By Phil Coleman and Tom Wilbur
Athletes involved directly in team sports are exposed to all kinds of variables that lead to opportunities for success in life, generally from an early age. As former collegiate athletes ourselves, we see a lot of positives directly associated with being involved in sports. But the same can be said for all kinds of activities—theater, music, non-profit organizations, being part of a business team, and supporting your church. One fundamental for success in developing a team is finding those common bonds and a common set of goals upon which key accomplishments can be benchmarked, and built upon. Another is to ensure that the values of an organization are clearly communicated to everyone.
You don’t have to be a fan of Kansas State football to understand the leadership qualities that Coach Bill Snyder has brought to the Wildcat program, and the pride he has instilled within that institution of higher learning. A winning football program brings a huge sense of accomplishment and spirit to everyone involved and associated with the school. It often brings support from folks who never even attended there. It rolls over into other areas of the school and brings needed funding for capital improvements and a better base from which to go to the next level. A winning football program brings revenue that funds opportunities for other non-revenue sports to flourish—allowing men and women of different skill sets the opportunity to be involved in a balanced academic and athletic experience. A winning program gives everyone a feeling of togetherness, and camaraderie. It pumps you up.
Coach Snyder understands the importance of communicating a set of values and goals to the football program at Kansas State University. The success that the Wildcat program has enjoyed under his leadership requires that we should pay attention to the standards he expects from his players, and coaches. The SIXTEEN—K-State Football’s 16 Goals for Success, is presented below:
1. Commitment. To common goals and being successful.
2. Unselfishness. There is no “I” in team.
3. Unity. Come together as never before.
4. Improve. Every day, as a player, person and student.
5. Be Tough. Mentally and physically.
6. Self-Discipline. Do it right—don’t accept less.
7. Great Effort.
8. Enthusiasm.
9. Eliminate Mistakes. Don’t beat yourself.
10. Never Give Up.
11. Don’t Accept Losing. If you do so one time, it will be easy to do for the rest of your life.
12. No Self-Limitations. Expect more of yourself.
13. Expect to Win. And truly believe we will.
14. Consistency. Your very, very best every time.
15. Leadership. Everyone can set the example.
16. Responsibility. You are responsible for your own performance.
If you’ve ever met Coach Snyder, you know him to be soft spoken, and humble. When he speaks he chooses the words he utters carefully. He shows respect for the strengths of other opponents and works to prepare his kids to the best of their ability to compete and represent.
Coach Snyder is a person of faith, and it reveals itself in how he conducts himself on and off the field of athletic competition. Past all of that, these guidelines are meant to be shared with everyone—they are not just intended to be the rules for a single football team nestled in the Flint Hills of Kansas. I’m guessing if you asked Coach Snyder the most important thing he does as a coach, he would respond that he grows young men into better men, by their involvement in their program.
The SIXTEEN is a set of rules we can use in all walks of life. They represent universal truths, and are guidelines for success— proven and demonstrated. Use them to hone your skills, and bring your team to a level of success never experienced before. Post them in a place where you can take action and migrate your daily actions toward them— as you share them with your team, your family, and work to demonstrate them by your interactions with others. The things you say about what you might do, pale in comparison to what your daily actions demonstrate.
Many thanks to Coach Snyder for sharing his ideas and values with all of us folks who aren’t on his football team. (Clearly we wouldn’t add much value running with the ball or down-field blocking these days, so we do the next best thing—and help to share his vision).
Now, get out there and change the world.
EPAW? Every Person a Winner?
Have a winning week.
All the best,
Phil and Tom
Winning Strategies is a series created by Phil Coleman and Tom Wilbur to provide inspiration and motivation, based upon their personal experiences and fundamental ideas for success. Phil Coleman is the owner of Champion Seminars, in Salina, Kansas. A popular public and corporate speaker, Phil is an entrepreneur, and has made presentations on successful life strategies to thousands of people over his career with his firm. Tom Wilbur is a regular editorial contributor to newspapers, magazines, and motivational newsletters, and is President/CEO of BANK VI in Salina. Phil and Tom are both long term residents of Salina, and Kansas, and have a common vested interest in helping others. You can contact them at [email protected]