The Seahawks logged another victory over the Oakland Raiders yesterday to clinch second place in their division. While the team has stumbled a bit more than expected in the early part of the season, coach, Pete Carroll’s philosophy seems to resonate with the team.
Carroll’s team mantra is “Win Forever.”
He breaks this philosophy down into chewable bites, focusing on positivity and respect first, practice, it’s all about the ball and knowing you’re going to win.
“That’s the interesting thing about the philosophy,” Carroll says. “To accomplish the grand, you have to focus on the small. To exist in the eternal perspective, you have to live in the moment.”
And living in the moment starts with a unique approach when it comes to football. The archetype of the purple-faced coach screaming his players into submission just doesn’t exist in Seattle.
From ESPN: “Everyone in the facility, from coaches and players to personal assistants and valets, is expected to follow Carroll’s mantras regarding positivity of thought, words and actions. “Do your job better than it has ever been done before,” he tells them. Yelling and swearing are frowned upon, and every media interview with a player or coach ends with a thank-you to the reporter.”
While it may seem that “win forever” is too etherial and difficult to grab onto each and every day, the message of positivity, respect and doing your best each day is something we can all add to our daily lives.
Pete Carroll asked the question “What if coaching could be fun?” Seems obvious that you should enjoy your job, isn’t that what our parents always told us growing up, that no matter what we chose as our career, we should love it? So why then does it seem so groundbreaking that a coach should try to enjoy what he does? And even more, that he would pass this along to his players in spirit.
“Happy players make for better players.” says Carroll.
And so goes for business. Lead with positivity, ensure your team is even more happy in their positions than you are and display respect in all things and maybe you too will win forever.
Follow the Seahawks blog at www.winforever.com.
Photo from Seahawks.com.