Negativity fills the gaps when there is a lack of communication. To cultivate a championship culture, built on trust and accountability, coaches need to connect with players one-on-one. Great teams begin with clear communication.
The search is over. Science has confirmed what separates mediocre teams from high performing teams – beyond talent. What many coaches (and leaders) know by the eye test, has now been validated by researchers. High performing teams have team chemistry.
For better or worse, the environment surrounding your team impacts performance on game day. A talented team in a poor environment will not fulfill its potential. In contrast, a decent team in a positive environment can exceed expectations. Let’s look at how to build a more positive environment around your team.
Managing the roller coaster of highs and lows can leave some teams prideful or depleted. Yet the best teams in sports find a way to maintain a healthy respect for their competition and a insatiable drive to get better. In short they choose to remain humble and hungry.
Coaches at every level battle inconsistency in their lineup. Those who instill a next level up mentality in their teams have the advantage. They prepare players to step up when their number is called. How can you foster this mentality in your team?
Today’s top coaches know how to get the best out of their athletes. They do this, in part, by creating an environment of trust and safety where athletes feel comfortable being themselves, taking necessary risks, and speaking up. Researchers call this psychological safety and it impacts athletic performance.
Creating a safe environment for your athletes is about more than good equipment and safe field conditions. Coaches like Brad Stevens, Dabo Swinney, Doug Peterson, and Gregg Popovich – seen as positive coaches – ensure their teams feel safe enough to take risks and go all out. Ultimately, this emphasis on relationships is a significant component that leads to success.
Top performers take initiative. They take ownership for improving themselves and their teams. Are your athletes seeking ways to give their team an edge? Are they doing the little things to unify the team? Let’s look at three ways athletes can take initiative and gain a competitive advantage. These are the players who become your team leaders.
Augie Garrido, five-time national championship baseball coach, put a premium on practice. According to Garrido, “Games and championships are won in practice first.” Many coaches may agree with this statement, but not all teams and athletes approach practice the same way. Let’s look at how to help your athletes train like the pros.
A team’s culture shapes their common language. We outwork the competition. Always compete. Losing only happens when you give up. Team first. These statements are indicators of what a team values most, of what they hang their hat on. What does your team’s language say about the team?
