These are the "standards" that we hold each other to each day. They can be remembered easily by the acronym of W.A.L.T. Work ethic, attitude, leadership and teamwork. They are expressed more clearly as the following
- Give disciplined effort and focus in everything that we do
- Bring a contagious positive energy
- Mentor each other and care for your teammates
- Operate as a team, work with each other and for each other
Described in more depth...
WORK ETHIC
To achieve our goals, we must put in work. There are three keys to work ethic. The first is time. Managing it so that you are allocating the amount of necessary time to achieve your goals. Second, is deliberate practice. This means that you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and beyond the restrictions of your current capabilities. Not unlike adding weight to a bench press, this is where growth happens. Third is awareness. This refers to the ability to evaluate your work without judgment. See things for what they are so that you can improve upon them. Refrain from the temptation from the ego to judge things as good or bad.
A positive attitude is defined as being an “energy giver” and not an “energy taker.” Always make an effort to “get off your island” and pick up those around you. Whether things appear to be fair or unfair to you, continue to put your best foot forward. Whether you have had success or you have had failure, continue to put your best foot forward. Refrain from the attributes of a negative attitude, blaming, complaining and defending. You will find that negative attitudes, negative beliefs and negative actions send you to a place that is very difficult to return from, negative town. Avoid it at all costs.
Leadership is summarized by the three C’s. The first C stands for credibility and is earned by showing up everyday and being in control of your work ethic and your attitude. The second C stands for caring and is earned by caring for the other individuals in the group and expressing your desire and support in seeing them do well. The third C stands for conflict and is earned by the ability to have an honest confrontation with members of the group, of a nature that leaves both parties feeling better for having the interaction. If you do not work hard and have a great attitude, you are not credible, and thus not a leader. If you do not show that you care about others, your message will carry no meaning, and thus you are not a leader. If you frequently engage in conflict that results in resentment, you are not a leader.
The Navy S.E.A.L.S define teamwork as “Selfless acts, towards a common goal.” Lets break this down. Selfless, meaning you care more about your teammates than you do yourself. You will do whatever it takes to not let them down. You are willing to drop everything in order to help a teammate because you know they will do the same for you. Acts, meaning you need to actively participate in teamwork. Find concrete actions to take, in practices, in games and in social settings to build teamwork. Towards a common goal; video games with a teammate can be a great bonding experience, but true teamwork happens in times of adversity. When you are on the road, down 5 with 5 minutes to go, what selfless acts will you make towards your teammates.
To achieve our goals, we must put in work. There are three keys to work ethic. The first is time. Managing it so that you are allocating the amount of necessary time to achieve your goals. Second, is deliberate practice. This means that you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and beyond the restrictions of your current capabilities. Not unlike adding weight to a bench press, this is where growth happens. Third is awareness. This refers to the ability to evaluate your work without judgment. See things for what they are so that you can improve upon them. Refrain from the temptation from the ego to judge things as good or bad.
- Quantity: Manage your time
- Quality: Practice deliberately
- Growth: Accept feedback
A positive attitude is defined as being an “energy giver” and not an “energy taker.” Always make an effort to “get off your island” and pick up those around you. Whether things appear to be fair or unfair to you, continue to put your best foot forward. Whether you have had success or you have had failure, continue to put your best foot forward. Refrain from the attributes of a negative attitude, blaming, complaining and defending. You will find that negative attitudes, negative beliefs and negative actions send you to a place that is very difficult to return from, negative town. Avoid it at all costs.
- Bring contagious positive energy
- Positive Attitude = Energy giver and not an energy taker
- Fair or unfair, stay positive
- Success or failure, stay positive
- Stay away from negative town!
- Blaming
- Complaining
- Defending
Leadership is summarized by the three C’s. The first C stands for credibility and is earned by showing up everyday and being in control of your work ethic and your attitude. The second C stands for caring and is earned by caring for the other individuals in the group and expressing your desire and support in seeing them do well. The third C stands for conflict and is earned by the ability to have an honest confrontation with members of the group, of a nature that leaves both parties feeling better for having the interaction. If you do not work hard and have a great attitude, you are not credible, and thus not a leader. If you do not show that you care about others, your message will carry no meaning, and thus you are not a leader. If you frequently engage in conflict that results in resentment, you are not a leader.
- Credibility: Through work hard and a positive attitude
- Caring: Use your voice to actively encourage and acknowledge the value of your teammates
- Conflict: Speak your truth without creating resentment
The Navy S.E.A.L.S define teamwork as “Selfless acts, towards a common goal.” Lets break this down. Selfless, meaning you care more about your teammates than you do yourself. You will do whatever it takes to not let them down. You are willing to drop everything in order to help a teammate because you know they will do the same for you. Acts, meaning you need to actively participate in teamwork. Find concrete actions to take, in practices, in games and in social settings to build teamwork. Towards a common goal; video games with a teammate can be a great bonding experience, but true teamwork happens in times of adversity. When you are on the road, down 5 with 5 minutes to go, what selfless acts will you make towards your teammates.
- Selfless: “Get off or your own island.” “Out of me, and into we.”
- Acts: Have your teammates back, and trust that they will have yours
- Towards a Common Goal: Are you moving the group forwards, or are you moving it backwards? Work with each other and for each other.
CULTURE IN ACTION
Pete Carroll put it perfectly: "Culture is a living and breathing thing. You should feel it when you are around our program." The following will describe our culture in action...
LOCKER ROOM
Our team "rides" together. We don't huddle in groups and find ways to complain. We enjoy "healthy banter" and a tam comradery.
GYM
Our gym is filled with "vocal energy" "visible sweat" and "healthy banter." We challenge each other, push each other and celebrate each other.
PLAYER
Ready for disciplined and focused effort. In the moment and aware. Non-judging, open minded and confident. Ready to compete!
COACH
Prepared. Clear and concise instruction. Contributes to positive competitive energy.
PLAYER TO PLAYER
Holds teammates accountable to standards of attitudes and actions. Encourages each other with external body language and voice. (High fives, chest bumps!) . Gets off of their own island. Pushes teammates with "healthy banter." Solves problems together. Handles conflict without leading to resentment.
COACH TO PLAYER
Holds team accountable to standards of attitudes and actions. Gives positive feedback. Makes decisions with the greater good of the team in mind.
PRACTICE PLAN
Guided instruction, small sided play for increase in reps, live competitive play.
REF
Without a ref, we cant have a game. Let him do his job. Refs "shoot" 90+%. Better than any player.
OPPONENTS
Always respect the opponent, until proven otherwise. They seek the same struggle that we do. Appreciate their ability to challenge you to be better.
