-guide","linkCopy":"Mirroring","category":null}'>Mirroring</a> makes the other person feel listened to,” Chris says. Mirroring is another valid <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/negotiation-strategies-from-former-hostage-negotiator-chris-voss' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/negotiation-strategies-from-former-hostage-negotiator-chris-voss","linkCopy":"negotiating strategy","category":null}'>negotiating strategy</a> in which you repeat the last two or three words of someone’s sentence. This establishes trust. “Part of the message it sends to the other person is, ‘I heard every word you said word for word, and I’m proving it because I just repeated it back to you. But it’s not enough. I still don’t get it,’” Chris says. This serves as an invitation for the person to share more information. </li><li class="">On the rule of threes: “Getting three yeses to the same thing is important,” Chris says. “If they’ve said ‘yes’ two or three times, it’s more likely that it’s gonna stay a yes.” </li><li class="">On triggering reciprocity: If you ask for something, it must be tactful; know the other person may ask for a favor in return. “Reciprocity is a natural human dynamic that exists in us because we’re humans. Some people are very guarded about it, so we have to be careful about how we trigger it. If we ask, we tend to owe,” Chris says. </li><li class="">On trusting your inner voice: You can have the highest level of preparation, but if the person sitting across from you does not believe your sincerity, the negotiation will be a failure. “Why is how you say something so important to a negotiation? Well, the reality is, your inner voice betrays your outer voice,” Chris says. “Your voice, your delivery speaks volumes. It conveys deference. Everybody loves deference. It conveys genuine curiosity. It conveys collaboration. Your voice alone can be such an art.” </li><li class="">On using tactical empathy: “Empathy is becoming completely aware of the other side’s perspective,” Chris says. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-tactical-empathy-to-negotiate' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-tactical-empathy-to-negotiate","linkCopy":"Tactical empathy","category":null}'>Tactical empathy</a> is perhaps the most valuable secret of negotiation because it shows you are open and understand the opposing person’s side. “It’s not an agreement in any way. It’s not compassion. It’s not sympathy,” Chris shares. “<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-develop-your-emotional-intelligence' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-develop-your-emotional-intelligence","linkCopy":"Emotional intelligence","category":null}'>Emotional intelligence</a>—or what I call tactical empathy—is the bedrock of my negotiation approach and comes from years of dealing with hostage crises.” </li></ul>

Chris Voss Quotes

Learn more about negotiation strategies and <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> skills from Career FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. Perfect tactical empathy, develop intentional body language, and get better results every day with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>.

Discussing how good negotiators use calibrated questions, tactical empathy, and the illusion of control, former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss shares his tips for how to read body language and employ open-ended questions to finesse the art of negotiation.

Discussing how good negotiators use calibrated questions, tactical empathy, and the illusion of control, former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss shares his tips for how to read body language and employ open-ended questions to finesse the art of negotiation.


chris-voss-quotes

Mike William Krzyzewski, a.k.a. [Coach K](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/coach-k-teaches-value-driven-leadership), is a former basketball coach known for winning the most games in the history of men’s college basketball. As head coach at Duke University from 1980–2022, he led the Division I team to more than a thousand victories—including five national championships. 

Before becoming one of the world’s winningest coaches, Coach K graduated from the United States Military Academy and served in the armed forces from 1969–1974, resigning as an Army Captain. Coach K’s military background and success as a basketball coach have made him an expert in [transformational leadership](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-embrace-transformational-leadership-and-inspire-motivation).
Great leaders understand the power of [leadership development](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-development) and actively seek opportunities to mentor junior team members. 

> “One of the greatest responsibilities you have as a leader is to ensure the people beneath you are becoming better, stepping into leadership positions, and strengthening the team unit as a whole.” — Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski

Developing leaders involves identifying potential leaders among your direct reports and teaching them [leadership skills](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-skills-explained) through a hands-on training or development program. Leadership training is a win-win for managers and team members—the manager ensures their direct reports aspire to greater responsibility and the team member enjoys a supportive company culture. The bottom line is that [effective leaders](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-an-effective-leader) provide companies with a competitive advantage, higher retention rates, increased [employee engagement](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/employee-engagement-guide), and long-term sustainability. 
Here are a few ways for identifying high-potential individuals well-suited for leadership roles: 

1. __Create a leadership pipeline__. Every business development plan should include a formal process for promoting team members to leadership positions. Leadership pipelines encourage employees to do their best and can help managers identify employees who would excel in such a program.
2. __Evaluate interpersonal skills__. Those with qualities like integrity, [self-awareness](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-self-awareness), and cooperation can make for good leaders. Even if team members lack formal training, they may possess good [leadership qualities](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-qualities) and likely make good candidates for becoming successful business leaders.
3. __Prioritize soft skills__. Possessing soft skills, such as solid <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> and emotional intelligence, can help you to become a successful leader. When assessing your team for new leaders, look for team members who have effective <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking","linkCopy":"public speaking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>public speaking</a> skills, can handle conflict well, and can multitask proficiently.
4. __Provide leadership opportunities__. Allow team members to take on low-risk leadership roles, such as in a meeting or team-building exercise. These opportunities will enable you to evaluate their leadership skills.
Here are tips on how to develop leaders from Coach K: 

1. __Constantly assess leadership potential__. According to Coach K, to spot emerging leaders in your organization, “look for the people who embody the values of your organization and lead by example.” Coach K says that the best leaders will work to ensure the whole team can align and move forward as a unit. “Everyone has leadership potential,” he says, “but it must be nurtured and the leader must be willing to put in the time and effort to develop their skills.”
2. __Empower instead of delegating__. Your development opportunities should instill leadership competencies that give your employees greater autonomy. If a business leader does their job well, employees should only sometimes seek approval from senior management. “There’s a certain level of autonomy,” Coach K says, “that each person in your organization should have.” 
3. __Recognize good leadership behaviors__. Senior leaders must recognize effective leadership by offering team members praise and encouragement when they see it. “You can’t just have good leadership,” Coach K says. “You have to recognize it if you want it to happen over and over, over again.”
4. __Take a tiered approach__. According to Coach K, an effective leader empowers others into leadership positions. “Leadership is plural,” he says. “If your organization was a ten-story building, the leader is on the tenth floor; the leader should have confidence that what’s happening on the first floor is being taken care of.”
When you lead a team, what you say isn’t necessarily as important as how you say it. Discover Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski’s secret to reading people, giving feedback, and building leaders when you sign up for the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/).
As one of the all-time greatest men’s basketball coaches, Coach K knows what it takes to develop great leaders. Read on to learn Coach K’s tips for leadership development.

As one of the all-time greatest men’s basketball coaches, Coach K knows what it takes to develop great leaders. Read on to learn Coach K’s tips for leadership development.

Coach K on Building Leaders: 4 Tips

Mike William Krzyzewski, a.k.a. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/coach-k-teaches-value-driven-leadership' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/coach-k-teaches-value-driven-leadership","linkCopy":"Coach K","category":null}'>Coach K</a>, is a former basketball coach known for winning the most games in the history of men’s college basketball. As head coach at Duke University from 1980–2022, he led the Division I team to more than a thousand victories—including five national championships. Before becoming one of the world’s winningest coaches, Coach K graduated from the United States Military Academy and served in the armed forces from 1969–1974, resigning as an Army Captain. Coach K’s military background and success as a basketball coach have made him an expert in <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-embrace-transformational-leadership-and-inspire-motivation' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-embrace-transformational-leadership-and-inspire-motivation","linkCopy":"transformational leadership","category":null}'>transformational leadership</a>.

Meet Coach K 

Great leaders understand the power of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-development' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-development","linkCopy":"leadership development","category":null}'>leadership development</a> and actively seek opportunities to mentor junior team members. <blockquote class="mc-text--italic mc-opacity--hinted mc-my-8 mc-mr-0 mc-ml-6 mc-pl-6">“One of the greatest responsibilities you have as a leader is to ensure the people beneath you are becoming better, stepping into leadership positions, and strengthening the team unit as a whole.” — Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski</blockquote>Developing leaders involves identifying potential leaders among your direct reports and teaching them <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-skills-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-skills-explained","linkCopy":"leadership skills","category":null}'>leadership skills</a> through a hands-on training or development program. Leadership training is a win-win for managers and team members—the manager ensures their direct reports aspire to greater responsibility and the team member enjoys a supportive company culture. The bottom line is that <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-an-effective-leader' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-an-effective-leader","linkCopy":"effective leaders","category":null}'>effective leaders</a> provide companies with a competitive advantage, higher retention rates, increased <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/employee-engagement-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/employee-engagement-guide","linkCopy":"employee engagement","category":null}'>employee engagement</a>, and long-term sustainability.

Why Build Leaders?

Here are a few ways for identifying high-potential individuals well-suited for leadership roles: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Create a leadership pipeline. Every business development plan should include a formal process for promoting team members to leadership positions. Leadership pipelines encourage employees to do their best and can help managers identify employees who would excel in such a program. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Evaluate interpersonal skills. Those with qualities like integrity, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-self-awareness' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-self-awareness","linkCopy":"self-awareness","category":null}'>self-awareness</a>, and cooperation can make for good leaders. Even if team members lack formal training, they may possess good <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-qualities' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-qualities","linkCopy":"leadership qualities","category":null}'>leadership qualities</a> and likely make good candidates for becoming successful business leaders. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Prioritize soft skills. Possessing soft skills, such as solid <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> and emotional intelligence, can help you to become a successful leader. When assessing your team for new leaders, look for team members who have effective <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking","linkCopy":"public speaking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>public speaking</a> skills, can handle conflict well, and can multitask proficiently. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Provide leadership opportunities. Allow team members to take on low-risk leadership roles, such as in a meeting or team-building exercise. These opportunities will enable you to evaluate their leadership skills. </li></ol>

How to Identify Leaders

As one of the all-time greatest men’s basketball coaches, Coach K knows what it takes to develop great leaders. Read on to learn Coach K’s tips for leadership development.

As one of the all-time greatest men’s basketball coaches, Coach K knows what it takes to develop great leaders. Read on to learn Coach K’s tips for leadership development.


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