Welcome to the Mental Toughness Monday, the podcast where we dive into the heart and soul of coaching little league football. I’m your host, Riley Jensen and today, we’re exploring the fascinating world of team dynamics. So, buckle up, coaches, as we embark on a journey to understand what really makes a team tick.
First up, let’s talk about the ‘Forming’ stage. Do you remember the first game you ever played in? Or one that made you nervous? Remember that mix of excitement and nerves? That’s your team in the Forming stage. They’re sizing each other up, just like characters in the movie ‘Hoosiers’ – a classic, by the way. In this stage, it’s all about building trust and finding common ground.
But here’s the thing, it’s not a walk in the park. It’s more like a delicate dance of introductions, initial assessments, and a bit of awkwardness. Think of it as the first date of your team’s relationship. And just like any first date, there’s going to be some nervous laughter, maybe a few awkward silences. Ok, maybe not for you, but for the rest of us.
Now, can you remember Coach Dale from ‘Hoosiers’? He’s our MVP in this stage. He knew that building a team isn’t about instant harmony. It’s about creating an environment for mutual understanding. And let’s face it, we’re not all going to get along like best buddies from the get-go. It’s about patience, setting expectations, and defining roles.
But here’s a pro tip: share stories. Yep, stories. It’s the secret sauce. We’ve all got them, and they’re a powerful tool to build those bridges. Find those commonalities, and watch your team start to gel. Talk about the great teams you played on, the great players you were teammates with, and the great coaches that shared great ways to succeed with you
It’s also important to remember, forming isn’t a linear path. It’s a rollercoaster of progress, setbacks, and everything in between. Think of it as the warm-up before the big game. It’s crucial, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.
So, coaches, as you navigate this Forming stage of your team this year, remember to be patient, be observant, and most importantly, be supportive. Your team is laying the groundwork for success, and you’re the architect.
That wraps up today’s episode. Next time, we’ll dive into the Storming stage – I promise that one will be fun. So, stay tuned, and remember, great teams aren’t born, they’re built, one day, one game, one stage, and one year at a time.
Thanks for listening to Mental Toughness Monday. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights, laughs, and everything in between. See you next time.
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