Lessons Learned from the Little League Champions

This Week with Sara Fitts takes a look at the lessons learned from watching the fabulous US champions in the Little League World Series last week.  The Jackie Robinson West All Stars team from Chicago represented the United States in the Little League World Series.  While the team from South Korea won the world title, Jackie Robinson West won the US championship and our hearts.  

While watching this amazing team of 11 - 13 year-olds and their fabulous coaches, it occurred to me that they were providing many lessons that all teachers and students can carry into this academic year.

Among the many lessons that I believe were learned are the following:

• Believe in yourself and in your colleagues/peers.
• Stay focused.
• Play your position - whatever it is at the moment.
• When things are not going well, don't yell!  Stay positive and encourage your team.
• When things are not going well, believe in yourself even more.
• When things are not going well, simply put everything in proper perspective.  What's the worst that could happen?  So?
• When things are not going well, keep your eyes on the ball.  More mistakes happen when you don't.
• When things are going extremely well, never become arrogant.  Things often change quickly.
• When things are going extremely well, continue to keep your focus.
• When things are going extremely well, cheer on your team!
• When things are going extremely well, celebrate the moment.  Again, things often can change quickly.
• Never miss an opportunity to say "nice job."
• Never miss an opportunity to say "good try."
• Never miss an opportunity to say "you'll get it next time."
• Never miss an opportunity to praise your team.
• Never miss an opportunity to encourage your team.
• Never tell anyone they are worthless human beings.  Never berate your team.
• Motivate your team with encouragement.
• Motivate your team with kindness.  
• There is always a way to say what needs to be said.
• No matter how strong we look, we are still human beings just playing in the game.
• No matter how old we look, we are still human beings just playing in the game.
• And as important as the game is, always remember:  it is only a game (or job!).

I was so impressed by the fact that the coaches never berated the young men.  They encouraged and motivated even when errors had occurred.  They got in their faces - to encourage and motivate, never to belittle.  The lessons learned from Jackie Robinson West from Chicago will stay with me - and I hope with you and your "teams" this academic year.

Have a wonderful academic year!  Work hard.  Teach hard.  Learn.  And don't forget to play hard!

Sara Fitts is an academic and instructional coach and consultant in Manassas, VA.  She is the owner of SLF Consulting.  Motivation is the main ingredient in Sara's Little Formula that she uses to get results for her clients.  Visit http://www.SLFConsulting.com for more information.