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If we were allowed to go though life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. - Harvey Mackay

My family is made up of teachers.  My sister, sister in law, uncles, aunts, cousins… they all teach.  But until I read an article by Harvey Mackay, I hadn't seen a better definition of a teacher.  Actually, in Harvey's column, he relates a story originally told by Thomas Friedman, the New York Times columnist in his 2003 commencement speech at Yale University.  Friedman was at dinner with several people when a CEO started complaining about what he felt was the inherent problem with schools: teachers. 

"You know, it's true what they say about teachers: Those who can do, do. And those who can't do, teach." To corroborate his statement he said to another guest, "Hey, Susan, you're a teacher. Be honest, what do you make?"

Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness, replied, "You want to know what I make? I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could, and I can make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence. I can make a C-plus feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor and an A feel like a slap in the face if the student didn't do his or her very best. I can make parents tremble when I call their home or feel almost like they won the lottery when I tell them how well their child is progressing."

Gaining speed, she went on: "You want to know what I make? I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them write. I make them read, read and read. I make them understand that if you have the brains, then follow your heart. And if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make in money, you pay them no attention."

Susan then paused. "You want to know what I make? I make a difference."

You want to be a good coach?  Make a difference.