The Team Agreement is the foundation for every practice throughout the entire season. It provides security and safety for everyone knowing there are boundaries and guidelines that everyone has agreed to follow. By living your Team Agreement at every practice, you are empowering your team. In this episode, learn the ways to integrate the first three guidelines of your Team Agreement into practices to bring the team together and be positive.
*Agreement 1: Listen when others speak.
Following this agreement brings respect and knowledge to the team. By acknowledging when a girl(s) listens when others are speaking your girls will feel respected and heard. Here is what it will look like: You are in the team circle discussing how you know when your Star Power is activated. Everyone’s attention stays on the girl speaking. You say: Everyone used our first team agreement to learn more about Sophie. By respecting her and listening, we know her Star Power is activated when she has her favorite lunch, pizza. Great job Team! Let’s keep it going!
*Agreement 2: Be kind to everyone.
Kindness is always the best answer to any problem! It builds positive relationships and creates a safe space for sharing. Here is what it will look like to spread kindness throughout a practice: Acknowledge acts of kindness when they happen. You say: I notice you, Lana, being kind to the team by bringing our materials to our practice space. Sara is being kind today by inviting Denise and Joi to sit next to her. Olive has shown kindness to our coaches by offering her help with lap counting. Our second agreement to be kind to everyone makes me feel accepted and want to be a part of our team! Go Team Kindness!
*Agreement 3: Encourage others.
Encouragement spreads motivation and acceptance throughout a practice space. Here is what it will look like to integrate it into a practice: Choose a girl to be the cheerleader at Tuesday’s practice. Tell her (separate from the group) to try to give a compliment to everyone on the team by the end of practice. Give her examples of thoughtful compliments. Some examples: “Great choice of warm-ups! Thank you for sharing/listening! You rock! You got this!” In the middle of practice, acknowledge the cheerleader’s actions. You say: Asia’s encouragement today is making my heart happy! Her role as cheerleader is causing my Star Power to shine and makes me love being on this team. I am noticing all your smiles and positive energy because of Asia using our third agreement. GOTR girls can encourage others!
Acknowledgement and noticing is the best way to integrate and promote the Team Agreement. The practice space feels safe and positive when you refer to the expectations and show appreciation when they are followed. When it is addressed continuously, the girls start to notice and understand the Team Agreement better. They are seeing the Team Agreement acted out in themselves and each other. IGNITE your Team Agreement by recognizing the amazing actions of your girls and coaches throughout the whole practice all the way to the 5K!
Shayla A is the Coach Mentor for Girls on the Run Kansas City. Her background comes from the classroom, coaching, day treatment schools, wellness, and advocating for children with special needs. She enjoys empowering and advocating for girls and coaches in every challenge and celebration. Connect with her for support and assistance this season via Leigh Krtec.
BOOK LIST TO DIVE DEEPER INTO THE POWER OF OUR WORDS AND IMPLEMENTING YOUR TEAM AGREEMENT:
Choice Words by Peter H. Johnston
How to Facilitate Team Work Agreements by Dan Hogan
The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Together We Can by Caryl Hart