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💭 ONE THOUGHT
The Farmer Test for Coaches and Leaders
Coaches, Think Like a Farmer
Every season, coaches look for the next answer.
A new drill.
A new system.
A new standard.
But farmers understand something leaders often forget.
You don’t start with the crop.
You start with the soil.
The Soil Is Your Culture
A farmer never blames the seed if the soil is unhealthy.
As coaches, we sometimes do.
Culture is the environment your program grows in every day. It shows up in how players respond to mistakes, how they treat teammates, and how they practice when no one is watching.
Healthy soil is built through clear standards, consistent accountability, and daily habits. Not speeches. Not posters. Not preseason meetings.
Culture is what you allow.
Culture is what you emphasize.
Culture is every day.
Choose the Right Crops
Great farmers do not plant the same crops in every field.
Great coaches do not force one system onto every team.
This requires honesty. Who do you actually have right now? What are they ready for?
Some teams thrive with pressure and pace. Others need structure and execution. Some grow fast. Others need time.
Your job is not to lower standards. It’s to align expectations and roles so growth is possible.
Remove the Weeds Early
Weeds never show up all at once.
They creep in quietly.
Late arrivals.
Negative body language.
Complaining.
Low effort disguised as fatigue.
Farmers remove weeds before they spread.
Leadership works the same way.
What goes unaddressed gets accepted. What gets accepted becomes the standard.
Silence is not patience.
Silence is permission.
Irrigate and Fertilize
Even good soil needs daily care.
Culture doesn’t grow on standards alone. It grows through communication, teaching, and reinforcement.
Players need feedback that is honest and specific. Praise should be earned. Effort should be noticed.
Irrigation is a daily connection.
Fertilizer is belief, repetition, and trust.
This is why I created 5-Minute Culture Builders. 50 short, practical activities you can use in practice, the locker room, or team meetings to reinforce the behaviors you want repeated. No extra prep. No long speeches. Just small daily reps that compound.
You can grab them free here →
Prepare for Every Season
There will be good seasons and bad seasons.
You can’t control the weather.
Injuries happen. Confidence dips. Games don’t bounce your way.
What you can control is preparation.
Strong culture holds when wins disappear. Standards matter most under pressure. Leadership shows up in adversity.
You don’t build culture for the good days.
You build it for the hard ones.
Final Thought
Great programs aren’t built overnight.
They’re grown.
One practice.
One conversation.
One standard at a time.
Coach like a farmer. Tend the soil. Plant wisely. Pull weeds early. Water what matters.
The harvest always comes later.
Reflection:
What part of your “field” needs the most attention right now?
Good luck!
Greg
P.S. Farmers don’t guess. They follow a system. The Culture Wins OS is the system I use to help coaches build strong, sustainable culture year after year.
Learn more here → [Culture Wins OS]
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📜 GREAT QUOTES
"Commitment is what transforms a promise into a reality."
"Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny."
🔗 LINKS FOR LEADERS
🎥 Video: Commitment Motivational Video [LINK]
🆇 ICYMI: 5 Leadership Commitments that Separate [LINK]
📰 Article: What will you tolerate in 2026?
📚 LOOKING FOR RESOURCES?
Save big when you bundle ALL of my paid resources for coaches into the MEGA Bundle!
Culture Wins OS: The Culture Wins OS is a step-by-step system for coaches who want to build a strong, intentional team culture that lasts. It includes short video lessons, plug-and-play templates, and a powerful, custom AI tool you can use right away. Whether you're just starting to define your culture or want to take it to the next level, this gives you a clear, proven blueprint to build a team-first environment, without the overwhelm.
The Team Leader OS: The Team Leader OS is a simple, powerful leadership system for coaches who want to build real leaders. It’s packed with short videos, ready-to-use tools, and practical strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you're starting a leadership program or looking to strengthen your team culture, this gives you a clear path forward without adding to your workload.
Better Coach OS: Better Coach OS is a practical masterclass for coaches who want to grow beyond the X’s and O’s. It covers everything from leadership and communication to culture, motivation, and handling tough situations—delivered in short, actionable lessons. Whether you're a new coach or a veteran, it's built to help you lead with confidence and clarity.
👀 LOOKING FOR MORE?
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Are you seeking a Culture or Leadership workshop for your team or school? Contact Greg for more information.
Check out my website for more: www.gb1leadership.com
Need resources? www.gberge.gumroad.com
Contact Me: Greg Berge, [email protected]