Overview
Tough conversations are part of being a leader, and learning to balance kindness (“Sugar”) with honesty (“Salt”) is a skill every teammate needs. This exercise helps players practice addressing challenges with teammates in a way that shows both support and accountability.
"“As a coach, this was one of my favorite exercises. I loved watching my players try to navigate these difficult conversations that even after 15 years of coaching, I sometimes struggle having.”"
Veteran Maryland High School Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
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Lesson Plan
Sugar & Salt Lesson Plan
Language Guide
Sugar
Communicating with respect, kindness, and love
Salt
Communicating in a very direct manner, straight-forward and frank
At Home
Coaches, use the below question, reflection, and action to engage parents, guardians, and other family members in the lessons learned in this exercise.
Suggestions on how to use: Email to parents the day you have taught this lesson, add it to the materials you send home, or text it to text message threads with your players.
- Question: What does it mean to communicate with “sugar” and “salt”?
- Reflection: Why do leaders prepare for and engage in tough conversations?
- Action: Share an example from the session with your family and illustrate what the perfect blend of Sugar and Salt would look and sound like.
Coach’s Reflection
Coach, take a moment to reflect on the lesson and how you can lead by example to your players.
Coach, where do you fall on the communication scale? Do you lean more heavily towards “salt” or more towards “sugar”. In the coming weeks, reflect upon your daily communication and evaluate if you’re using too much salt, too much sugar; make a conscious effort to communicate with the appropriate levels of sugar and salt.