[slide]

The line between ruthlessness and simple honesty can be pretty thin in these cases. If a player asks a coach where he stands and the coach replies, "You're third string and I don't see you going any higher than that," does that count as running somebody off? Or is it worthwhile candor?

I'd say candor is good.  sometimes just honest, sometimes with an underlying message.  when Harbs labelled some guys as "steak eaters" I suspect it was more motivational than to run them off. 

[slide]

The line between ruthlessness and simple honesty can be pretty thin in these cases. If a player asks a coach where he stands and the coach replies, "You're third string and I don't see you going any higher than that," does that count as running somebody off? Or is it worthwhile candor?

I'd say candor is good.  sometimes just honest, sometimes with an underlying message.  when Harbs labelled some guys as "steak eaters" I suspect it was more motivational than to run them off.