Create a Culture Document

Write It Down: Why Great Coaches Document Their Culture

“If you don’t have a clear intentional system for your culture, you’ll leave it to chance. And culture that is left to chance almost always fails.” -J.P. Nerbun

This is why the best coaches write their culture down. John Wooden had his Pyramid of Success. Pete Carroll and Steve Kerr have done it too. Putting it on paper forces you to get clear on who your team is, who it isn’t, and exactly how you will operate.

At TOC, there are ten things we want to see in every culture system document: core values, personal standards for your own leadership, non-negotiables for your players, an onboarding plan, team standards, a system for developing leaders, individual development for athletes and for coaches, team culture time, and a clear plan for accountability. You don’t need all ten this week. Start with your core values and non-negotiables, then build from there.

The proof shows up in programs like Marquette Men’s Basketball under Shaka Smart and LMU Beach Volleyball under John Mayer (see the image above). Both put culture documents in place, both saw their culture accelerate, and both have been at the top of their conferences and in the national rankings in recent years.

Want to see their Team Culture Documents or build your own with our 10-step program? Join TOC Coach.

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