This article by Bruce E. Brown and Rob Miller of Proactive Coaching LLC cautions leaders about telling athletes to "do whatever it takes to win." It explains how the phrase, though usually well intended, can be misinterpreted to justify unethical or unsafe behavior, and urges leaders to clearly define their words when motivating impressionable followers. It is from the Proactive Coaching Odds and Ends collection.
Introduction
I was recently speaking at a coaching clinic and heard another speaker tell the audience that they need to teach their athletes to "do whatever it takes to win". I know this coach and how he intended that statement. Like most people who use that phrase, I believe that he meant it in a positive manner. That the players should focus, practice, work hard, lift to give themselves the best chance to succeed – in other words, do everything possible to prepare themselves and not leave anything to chance.