⚡️The EDGE: Building a Culture of Accountability

⚡️ THE EDGE
Building a Culture of Accountability

What is ‘The EDGE’ Newsletter? Insights and strategies for developing leadership, building culture, and creating a winning mindset.

Creating a winning culture starts with accountability.

Without it, even the most talented teams will struggle to perform at their highest level.

But accountability doesn’t have to feel like punishment; it can be empowering when framed correctly.

In this edition of The Edge, we’ll explore how to build a culture of accountability on your team and offer practical strategies to make it stick.

Why Accountability Matters

Accountability strengthens trust, builds commitment, and drives results. When athletes, coaches, and staff hold themselves and each other accountable:

• Expectations are clear.

• Performance improves.

• The team culture grows stronger.

But accountability doesn’t just happen; it requires intentional leadership.

Check out Coach Carter’s talk on Accountability.

3 Strategies to Build Accountability

1. Set Clear Expectations

   • Define specific roles and responsibilities for every player and coach.

   • Discuss what success looks like and how each individual contributes to the team’s goals.

   • Write it down and revisit it regularly.

2. Model Accountability as a Leader

   • Admit your mistakes and take responsibility for them.

   • Follow through on your commitments.

   • Demonstrate the behavior you expect from your team.

3. Create a Feedback Loop

   • Regularly check in with players about their progress and challenges.

   • Make feedback constructive and specific.

   • Encourage peer accountability through team meetings or leadership groups.

Quick Team Exercise - “Own It Circle”

• At the end of practice, gather the team and have each player share one thing they did well and one area they need to improve.

• Keep it short and focused.

• Celebrate the honesty and commitment to growth.

This simple habit can help normalize accountability in a positive way.

More Resources on Accountability

• Video: Dame LIlliard on Accountability [1:17]

  A powerful reminder of the importance of accountability on a team.

• Video: Coach Addazio discusses Accountability [1:08]

• Book Recommendation: Legacy by James Kerr

  Learn how the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team built accountability into their world-class culture. I highly recommend this book!

Closing Thought

Accountability isn’t about assigning blame; it’s about creating a shared commitment to excellence.

Start small, model the behavior, and watch your team rise to the challenge.

What’s one way you can create more accountability this week?

Good luck!

Greg

P.S. Looking to create more accountability within your team? Check out the Team Leader OS: The ultimate leadership resource for coaches and teams. Build the leaders your team needs to win.

📚 BOOKS, COURSES, BUNDLES, & FREE RESOURCES

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• Pre-Season Playbook - 33 pages to prepare for your season.

• Off-Season Playbook - The season’s done, but the work is not.

Books:

• Culture Wins - 50 ways to build a winning culture.

• Culture Wins 2 - 50 MORE ways to build a winning culture.

• Coaching Gold - Winning insight and wisdom for coaches.

• Great Teams Better Leaders - Actionable ideas for coaches.

• Paperback books (AMAZON) - All of my books are on Amazon.

Free Resources:

• 300-Hour Club - Offseason program used by all sports.

• Pre-Season Perception Form - Use before the season begins.

• Motivation Playbook - 30 pages of my favorite messages.

• Coaching Wisdom - Wisdom gathered from over 300+ coaches.

• Team Handbook Template - A template for your handbook.

• Sports Parent Handbook - 20 commandments for sports parents.

• Team Leader Roadmap - Give team leaders a roadmap to lead.

• Great Teammate Rubric - What does a great teammate look like?

• 150 Coaching Acronyms - Gathered from my followers on X.

• 101 Coaching Phrases - Gathered from my followers on X.

• 100 Daily Doses of Culture - 100 phrases for coaches.

Find all FREE books and resources at gberge.gumroad.com.

👀 OTHER WAYS I CAN HELP

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Contact Me: Greg Berge, [email protected]