Week 11: March 13

"You Win in the Locker Room First" by Jon Gordon and Mike Smith

I have read Jon Gordon before with "The Hard Hat" and I really enjoy his philosophies on teamwork. This book builds on that with the 7 C's for developing a winning team. The "team" can be anything from sports teams to business to life. We all could use these concepts to help us focus on what's important and how to get out of the "me" mindset that our culture is turning into.

The 7 C's are:
   1. Culture
   2. Contagious
   3. Consistent
   4. Communicate
   5. Connect
   6. Commitment
   7. Care

Along with the "Big C" of Character and the "Other Big C" of Coaching. I admit, I fall short in many if not all of these categories most days and it takes reminders to not be an "energy vampire", someone who sucks all the positivity out of a room. Personally, I feed off of others' energies so if I am around someone negative, it doesn't take me long to fall right beside them. This is something I have had to work on in every aspect of my life from marriage to my career. It's so easy to be downers but it takes true perseverence to be a positive influence.

Growing up in sports I love how Jon makes his writing relatable to not only sports teams but businesses as well. At work, we talk a lot about wanting to be a team but there are many days where we feel more dvided because we are missing some of the crucial "C" components. I am wanting to bring this book to my director and co-workers' attention to see where we feel we are lacking.

As I read this book, I did bring the concepts into my everyday life. At times it was easier than others but I did notice where I was personally lacking more than others and also how it feels to push past that negativity and go forward with a more positive outlook. It felt a lot better than the self-pity I was allowing myself to have over this or that in my life. I encourage you to pick up this book. It's an easy, short read (even though it took me longer to read it due to personal distractionss) and gives you a sense of clarity on how to live your life. Enjoy!