Similarly , we never call players by their last name . Or even by a nickname . We respect the players as good human beings who happen to be playing soccer . Do you like to be called by your last name ? A nickname ? I don ’ t think so . So , we don ’ t do it . The little things .
This all developed because of my leadership philosophy . I was a Boy Scout . An Eagle Scout , of course . But the only thing I remember from Scouts ( it was a long time ago ), was the first page in the “ Boy Scout Handbook ” in the chapter on leadership . There were two pictures on top of the chapter heading . Both pictures showed four Boy Scouts . One was clearly the leader . The other three were followers . In the first picture , the leader pointed and said , “ Go get some wood .” In the second picture , the leader said , “ Let ’ s go get some wood !” “ Let ’ s ” is a contraction for “ let us .” I have never forgotten that . We are in this together . Thank you .
NON-NEGOTIABLE STANDARDS
We have talked a lot about empowerment and relationships with players and how that impacts the team and helps move us toward a successful season . We are not suggesting that the coaching staff have no input into the program at all . We lead . We guide . We empower . We oversee the program and make sure we are heading in the right direction .
Although we allow the players to set the values and standards , we do have some non-negotiable standards that have been the foundation of the program for 45 years . You , too , should have these non-negotiable standards . Here are some examples of non-negotiable standards :
• Attendance
• Timeliness
• Respect for all
• Drug- and alcohol-related standards
• Accountability
• Responsibility
• Self-discipline
• Trustworthiness
And there are many more to choose from . At OWU we have only two non-negotiable standards :
• Act first class on and off the field .
• Do not do anything to embarrass yourself , the team or Ohio Wesleyan .
These two do not need definition . We all know what they mean ! We also use the standards from Bill Walsh ’ s book . Walsh was a coach for the American Football team , the San Francisco 49ers . He inherited a terrible team and managed to create a dynasty , winning multiple Super Bowls .
Here are his standards for performance : >> Exhibit a ferocious and intelligently applied work ethic directed toward continual improvement .
>> Demonstrate respect for each person in the organization and the work he or she does .
>> Be deeply committed to learning and teaching , which means increasing our own expertise .
>> Be fair . >> Demonstrate character . >> Honor the direct connection between details and improvement .
>> Relentlessly seek improvement . >> Show self-control , especially when it counts most — under pressure .
>> Demonstrate and prize loyalty . >> Use positive language and have a positive attitude . >> Take pride in my effort as an entity separate from the results of that effort .
>> Be willing to go the extra distance for the organization .
>> Deal appropriately with victory and defeat , adulation and humiliation .
>> Promote internal communication that is both open and substantive .
>> Seek poise in myself and those I lead . >> Put the team ’ s welfare and priorities ahead of my own .
>> Maintain an ongoing level of concentration and focus that is abnormally high .
>> Make sacrifice and commitment the organization ’ s trademark .
>> The leader must exhibit the principles , code of conduct and behavior that he is asking others to emulate .
Although Bill Walsh was an NFL coach , we can all learn and apply some , if not all , of his standards . Some food for thought .
GERMANY I
When I arrived at OWU , there was no place for our players to watch good soccer . I moved from Germany , a soccer culture , to the U . S ., which had no soccer culture . Our players did not have role models to watch every weekend like they do today . I had German friends send video of Bundesliga games so the players could see what good soccer looked like . Changing the tape to American video became very expensive !
I decided it would be better to go to Germany and play against German teams . We have been to Germany 13 times since 1980 . continued on page 34
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