One of the biggest mistakes we make is setting a team culture and then just... leaving it. 🙈 We kick off the season with a bang—team building events, goals, and standards—but then we kind of forget about it. I'm guilty too! 😅
Expecting relationships to flourish and standards to be met without constant effort is like planting a garden and never watering it. 🌱 Your team's culture needs regular care and nurturing.
Here’s how you can keep your team culture thriving all season long:
1. Shared Fun 🎉:
Make time for fun outside of practices and games. Plan team meals, bonding activities, or even trips. These moments create memories and strengthen bonds.
2. Shared Vulnerability 💬:
Encourage vulnerability with activities like "Hero, Highlight, Hardship, and Hope" speeches. Athletes take turns sharing a hero, a life highlight, a hardship they've overcome, and a hope for their future.
3. Shared Suffering 💪:
Challenge your team with a boot camp or a hell week. Pushing through tough times together builds incredible cohesion and resilience.
4. Shared Service 🤝:
Get involved in community service. Organize activities like helping at a special needs camp, assisting the elderly, or sponsoring families during the holidays. It’s a powerful way to foster purpose and team unity.
As you plan your season, don’t just schedule games and practices. Make sure you’re also scheduling time for team culture. 🌟