Culture Builders

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 Connection: Sharing powerful experiences outside of sports creates unbreakable bonds. * Develops Better People: It's not just about winning games; it's about shaping character and finding deeper fulfillment. You don't need an overseas trip! Here are simple ways to start building a culture of purpose and service: * Connect with Team Up: Explore teamup.world for incredible international service opportunities or consider sponsoring a team. * Local Service Event: Partner with a local charity, shelter, or senior living facility. Get your team volunteering, playing games, or hosting a clinic. * Mentorship Program: Have your athletes mentor younger teams or youth in your community, focusing on character over just skill. * "Reverse Field Trip": Invite a local group (like Special Olympics athletes) to your practice or a special game day to interact and serve as role models. Building a team with purpose and selflessness leads to more than just wins – it creates better people and lasting joy! What kind of impact will your team make this season? Why Service is Your Team's Secret Weapon: Ready to Create Your Own Transformational Team Experience?

🎯 Tired of entitled athletes? Flip the script with gratitude! 💪✨ 1️⃣ Earn Your Spots: Make jerseys, lockers & gear something players “win” through effort—fundraising, extra reps, team tasks. 2️⃣ Small Thanks, Big Impact: End practice with a quick “thank you” to coaches, parents & fans. Handwritten notes after fundraisers? Yes, please! 💌 3️⃣ Serve to See: Organize a local service event (no need to travel abroad) so athletes gain perspective and appreciation. Coaches: Stop handing out perks—build character by making them earn it, practice gratitude, and give back. Ready to transform your team culture? Drop your gratitude traditions below! ⬇️🙌#CoachingCulture [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/CoachingCulture] #GratitudeWins [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/GratitudeWins] #TeamGoals [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/TeamGoals] #ServeAndGrow [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ServeAndGrow] #AthleteMindset [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/AthleteMindset]

In this episode, we explore the power of journaling for coaches and leaders, the resistance that often comes with it, and the deep impact it can have on clarity, mindset, and growth. You'll hear about how a coach’s coach helped shift this practice from a burden to a lifeline, and how it's continued to shape leadership development since 2016.We also introduce a new journaling tool, designed specifically for leaders in sport—built to last a full year, structured to prompt deeper reflection, and made for those committed to growing their character and impact. 🎯 Topics Covered: * The real reason journaling matters for leaders * How to reframe reflection after failure * Why most people give up on journaling—and how to make it stick * The three pathways to self-awareness (Dr. Michael Gervais) * A first look at the custom-built Leadership Journal📘 Want a copy of the TOC Leadership Journal? We only have 30 available for this first run—$30 each including shipping (US only). Fill out the form below and submit payment to reserve your copy. Everyone else will be added to a waitlist for the next batch. 🔗 Order Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf52hra2QBYjnktSQjcDQxf2ageMO2z_6ErqEO-19B608ol3Q/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108930809224092209677 — 🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on leadership, culture, and coaching in sport 📩 Join our newsletter for practical tools and insights: https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter 📞 Work with us: https://www.tocculture.com/

🎯 “Winning = Fun”? Not So Fast. I walked into a locker room and saw this poster: ➡️ “Why do we play? To have fun. What makes it fun? Winning. So let’s win, win, win, and win some more.” But here’s the problem: Fun doesn’t mean the same thing to every athlete. Research shows that while fun is the #1 reason athletes play, winning is just one of many ingredients. Things like trying hard, improving, team connection, and game excitement matter just as much—often more. 💡 Great coaches don’t impose their own definition of fun—they get to know each player’s why and create an environment that nurtures it. #CoachingCulture #WhyWePlay #AthleteMotivation #PositiveCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SportsPsychology #FunInSports #SteveKerr #TransformationalCoaching #IntrinsicMotivation #YouthSports #TheCoachingCulturePodcast

🧭 “The culture you cultivate will never outshine the example you set.” We pour time and energy into building team culture... but what happens when we, as leaders, don’t lead ourselves well? In this clip, we explore a hard truth: your culture plan means nothing if you’re burned out, inconsistent, or not living the values you preach. Elite performance starts with wellness—and that includes you, Coach. 🧠💥 Are you leading yourself with the same intention you expect from your team? Ready to grow? Explore the TOC Transformational Coaching & Culture Certification at tocculture.com.