Worksheet: Understand what makes your team work well during calm seasons, to help protect with drama hits.

Your Team at Its Best: What to Notice, What to Protect

A GRL Worksheet for Student-Athletes also available by google doc.

This worksheet is designed to help you understand what makes your team work well during calm seasons—and how to protect those strengths when things get stressful.

Team Atmosphere Scan

Check all that apply to your team right now.

Communication

☐ We talk openly during practice
☐ People give clear feedback without being rude
☐ Mistakes are addressed quickly and calmly
☐ Players help each other without being asked
☐ Communication stays positive under pressure

Trust + Support

☐ Teammates celebrate each other’s wins
☐ People apologize when needed
☐ Teammates believe in each other’s effort
☐ No one gets isolated or left out
☐ Players can ask for help without judgment

Energy + Vibe

☐ Warmups feel connected
☐ The bench stays supportive
☐ The locker room feels positive
☐ Group chats aren’t chaotic or dividing
☐ Team events feel comfortable, not forced

Work Ethic

☐ Everyone pushes through hard drills
☐ Players show up on time
☐ Effort is consistent across the team

☐ No one coasts while others carry
☐ People take accountability for mistakes

What Makes Your Team “High Functioning”?

Reflect on these questions. Write down specific examples.

1. What does your team do really well when things are good?

2. What moments feel the most connected or enjoyable?

3. What behaviors do you see that you want to protect?

4. Which teammates model the energy you want to see more of? Why?

Your Personal Leadership Snapshot

You don’t need a title to lead. Notice what you bring to the table.

1. How do YOU contribute when the team is functioning well?

☐ Staying positive
☐ Encouraging others
☐ Communicating clearly
☐ Bringing energy to warmups
☐ Keeping team standards high
☐ Helping teammates feel included
☐ Staying calm under pressure
☐ Other: __________________________________________

2. What’s one strength you want to double down on?

3. What’s one habit you want to build for when challenges come?

Protecting the Good Stuff

Use this checklist to keep your team strong, even when things get challenging.

Communication Protection

☐ Speak up early when something feels off
☐ Praise great communication out loud
☐ Ask clearer questions in practice (“What did you see?”)
☐ Avoid gossip and shut down drama quietly

Culture Protection

☐ Invite people to join you (warmup, study hall, meal)
☐ Celebrate small wins consistently
☐ Reset negative tone without calling anyone out
☐ Keep everyone included in group chats or plans

Energy Protection

☐ Be the calm one
☐ Own your mistakes
☐ Speak respectfully even when frustrated
☐ Keep the locker room environment positive
☐ Bring neutral, steady leadership energy

Standard Protection

☐ Hold yourself accountable first
☐ Maintain work ethic even on boring days
☐ Show love through effort
☐ Match your behavior to your goals
☐ Encourage teammates without controlling them

Your “Team Anchor” Plan

Write your own simple plan for how you’ll help keep your team steady this season.

1. Three things I want to protect on this team:

2. Three ways I can lead during the calm moments:

3. What I’ll remind myself when things get stressful: