Culture Builders

The biggest problem with your team's culture?It might just be you. True change starts when leaders look in the mirror and ask the tough questions. #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamCulture #SelfImprovement #Coaching

You don't have to be a "genius" in the traditional sense; what you DO have to do is live your culture.

"If you raise the hot dog, I will kill you."

How do you know your team's identity is truly sticking? UMass hockey coach Greg Carvel had a brilliant test: to play so well that the opposing coach would notice. Learn how he built an undeniable culture of "Fast, Hard, Prepared."

Volleyball legend Gabby Reece reveals a fundamental principle that transformed her career: the crucial difference between worry and care.Worry is paralyzing and unproductive. It's that anxious tug about things you can't control—outcomes, opinions, "what ifs." It drains your energy and pulls you away from the present.Care, on the other hand, is all about action, internal drive, and principles. It's channeling your energy into what you can control: your preparation, effort, attitude, and integrity. Gabby asks herself: "What is within my sphere of influence, and how can I bring my best to that?"This distinction is a game-changer for any athlete or leader:Worry about performance? Shift to caring about consistent effort and skill refinement.Worry about criticism? Shift to caring about your internal standards and values.Worry about outcomes? Shift to caring about execution and maximum effort.Choosing care over worry reclaims your mental energy, ignites your purpose, and frees you to

As coaches, we love our meticulously crafted plans. But what happens when reality throws a curveball?This clip shares the brilliant example of the classic ice rink scene in Rocky. Originally planned with hundreds of extras, budget constraints forced a pivot. The result? A far more intimate and powerful moment filmed in an empty rink.This isn't just movie magic—it's a powerful lesson for leaders. The most impactful coaching moments often aren't from your perfectly laid plans, but from your ability to adapt and innovate when the unexpected hits.Embrace adaptability. Be present, be courageous enough to let go of the rigid plan, and be creative enough to find a new, often better, path forward. That's where true coaching magic happens!What's a time you had to pivot your plan, and it led to a better outcome? Share your stories below!

Olympic disappointment became Kate Courtney's ultimate catalyst!

Are you the teammate everyone wants to play with?

That teammate who's just not pulling their weight? We've all been there. It's easy to get stuck in frustration, labeling them "lazy" or "unmotivated." But what if there's more to the story?

We talk about gratitude, but how do you truly embed it in a high-performance culture? Former England Rugby coach Stuart Lancaster had a profoundly simple, yet brilliant, idea that changed everything.

Ever feel like you need a hostage negotiator when talking to sports parents? This article shares a brilliant 3-step framework, inspired by expert negotiators, to turn tough conversations into productive partnerships. Learn how to truly listen, share your perspective effectively, and partner for success. Your coaching relationships will thank you! #SportsCoaching #ParentCommunication

Headed into a parent talk? Stop! This post gives you 3 must-remember tips to ensure a productive conversation every time. #CoachLife #SportsParents

Navigating conversations with sports parents can be tough, but they're essential for a thriving team culture and athlete development!

Coaches, we've all been there!

The tragic 1949 Mann Gulch fire offers a chilling lesson for every leader.

That feeling of cringing at your old coaching methods? It's actually a powerful sign of progress!

What does true transformational leadership look like? It's bigger than you think! ✨ Our latest piece, drawing insights from the Coaching Culture Podcast, introduces a powerful 5-level framework for understanding your influence. Learn how coaches like Graham Roxburgh and Rob Dow extend their impact far beyond their teams, and discover where you can deepen your own connections.#LeadershipFramework #CoachingLife #ImpactfulLeadership #AthleteDevelopment

In this episode of Today's Culture Builders, inspired by an article from the Team Culture Toolbox weekly newsletter, we delve into "The Gift of Silence: How Presence Builds Connection." We explore the profound wisdom of Fred Rogers and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, a show that defied conventional children's television by embracing slowness, gentleness, and authentic presence. Discover the four key principles of Fred Rogers' presence: deep listening, slowing down time, embracing silence, and asking short, simple questions. We'll unpack how these principles contribute to "holding space," a crucial concept in leadership and building meaningful connections. Stay tuned until the end to learn about the exclusive TOC Retreats, an incredible opportunity for leaders to develop these vital skills in a fun and rejuvenating environment.Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter: https://www.tocculture.com/newsletterTOC Retreats Information & Application: https://www.tocculture.com/retreatDocumentary: Won't You Be My Neighbor? (e.g.

A coach asked, “What’s the hardest part about being coached by me?”The player gave a safe, surface-level answer. But this time, the coach didn’t move on.He waited.5 seconds… 15 seconds… nearly 30 seconds of silence.And that’s when the real conversation began.

Ever wonder how some teams build a winning culture that goes far beyond just playing the game? This story reveals the incredible power of purpose and connection!It's about teams like the Indiana Wesleyan University men's basketball squad, who spent their summer rebuilding a bridge in the Dominican Republic, not practicing jump shots. Or Coach Greg Tonagel's "I AM 3rd" culture (God first, others second, self third), forged through "Junkyard Workouts" and even prison visits.And then there's Coach Kevin Orr, whose struggling Rice Lake High School team found immense purpose and gratitude by hosting a basketball camp for kids with special needs. They didn't just play; they mentored, connected, and found joy in a 2-21 season that many winning teams never experience.Builds Selflessness: Athletes learn to rely on each other and put others first, a critical lesson for any team.Instills Gratitude: Seeing challenges others face helps them appreciate their own opportunities.Fosters