Roll Tide...
A few years back I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Coach Sabin on a University of Alabama recruiting visit. Interestingly, I was with two of my colleagues that knew absolutely zero about College Football, what the 4 rings on his desk meant, or the leadership engine he had created... it was clear as the meeting started he knew that as well.
It was going rather awkward and I could see he was looking to get out of this as quick as possible... the 15 minutes we had scheduled with him was looking like an eternity. I then asked a simple question, "How do you take the incredible talent coming into the program and get them to work as a team?" He lit up and talked for 60 minutes... finally the organizers had to break it up... the University President was next with us and waiting ;-)
Some Key insights:
1. Create the culture, clear expectations, and then self determination (they get on the bus, with the program, or they leave). The senior leaders on the team also played a role in driving this "self determination" before coaches got involved. The team was all in!
2. People who want to put an effort in don't look positively on those that don't. If leadership does not get them off the bus, confidence in leadership is affected. In addition to those that graduate, every year underclassman leave who don't get with the program.
3. Be very clear on expectations, points you need to buy into to be part of the team.
Morale = Respect & Trust in our Principles/Values/Purpose + Expectations + Buy In
Role Tide...
AJW