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Do you suppose that Michael Jordan was a bad winner when he was a boy? Did he make fun of the players on the losing teams and the other kids who weren’t as talented as he was? Of course he didn’t. And neither did Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter, and Sidney Crosby, and most of the truly great sports champions. They were lucky enough to have parents and coaches who taught them that being a good winner is as important as winning the game.
You can be the best at baseball or soccer or spelling bees or video games. But if you make those against whom you are competing feel bad, they are not going to want to play with you, or against you—not because you are better than they are, but because you take all the fun out of the game. If you take all the fun out of the game, even if you win all the time, people won’t want to play on your team.
Bye-bye to fun—which is what competition is supposed to be all about.
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YOU DO
Say, “Good game,” to the other team or the person you are competing against.
YOU DON’T
Say, “Loser,” or “Sorry you played such a lame game,” or anything else that might make your competitor feel bad.
Why
You are going to lose one day yourself, and when that happens, you won’t want to be treated poorly. Bragging about yourself or insulting the losing team simply makes others feel bad, and it makes you look bad. Other guys’ parents are not going to want their kids to be around you. What’s more, your own parents are going to be so embarrassed they may deny you belong to them.
YOU DO
Say, “Thank you,” when someone compliments your skill.
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YOU DON’T
Say, “I could have done better,” or “I was holding back,” or anything other than “Thanks.”
Why
A gentleman knows how to accept a compliment. Being a good winner does not mean you can’t celebrate your victory. It is right for you to enjoy your success. But it is also expected that a gentleman knows how to celebrate his success without making the other players feel inferior.
A gentleman knows that being a good winner also means having good sportsmanship.
A gentleman knows how to accept a compliment about a game well played.