Communication is also key, though a hassle at times. TLDR; if you want something done say so, worded in a way that isn't offensive or accusatory. If you want to TP gank a lane but they have no wards, for instance bot lane, then tell them that you can try for a TP gank bot lane if they place a ward. They may not have thought about it, but by saying that they will do one and/or two things.
They will;
- Think about what you said, and thus it will most likely increase the chances of them placing wards later in the game.
- Think about it in future games, leading them to grow a little bit as a player.
Managing team morale is also key. It can be very simple to do this. Try to get between any teammates that try to start fighting with each other. Do what you have to do to get their attention (in a tactful way) and remind them that they should be fighting the enemy not each other. I don't know how well recommended others might find this advice but, -> I personally like to belittle their argument if it's over something petty or stupid, to get their attention. Now my next tip for morale is harder for more people than not.
Basically in the cheesiest possible way of saying this, turn the other cheek. If you have aggro from a toxic player, you can always mute. But that often times that will leave your teammates with someone who is toxic. Which will lead them to being tilted, which leads to you losing. If I'm being attacked by a toxic teammate I like to say a line that usually makes them take a step back and be quiet the rest of the match, sometimes I even get apologies. At the same time it keeps your teammates from tilting due to someone on your team and makes them like you more, which in turn encourages them to listen to you later in the game.
Here's what I say; "Look man, you can yell at me all you want. If you want me to do badly, I can't change you from feeling that way. But I won't do that to you, I hope you do the best you can do."
It's important to say it all in one go, so they don't have a chance to interject mid way through you talking. The important part is to intentionally try to help them after that, always note when they do something good like take a turret or get a kill. Although it's extremely valuable to do that for anyone you can. Try to not make it sound like a habit response like "gj", say it like this; "great job getting that kill you two" "awesome kill mid lane man". Make them feel good, like they did something extra cool to you, even if it wasn't anything amazing. In fact, the better you're doing the more your praise inspires them. If the 13/2 riven praises the 3/7 draven for doing something really awesome, it makes them feel great. And like I said, morale is key. It can hard mindset for people to adopt or stick to. But if you can create the goal to make everyone like you in every game, you will find yourself winning more games, enjoying league more, and just generally playing better. It makes you very resistant to toxicity as well.
Well there you have it. My words of wisdom, from all the years I've played league. I highly recommend applying it! You will not regret it. :)
