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Etiquette is the Foundation of Culture

I’m not sure how many of you have read Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach us About the Business of Life by James Kerr, but this book puts how to be a leader into perspective, quickly. How does etiquette have anything to do with being a leader, you ask?

I have been so fortunate in my strength & conditioning career to be a part of some incredible organizations. From Hockey Canada, Rowing Canada, the Boston Bruins and numerous others that have opened their doors to me and trusted me with their people, they all have one thing in common, they are world leaders in their fields that start with etiquette. 

One thing is for sure, in every facility I have set foot in, not one item is out of place. Etiquette is this silent force that creates a feeling in everyone that enters to instantly take pride in what they do and how they do it. It is this energy that emanates from the walls and equipment that empowers us to make ourselves better, respect those before us and leave things in a better place than when we started. I mean from the way the markers are placed on whiteboards with all the labels facing the same way, to quotes from past leaders covering walls and a level of cleanness that makes you ask if you should take off your shoes upon entering. The drive to be a part of the story you entered becomes your subconscious support system. 

Yes, I understand a local high school is not a 6-time Stanley Cup franchise, nor is it expected to be, but like I have said before success leaves clues. So, get out your magnifying glass and figure out what you can apply to your environment. 

On day one of bringing new kids into our facility, we lay it down. I start by sharing my story, that it has been the love and respect I have for the room, that has created a love that I have for myself and that love I have for me, allows me to be everything I can be for others. I tell them what we expect from them if they spill water, how to speak to others while spotting, how to spot, where things belong and how they are put away. What clothes you wear and that your shoes are tied, how you stand and look at yourself in the mirror, and what you are allowed to say to yourself out loud and internally. We share how we pick things up and when we are done how we expect them to be put down. We teach that we wipe down benches when done, that we offer to help others when taking weights off of bars or make sure collars are on when walking by. We share how we talk to others in the gym and what words can be used for encouragement, we teach etiquette.

My role is to keep that expectation and let no one off the hook. Some might say “that’s too much work”. Wrong. It takes one day each year, and as the years go by, honestly, I don’t even have to say anything anymore, the etiquette built a culture. I have a list of kids each year who beg me to volunteer to clean the gym or help younger kids. The room now creates the feeling of expectation and the kids enforce it all on their own. 

Kids learn that the more they look after the room, the more the room looks after them. They take pride in helping others and they build trust in each other that builds self-esteem faster than anything you will ever see! Want a pro-tip? Create an award first, they are very inexpensive and second, make a great piece on the first wall for kids to see when they enter the fitness room. Award one student each year who best displays a commitment to excellence, not results or athletic achievement, pick a student who has etiquette and takes care of themselves so that they can take care of others. 

It’s been a pleasure sharing such a simple topic with you all, and I’m grateful you took the time to read it. 

-Coach Cal

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