October Core Value | Selflessness

What do you think makes the best team? A roster full of starters? Multiple college commits? A team of the hardest workers in the gym or on the field? While these are all very exciting characteristics, they are often not enough to create a successful team.
John O’Sullivan, founder of the “Changing the Game Project” believes that the most important thing is to have a team that all ask, “what can I give”.
Here at MSA, we agree and believe that it is imperative to build a culture around selflessness. In order to reach their full potential, athletes are willing to make personal sacrifices for the good of the team. Self-centeredness and a “what’s in it for me” attitude of entitlement is far too prevalent in the world today and the importance of teamwork and service has gotten lost in the shuffle. Service to others is the exact thing athletes need to not only become elite performers but the thing that makes them stand out on a team. The best teammates ask what the team needs, before asking what I need. 

“It’s not about what the team can do for you, it’s about what you can do for the team.” 

Here are some examples of how athletes can serve their teams... 

1. I can give my best effort in practice and games 
2. I can give my team a positive attitude no matter what the circumstances 
3. I can give my team a boost no matter how many minutes I play 
4. I can give my team a better chance to win no matter what position I play 
5. I can do the dirty work so my teammate can score the goal and get the glory 
6. I can sacrifice my personal ambitions for the better of the team 
7. I can lead by example 
8. I can be an example of core values in action 

Bring the conversation home with your athlete. 

1. What does selflessness mean to you? 
2. How can you show selflessness? 
3. Why is it important to show selflessness? 
4. Who is a good example of a selfless individual in your life?