Andy Reid has kept the same 3x5 index card on his desk for over 2...
Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness@coachajkings
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Sep 05, 2025
~2 min read
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Andy Reid has kept the same 3x5 index card on his desk for over 2 decades.
Just TWO words.
They help guide every decision that he has to make as a leader - easy and tough decisions.
Here's what's written on that card - and the leadership paradox that built 3 Super Bowl teams:
Just TWO words.
They help guide every decision that he has to make as a leader - easy and tough decisions.
Here's what's written on that card - and the leadership paradox that built 3 Super Bowl teams:
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The card says: "DON'T JUDGE"
Reid learned this from coaching legends - "We're here to teach, not to judge."
But here's the paradox - he still has to cut players every season.
Most leaders think judging and evaluating are the same thing. They're not - here's the difference...
Reid learned this from coaching legends - "We're here to teach, not to judge."
But here's the paradox - he still has to cut players every season.
Most leaders think judging and evaluating are the same thing. They're not - here's the difference...
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Reid gives every player a clean slate when they walk in.
He said, "You're going to paint the picture for me. I'm not coming in with preconceptions about who you are."
They show him through their actions not reputation.
He makes no assumptions about your character.
He said, "You're going to paint the picture for me. I'm not coming in with preconceptions about who you are."
They show him through their actions not reputation.
He makes no assumptions about your character.
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The difference between judging and evaluating:
• Judging attacks the person - "You're not good enough"
• Evaluating assesses fit - "This isn't the right situation for you"
Reid separates the player from the position.
You can be wrong for his team, but right for life.
• Judging attacks the person - "You're not good enough"
• Evaluating assesses fit - "This isn't the right situation for you"
Reid separates the player from the position.
You can be wrong for his team, but right for life.
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Even when Reid cuts someone, he helps them succeed elsewhere - he cares about you as a person first.
He said, "We're going to try to help you get on with somebody else...We're going to treat you well."
Reid shows players dignity and respect while making tough decisions.
He said, "We're going to try to help you get on with somebody else...We're going to treat you well."
Reid shows players dignity and respect while making tough decisions.
0:45
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Leadership starts with showing people you care.
Players trust Reid because he sees their worth even when he can't use them.
The paradox: The less you judge people, the better your judgment becomes.
This is why Reid still keeps "DON'T JUDGE" on his desk after 20+ years.
Players trust Reid because he sees their worth even when he can't use them.
The paradox: The less you judge people, the better your judgment becomes.
This is why Reid still keeps "DON'T JUDGE" on his desk after 20+ years.
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📌The information and quotes are sourced from the Kingdom documentary and Andy Reid's interview with with Jason Garrett on @NFLonNBC.
Great watch on leadership for all coaches, leaders, athletes, and parents out there: youtube.com/watch?v=fSgGYo…
Great watch on leadership for all coaches, leaders, athletes, and parents out there: youtube.com/watch?v=fSgGYo…
Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness@coachajkings
Andy Reid has kept the same 3x5 index card on his desk for over 2 decades.
Just TWO words.
They help guide every decision that he has to make as a leader - easy and tough decisions.
Here's what's written on that card - and the leadership paradox that built 3 Super Bowl teams:
Just TWO words.
They help guide every decision that he has to make as a leader - easy and tough decisions.
Here's what's written on that card - and the leadership paradox that built 3 Super Bowl teams:
8
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