With the NFL draft approaching, millions of people are getting excited about the addition of talent to their team rosters. Most people can see and appreciate talent – but great leaders know that talent alone is never sufficient. Talent without character and trust – traits of great teammates – will always underachieve. So how do […]
Category Archives: Athletic Teambuilding
The truth is that whistles aren’t necessary. As a young coach, I thought I needed a whistle to get my players’ attention and ensure they were listening to me. Turns out, a few years into my coaching career I learned that it wasn’t the whistle that truly earned their attention. Sure, it was disruptive and […]
If you are searching for an effective event facilitator to help with any group productivity meeting, there are a number of things you should consider. A strong facilitator will discuss goals with the meeting planner and have a thorough understanding of the meeting’s purpose prior to his or her arrival. It is vital that the […]
A few weeks ago I experienced my first Spartan Sprint. The “Sprint” is a 4-5 mile obstacle course race created by Joe De Sena, an entrepreneur and extreme endurance race enthusiast. In 2012, Outside magazine designated it the “Best Obstacle Race,” and hundreds of thousands of people have participated in Spartan race events around the […]
A LETTER TO ATHLETES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF TOUGHNESS: “Dear Player: I am glad you have worked to build skills, and skills will serve you well when you are on the floor competing against other talented athletes… but it is not skill alone that separates successful achievers from the mediocre masses. The greatest divider […]
In virtually every aspect of your life, you can find examples of the importance of teamwork. But teamwork is built on team trust, and that trust is supported and established like the seat of a three legged stool – by three important supporting elements. The absence or weakness of any of the legs on a […]
The 2014 men’s basketball national championship was a well-documented contrast in team dynamics. The UConn starting five consisted of two seniors, two juniors, and a sophomore, while Kentucky started five freshmen – most of which likely planned to use the game as a springboard into the NBA draft. And more than a story of free […]
Have you ever work with somebody – or live with somebody – that always seems to be making excuses instead of making an effort? Next time you see them, tell them this story about the Trans-Alaskan Oil Pipeline… Oil was discovered on the northern slope of Alaska in 1968. After the 1973 American oil crisis, […]
You have likely heard for years the mantra that “you are what you eat.” I would suggest that it is more accurate to say that you are what you DRINK. Your team will succeed or fail based upon what is in the “Kool-Aid” being served, and how many are drinking it consistently. If individuals on […]
One of the most difficult skills for a teammate or leader to learn is how to give people on your team advice that gets results instead of resentment. Like you, over the years I shared countless nuggets of wisdom that would have helped my players or teammates, but it often went unheeded – and unappreciated. […]