(Columbia) June 11, 2003 - As South Carolina cabinet agencies face issues like budget cuts, hiring freezes and staffing shortages, the heads of those agencies got a pep talk Tuesday from the person some call "the master motivator."

South Carolina Head Football Coach Lou Holtz gave a brief speech at Wednesday's cabinet meeting called by Governor Mark Sanford.

Holtz talked about teamwork and leadership and challenged state leaders to grow their departments like he does a football team with sacrifice, a vision and with a good attitude, "People aren't going to give you accolades. All you're ever going to hear about are the difficulties, but everyone must pay the price continuously. I got bad news, the price ain't ever gonna diminish."

Holtz says South Carolina residents and state employees want to know three things about their government: Can I trust you? Are you committed to excellence? Do you care about me? Holtz says agency heads are doing their jobs properly if they can answer yes to those questions.

State cabinet leaders asked the coach how to handle bad attitudes, dismissing employees and advice for how to work with the General Assembly, "If a guy has a bad attitude, why? Chances are it's because he doesn't follow the three rules. He doesn't have vision, dreams, and he's insecure."

A spokesman for Sanford says the governor heard Holtz speak at the MCI Heritage golf tournament in April and asked him to speak with the Cabinet and share his thoughts on leadership. Holtz says Sanford's administration has the vision, energy and enthusiasm to get the job done.

"A Leader Must Have a Vision and a Plan" Holtz's ten principles of leadership:

1. You need each other
2. Your role is important
3. As challenges elevate, the need for teamwork escalates
4. The team must improve
5. You can't have a weak link
6. Everyone must pay the price with sacrifice
7. People have to count on you
8. Bad attitudes are contagious
9. You're paid to succeed
10. Must have core values:
    -Do the right thing
    -Do the best you can
    -Show people you care

updated 3:43pm by Chris Rees