Beyond Bound Episode 21: Putting Your Vision and Mission Into Action

Facilitated by Aaron Stecker, Bound

In the latest installment of Beyond Bound's Professional Development Series for coaches and athletic directors, the focus shifted to a critical topic: translating vision into action within athletic programs. Facilitated by Aaron Stecker, the discussion delved into the practical steps necessary to bring a program's vision and mission to life.

Stecker, drawing from his experiences at Kennedy High School, emphasized the importance of moving beyond simply creating a vision statement to actively embedding it into the fabric of daily operations. He highlighted the common pitfall of treating the vision as a mere poster on the wall, stressing the need for actionable steps to realize the stated goals.

Key Points from the Discussion:

1. Defining Vision and Mission: Stecker underscored the significance of establishing a clear vision and mission for athletic programs. Without a defined direction, programs risk becoming stagnant or losing sight of their overarching objectives.
2. Building Core Values or Skill Sets: Instead of merely focusing on core values, the discussion explored the concept of developing skill sets aligned with the program's vision. This shift in perspective allows for a more tangible approach to personal and team development.
3. Intentional Coaching: Coaches were encouraged to be intentional in their approach to embedding the program's values into practice sessions and games. By integrating the vision into daily activities, coaches can create a culture where desired behaviors are reinforced consistently.
4. Evaluation and Growth Plans: Traditional evaluation methods were challenged, with an emphasis on fostering growth-oriented conversations between coaches and administrators. The goal is to identify areas for improvement collaboratively and develop actionable plans to address them.
5. Moving from Transactional to Transformational: The overarching theme of the discussion centered on the shift from transactional interactions to transformational experiences within athletic programs. By actively engaging in discussions about culture, values, and skill development, programs can transcend wins and losses to leave a lasting impact on student-athletes.

The panelists, including Joey Struwe, Todd Gordon, Mark Gunderson, and Scott Garvis, shared insights from their own experiences, reinforcing the importance of intentional leadership and ongoing development.

As athletic programs gear up for the upcoming school year, the message is clear: it's time to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps towards building a culture that fosters growth, resilience, and excellence both on and off the field. With collaboration, intentionality, and a commitment to continuous improvement, athletic directors and coaches have the power to transform their programs and leave a legacy that extends far beyond the final score.