Each year I try to refine our core values, which I believe are the foundation of our success and the most important aspect of my coaching.
This year I was inspired to adjust them to be one or two words (max) after watching this video. It’s an excellent video by Brett Ledbetter that I recommend you watch.
I’m really happy with how things turned out and I think this is going to be more effective than what we have done in the past. I have a vision in my head on how we will teach and emphasize these core values. I think it’s going to work extremely well.
Here are our core values and the document I have provided to all our players…
Marion Sophomore Core Values
Here are the core values for our team.
Our core values and character skills are the number one priority for us…
“Culture and Character are the most important things. It starts there.”
– Brad Stevens, Former Butler and now Celtics Head Coach
All of the best programs are built on character skills. We believe that focusing on these skills will give our team the best chance of success. And, even more important, they will give each player life lessons and tools to help them succeed outside of basketball.
Coaches and players will focus on applying, developing, and living these values in every minute, every day, every practice, and every game.
“Character is the foundation upon which you win.”
– Mike Krzyzewski, Duke Head Coach
Here are the values that define our team…
Hard Working
- Always give your best effort.
- Do more than what is expected of you.
- Be passionate – do not be lukewarm, commit to excellence.
- Be enthusiastic – your energy and enjoyment, drive and dedication will stimulate and inspire others.
- Prepare (sharpen the saw) – prepare yourself and enhance your skills every day.
- Be proactive – don’t sit back, take the initiate and get things done.
- Focus – maintain an exceedingly high level of concentration and intense focus on your work.
Selfless
- Work together and help each other.
- Look to help others in your life, with nothing expected in return.
- Develop strong relationships, friendships, and respect for others.
- Show unity – do not divide our house, team first.
- Make teammates better, lead by giving.
Honest
- Be honest and trustworthy.
- Be someone that can be trusted and always relied upon.
- Show integrity and character in everything you do.
- Be responsible.
- Look people in the eye when communicating.
- Be a role model off the floor – look the part.
- Do all you have agreed to do. If you commit to something or say you are going to do something, see it through.
Resilient
- Never give up and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
- In order to succeed, you must first be willing to fail.
- Play through mistakes! Do not pout, complain, or drop your head when you make mistakes.
- Play through referee’s calls.
- Never quit on a play! Never!!
- Use mistakes and failures to improve instead of using them as excuses.
- Stay the course. When thwarted try again; harder; smarter.
- Persevere relentlessly!
Caring
- Be caring and thoughtful in everything you do.
- Show kindness.
- Be respectful.
- Be loyal.
- Be thoughtful.
- Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.
- Make friendship a fine art. Be a great friend.
- Being kind is more important than being right.
Positive
- Maintain a positive attitude in practice, games, and all aspects of your life.
- Your attitude is what defines you. Your attitude affects you and the people around you.
- Spend most of your time thinking about the positive things you are doing, versus dwelling on the negative ones (mistakes).
- No hanging your head. Avoid negative thoughts and defeatist thinking.
- Have a very high frustration tolerance.
- Don’t become discouraged at temporary setbacks.
- Strive to have a positive and proactive attitude in everything you do.
Grateful
- Be grateful and thankful for what you have. Not everyone gets this opportunity.
- Be appreciative.
- Show gratitude. Be aware of people around you that go out of their way to help you. Say thank you.
- Enjoy practices and the process. Enjoy the improvement.
- Focus on the things you are good at.
- Enjoy the process and focus your energy on the positive things (give thanks).
- Have an attitude of gratitude – say “Thank You”.
If you can embrace these core values, you will achieve success and happiness.
Just remember… success is a journey, not a destination.
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