The principle of “catch them being good” comes from Tony DiCicco’s coaching philosophy, where he actively sought out and acknowledged positive behaviors instead of focusing solely on correcting mistakes.
Most of us have been trained to spot problems. We’re experts at finding what’s wrong, ready with a critique or correction. The management-by-exception trap is seductive—fixing things feels like progress.
But exceptional teams aren’t built on corrections. They’re built on recognition.
This approach creates a fundamental shift—from problem-solving to celebrating desired actions. By recognizing good behavior, we create positive associations that make those behaviors more likely to be repeated.
The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team experienced this firsthand under DiCicco’s leadership. By highlighting what players did right rather than punishing mistakes, he built skill, confidence, and trust. The result? World Cup champions.
The math is simple: what gets rewarded gets repeated.
Your team already knows when they’ve messed up. They need clarity about what excellence looks like when they’re delivering it.
Try this: today, find three people doing something right. Tell them specifically what you saw and why it matters. Watch what happens tomorrow.
Excellence isn’t the absence of mistakes—it’s the presence of greatness.
