Why we need core values | James Franklin | TEDxPSU

Summary

In this speech, the speaker reflects on their journey from a small-town upbringing, raised by a hardworking single mother, to becoming a head football coach. They emphasize key life lessons learned along the way, including the importance of relationships, work ethic, and leadership. The core values of their program—positive attitude, hard work, competitiveness, and sacrifice—are highlighted as essential to success. The speaker stresses the value of preparation, collective mentality, and creating a culture where everyone works together towards shared goals. Their passion for leadership and coaching shines through as they express pride in their role.

Takeaways

• 😊 The speaker is honored to address the Penn State community and shares a deep passion for leadership and relationships.
• 🏙️ The speaker grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, raised by a single mother who taught them the value of hard work and leadership.
• 🎓 Initially, the speaker pursued psychology, but after internships in psychiatric hospitals, decided to shift to coaching.
• ✈️ The speaker traveled across various states and even to Denmark, gathering life and leadership lessons while coaching football.
• 📖 The speaker created a detailed head coaching manual over a decade, covering everything from discipline to academic focus, but emphasized relationships as the most important aspect.
• 🤝 The central philosophy of the speaker’s program is building and fostering strong, positive relationships within the team and staff.
• 💪 Core values in the speaker’s philosophy include maintaining a positive attitude, having a strong work ethic, competing in everything, and sacrificing for success.
• 👥 The speaker talks about the importance of trust and showing genuine care for players, which allows them to challenge athletes to their best potential.
• 🛑 The speaker emphasizes that there will be no room for negativity or people who drain energy from the team’s environment.
• 🏆 The ultimate goal is to create a collective mentality where everyone works toward the same objectives, reinforcing values throughout the program.

Q & A

What does the speaker identify as the core philosophy of their program?

The core philosophy of the program is centered around fostering healthy and positive relationships within the team and organization.

What impact did the speaker's upbringing have on their values and leadership approach?

The speaker's upbringing, especially being raised by a single mother who worked as a custodian, taught them the value of hard work, leadership, and not wanting to let down those they care about. These values influenced their dedication to studying leadership and building relationships.

How did the speaker's experiences in various locations contribute to their growth?

The speaker moved frequently and worked in different states and even another country, where they encountered diverse cultures and leadership styles. This journey allowed them to continuously study people, leadership, and organizational dynamics, shaping their own approach to coaching and team management.

What approach does the speaker emphasize for handling discipline, academics, and team philosophy?

The speaker created a detailed head coaching manual with tabs for all essential areas, including discipline, academics, offensive and defensive philosophy, and organizational principles. This manual helps ensure consistent application of values and standards across the team.

Why does the speaker prioritize relationships in their coaching philosophy?

The speaker believes that strong relationships are foundational to maximizing the potential of both individuals and teams, allowing people to challenge each other while building trust and emotional connections.

What is the 'ultimate teammate' concept, and how is it recognized?

The 'ultimate teammate' is a player who earns the respect of their peers through dedication, community involvement, academic work, and consistent effort. Each player aspires to be recognized by their peers as someone who embodies these qualities.

What are the four core values of the speaker's program?

The four core values are: having a positive attitude, exhibiting an outstanding work ethic, competing in everything, and making sacrifices for success.

How does the speaker address attitude in the team culture?

The speaker insists on a positive attitude as a core value, believing that it sets the tone for motivation and appreciation of opportunities. They ensure that everyone in the program, including players, coaches, and staff, upholds this standard.

What does the speaker mean by a 'collective mentality,' and why is it important?

A 'collective mentality' refers to a unified team culture where everyone in the organization is aligned with the same goals, values, and objectives. It’s essential for creating a cohesive, high-functioning team that works together toward success.

What role does social media play in reinforcing the program's values?

The speaker uses social media, particularly Twitter, to continuously reinforce positive messages, encourage the team’s core values, and strengthen the connection with both the community and institution.