Following the Tigers' disappointing loss to Melbourne in round nine, the Richmond players and coaches engaged in "constructive feedback" meetings as they tried to arrest their form slump in 2014.
Cotchin, who was named Richmond captain as a 22-year-old in 2012, said the sessions helped spark the side for its 113-point win over Greater Western Sydney, and included some strong advice for all involved.
"One of mine was to actually be a little bit more aggressive with my approach at times," Cotchin told Channel Seven.
"Coming into being the captain as a younger player I probably tried to find a passive and relaxed way [to lead], especially with the younger group.
"I tried to make everyone comfortable and get the best out of them, that's how I felt it was going to work. But the feedback is that I need to become even more demanding which I'll be working on."
After leading the Tigers to 15 wins last season and an elimination final berth, coach Damien Hardwick has come under pressure, but Cotchin said he had handled the spotlight well.
The midfielder suggested only minor changes have been made to the club's playing style through the year as they try to get their run and movement back to the levels of last season.
Hardwick also took part in the feedback meetings last week, with the coach encouraged to put the heat on his players more.
"The fantastic thing about our group and 'Dimma' is that he has relationships with people so people are comfortable to actually talk about where he can improve," Cotchin said.
"Probably a little bit like me, with a younger group you feel you have to nurture players and so forth. Whereas they've said, 'mate, if you're thinking something, just whack blokes'.
"Naturally that's how he is, and at times he does it for the group. But we feel that individuals he can probably put the heat on. He has done it at times, and it's worked."
Jack Riewoldt returned from a week in the headlines with a career-high 11 goals against the Giants, and Cotchin said the two-time Coleman medallist had been "fantastic" over the past six weeks during training and in games.
"The thing we love about Jack is he's a very passionate person. He wants the club to succeed and that's why he is the way he is," he said.
"On the track he's probably our No.1 speaker."
Twitter: @AFL_CalTwomey
