How to Engage a Team - Real Leadership
The following is a message from a coach to the parents of his team (I did take out identifying factors such as names):
I did share with the team my rules ( maybe they have discussed with you) these rules will get them pulled from a game very quickly:
1- Respect the coaches, never talk back
2- Respect your team and teammates….no player shall ever address another in a negative manner.
3- Poor sportsmanship to another team or Referee
4- Do not listen to coaching from your parents (during the game). This is very confusing for your son, we may be telling them to do opposite of what you are saying. Please trust us to make solid decisions.
5- Not playing defense, or not rebounding the basketball. Our entire team on the floor MUST defend, and ALL MUST rebound. These are areas that require effort and the lack of effort hurts the team.
In short, I will not allow our team or any boy on this team to lose dignity over a Basketball game. We may never win a game but they will learn the fundamentals, the team will become friends and we will play with integrity. I ask you support us as we embark on the year. I told the team to never fear making a mistake like: shooting an air ball, double dribble, bad pass etc. the key is how your son reacts, their attitude and his willingness to do the job. I have no doubt I will make mistakes and at times I will ask the team to forgive my mistakes.
This is a competitive team although you may not know it from the message. They play in a league and have the goal to win. What is amazing is that this message highlights some important principles for any team or organization:
1. Everyone is on the team and has value
2. Everyone is expected to perform
3. Mistakes are okay as long as we learn from them
4. Everyone should demonstrate respect and be treated with dignity
5. Play time is determined by your effort, your behavior, and then results
6. While each individual is important, no one individual is more important than the team
Everyone on a team should have a place/role. Everyone on a team should feel their contribution is valued.
Engagement and inclusion do not negate accountability they encourage it. An idea that sometimes gets lost in the effort of making everyone feel included. We are accountable not just for our work, but for our team and organization as well.