The Compelled Educator: 3 Simple Rules to Guide Your Team

Thursday, May 28, 2015

3 Simple Rules to Guide Your Team

I recently traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, for my niece's high school graduation.

My sister and her daughter

The ceremony was held at Lipscomb University, where legendary coach Don Meyer was the men's basketball coach for 24 years.

Hanging in the arena where graduation took place.

A retired player's number and a recognition for Coach Meyer.

Not familiar with Don Meyer? Just Google his name. Read about one of the most influential mentors, teachers, and coaches in the sport of basketball and life. (Watch the video at the end of this post, too.)

Coach Meyer passed away May 18, 2014, but his 3 Rules are timeless. He demanded the following from his players and coaches.

1. Everybody takes notes

We should all be learning all the time. We take notes to pay attention and to later go back to and re-read and reflect.

2. Everybody says "Please" and "Thank You", "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir"

We extend courtesy because it's the right thing to do, not because we think it will be reciprocated. Just like the Fred Factor, we decide the kind of person we will be towards other people.

3. Everybody picks up trash

No job is too small to make a difference, and no job is beneath us to make a positive difference. Leave the situation better than how you found it.

Whatever team he was coaching, including his very popular summer camps, the rules were always in place. Taught, reviewed, and reinforced.

These 3 rules are simple on the surface but run deep, and implemented with fidelity can develop a culture of learning, respect, and hard work. The three rules remind me of Chris Brogan's 3 words for the new year.

Can it really be this simple?

If you had 3 rules for your team, what would they be?

Coach Don Meyer Tribute