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Having the First Conversation: Setting Team Standards
The first conversation sets the tone for everything that follows. As a coach or leader, your words carry weight. This guide walks you through opening a conversation about team standards, respect, and accountability — without lecturing.
Steps
- Open with your team's values: 'What do we stand for?'
- Ask players what disrespect looks like to them.
- State your expectation clearly: 'On this team, we respect everyone. That is non-negotiable.'
- Connect it to performance: 'Teams that respect each other win together.'
- Set the consequence: what happens when someone crosses the line.
- End with a team commitment: ask each player to nod or agree.