Teaching a TEAM Mentality

Does your team have a "Team" Mentality or are they just called a team because they all sit in the same locker room and wear the same color uniform?  Sometimes we can get caught up on the outward appearance of our team and forget to address the inner appearance and mental health of our team.  Most coaches are pretty much on one accord that their team would benefit from mental training for their team to make them tougher, stronger or more competitive.  What if you accomplished this but they did not grow stronger together?  You can have strong individuals and no chemistry.

Below is a video published by KBJ Academy to help teams get started on defining their TEAM for the upcoming season.  A team will take on whatever identity you prepare for so be sure to start with giving your vision and then follow that up with defining goals.  Watch the video with your team to start the conversation on what this TEAM's expectations will be for the season:

Below are some key ways to begin the process of building a TEAM mentality:

1. People have to be taught how to work with others.  If you look at children in general, they are born naturally selfish and thinking about themselves.  We all are naturally selfish! If you are ever around a group of children, you hear them say "mine" or "I don't want to" a lot.  Trying to get them to share their toy is another story!  Children have to be taught to share and use their words to be nice to their friends or to think about someone else's feelings.  If you watch them initially, they do it grudgingly.  So start with activities, drills or projects that require a partner, then a group of 3 and build from their.  

2. Teach awareness. Watch film and teach in practices from the overall view point as much as possible.  It is the same on any job - coworkers must be taught to work together as well.  In fact - people in general would benefit from consistent and daily reminders of becoming more aware of others needs and how your actions can hurt or help someone else.  If one person is not doing their job, it could slow down progress for someone else or hurt the team from growing.

3. Define roles and expectations.  Make sure this is established before they accept the job or offer to be apart of your TEAM.  Put it in their contract if you can - what the expectations are so they know what they are getting themselves into.  This speeds up the process of BUY-IN and eliminates confusion.  Begin to speak words of success to penetrate their minds with positive expectations of each person and what a successful TEAM looks like to you.  Constructive criticism and correction is absolutely necessary but make sure to tell what you expect and how it should be.  Too many times, people spend so much time on WHAT NOT TO DO that they forget to say WHAT TO DO.  

In essence, teaching a "TEAM" mentality takes time and depending on your group's maturity level it could take a week, a month or a whole season to understand.  Some people learn by seeing, some by hearing, some by doing and some by failing.  If you can teach players to have a TEAM mentality then this will compensate for mistakes during games.  Start the conversation early and make sure it is often.  Make sure they get a vivid picture of what they are doing when they think no one is looking and hold them accountable.  

All of these concepts are easier said than done and we get that.  So if you are looking for professionals to come in and teach your staff or team how to have a TEAM mentality then e-mail kbjacademy@gmail.com to inquire about our available dates.  Our team workshops are currently only $250 which includes 2-4 hours of training, strategies and activities to teach leadership, effective communication, team building and accountability!  If you live in the Dallas/Ft.Worth metroplex, travel fees are waived but outside of Dallas, travel fees are separate.  

We would like to thank the Westminster Christian Academy Football coaches and players for their invitation to Kevin Jackson as a guest speaker this weekend.  What a phenomenal experience for KBJ Academy to speak life into our youth and we couldn't be more appreciative.  This video is just a snapshot of what KBJ motivational speaking and team bonding is all about!

What Are Your Obstacles?

Let's start with the definition of an obstacle.  An obstacle is a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress.  As a coach or player, as yourself; what are your obstacles you face as you try and reach your goals?  Your second question should be; how are you going to win the victory over those obstacles?   Once you identify the answer to those two questions, you have already started to win the battle over the obstacles you face. I want to share a few tips that can help you over come obstacles you face on your quest to become the best coach or player you can be.

1.) Be Persistent - Don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve something.  Stay in the race until you cross the finishline.

2.) Have A Balanced Perception - Don't just have only one perception of the way things should be.  Be open-minded to your approach to different ways your are going to reach your goals and know that there will be obstacles and not always "sunny days!"

3.) Time Management - You don't have to be in a rush! Some success will come faster then others.  Sometimes the bigger the goal is the longer it will take and sometimes, things come together quickly.  Either way, if doors shut in the mist of which ever way time goes doesn't always mean that what you are seeking is not meant to be.

4.) Stay Hungry - A lot of times we need something to fuel on going success in our lives, so we "eat."  We feed off of little wins over obstacles.  The more we eat the more obstacles will not be a bother.

You may be a coach that is wondering how to get your team to buy in to what you are doing or you may be a player who is trying to find your role on the team.  Being persistent, having a balanced perception, having great time management, and staying hungry in your quest to reach your goals can get you there.  You can win the battle over obstacles as long as you know that they are just walls that have been put in your path.  Michael Jordan once said, "Obstacles don't have to stop you..If you run into a wall..Don't turn around and give up..Figure out how to climb it, go through it, work around it."  I encourage you to stay in the race and win first place!

#Be Blessed #Be Encouraged