Last week I shared a saying in football “it is not the Xs & Os it’s the Jimmies and Joes.
This week I share another football saying, “culture trumps talent.” 
That is not to say that a good culture can overcome poor talent, but it is most definitely true that poor culture can destroy a team with great individual talent.
Do your players and your team’s values, beliefs and attitudes reflect what is most important to you? What are you doing to create a strong culture within your team? Our culture hinges on shared perspective around 4 key components:
* A shared understanding of the environment – “We know what we face”
* A shared vision of where we are going – “We know what we have to do”
* A shared set of organizational values – “We are in this together”
* A shared feeling of power – “We can do this. “
We layer lessons about individual character traits; Integrity, Loyalty, Trustworthiness, Selflessness, and others to inspire teammates, foster commitment, and reinforce interdependence.
While you are putting your schedules and practice plans together for summer OTAs, Mini Camp and Training Camp, be sure to include team building activities into your plan and make certain that your coaches are on the same page.
The plays, schemes, and techniques we teach our players will serve them well through the season but will soon be forgotten. What you teach them about being part of a team and putting others above themselves will serve them for the rest of their lives.
A strong culture will make them champions on the field, and champions in life.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends.
Thanks for your time!
O Line Skills 