Strong Roots
One question I get asked often is whether I miss coaching basketball.
The answer usually surprises people.
I don't miss the games nearly as much as I miss doing hard things with people.
There is something powerful about pursuing something difficult alongside others.
When you do hard things together, pieces of you become part of them.
And pieces of them become part of you.
Recently, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said something that captured this perfectly:
"At the end of the day, if you have a bunch of wins but you don't have the relationship with the guys, it's pretty empty. You're in it to go after stuff together with people."
That, to me, is the real gift of teams.
Not simply what we accomplish.
But who we become together.
Looking back, the teams that meant the most to me weren't defined by championships or records. They were defined by what we endured together.
Because when people pursue something meaningful—especially when it's difficult—something deeper begins to take root.
In the full article, I explore what a failed scientific experiment, California redwood trees, and one of Sherri Coale's favorite metaphors can teach us about building cultures that withstand adversity.
Read the full article: Strong Roots https://angelelderkin.substack.com/p/strong-roots
-By Angel Elderkin | Executive Coach & TOC Team Member
*P.S. If this idea resonates with you, we'll be putting it into practice this August.
Coming This August: The Culture System – Level 1 Cohort
I'll be leading The Culture System Level 1 Cohort exclusively for TOC Premium Members, where we'll work through the foundational systems that help coaches intentionally build strong, connected team cultures.
Together we'll explore:
Systems Thinking
Mission Statement
Non-Negotiables
Onboarding
Team Culture Time
Connect & Correct
Natural & Progressive Consequences
If you're ready to move beyond talking about culture and begin building it with intention, I'd love to have you join us. https://www.skool.com/toccoach/about
