During the past couple of weeks I have been communicating with people on the team on an individual level to learn more about those around me. Not only have I had conversations with teammates, but coaches as well. I expressed to them where I come from and continued to learn more about where they come from in the hopes that we can all build and grow from one another.  While I have not had a chance yet  to have conversations with every single last person on the team, I plan on doing so before the end of the season. I have realized that this project is going to be In the works for quite some time, and I am looking forward to people seeing the fruits of my labor in the coming months.  My original plan was to communicate with those on the team to spread a message that would in hopes change the culture and direction  of our program. After starting this project, we earned our first victory, but one is not enough for me, there is more work to be done.  In thought, I would lead by example, meaning actions on the football field that are conducive to a winning or failing season, but unfortunately tore my hamstring leaving me out for a couple of months. Instead of this stopping the project, I have adjusted my aim for the time being.

While I sit out watching, I will continue to get to know those on the team and gain their trust by creating something that is unique to each person. That might be a handshake, a saying, or something silly that only we do. These are only a few examples. For those who I have already come up and started this with, there has been a difference in our interactions on and off the field.  Regardless of how this season ends, the true test comes in the winter, when our workouts start and we begin to spend more time with one another with nothing on the line (a game).  By then, entire team conversations about the direction of the program will be addressed and implemented. For now, I will continue to impact one person at a time through communicating “non violently”.