Leadership

The Five Pillars

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Corey Winkoff

The KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) was started with just 57 5th graders in a Houston District Classroom. Led by Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, this class proved to be the foundation for a public school unlike anything you’ve seen before. Frustrated with the low graduation rates, lack of attendance, ineffective teaching techniques, and lack of direction; Feinberg and Levin started an intensive program that became a breading ground for successful students of all ages. At the core of KIPP’s model are five pillars:

High Expectations
Choice and Commitments
More Time
Power to Lead
Focus on Results

These pillars have given rise to a movement for inner-city and minority youth. Thinking anything is possible, students have a more optimistic approach towards their futures. With 57 students in 1994, KIPP has opened it’s first elementary and High Schools tens years late. Learn more about KIPP right here!

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Keys to Success

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Corey Winkoff

As we work towards the goal of developing well-rounded studletes who strive to obtain self-satisfaction in knowing they are trying to be the best version of themselves, there are certain keys to success. Below we’ve listed five very important key below, to give the Lacrosse Community a better understanding of what FLG is all about.

1. A discipline culture

2. Top notch coaching

3. Offer a wealth of deep practice

4. Supportive parenting

5. Love for the game

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The Red Bandana

Posted on September 11, 2016 by Corey Winkoff

“Tom Rinaldi’s The Red Bandana could very well become one of those classic books that are handed down through generations, for more than any book I have read in a very long time it convincingly tells the story of how great men and women become great–how cultural, community, and spiritual drives can develop that inner character that will make the world a better place. It is all found here in these pages–the intellectual and moral strength of a close and loving family, determination, guts and the sense of service that brings alive this memorable an beautifully written story of the 9/11 death of Welles Crowther. This book will always be set aside in my house to illustrate the art of writing, but mostly to honor the life of this courageous man– volunteer firefighter, champion athlete, well-positioned stock trader–a true friend and loyal son whose inner inspiration was to become a New York City firefighter. Every first responder will want to read this book every high school ad college English teacher will want to assign it and every thoughtful reader will give it to someone they love.” -Dennis Smith, retired FDNY firefighter and author of Report from Engine Co. 82

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The Rage to Master

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Corey Winkoff

That’s powerful, the rage to master.

When I first heard Professor Ellen Winner’s phrase, rage to master, I thought it meant:

Burning desire to perfect a specific craft or trade.

Winner defines rage to master as she explains what makes someone a genius, saying,

It’s an intense and obsessive interest, an ability to focus sharply, experiencing a state of flow when learning in their domain — optimal states in which they focus intently and lose sense of the outside world.

As it relates to sports, a key in obtaining the rage to master, is developing an obsessive interest.

Fascinating, but, how can one do this? For me, an emphasis on interest relates to the importance of developing a passion for whatever it is you wish to master. Loving what you do is a great way to maintain an interest and develop that burning passion.

A great message for not only the future geniuses reading this post, but one for all parents or youth coaches. If you wish to have your child master a sport, craft, trade, instrument, or whatever it may be; make sure they are having fun. If they are having fun, they will gain interest. Once they have interest, they can work to develop an intense and obsessive rage to master their area of expertise. #LoveTheGame

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Addictive Personality

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Corey Winkoff

Have you ever heard someone say, “I have an addictive personality.” Usually when I hear people associate addictive tendencies with their personality, they are fighting the urge to try something that’s not only addictive, but harmful. Personally, I feel human nature is to have addictive tendencies. The question is, what are you going to get addicted to? In life, you can develop healthy habits and get addicted to becoming the best version of yourself. This is the form of addiction I want to spread. Here’s some things I choose to get hooked on:

Stepping outside my comfort zone.

Making sure my inbox stays between 1 and 19 emails.

Watching documentaries on topics that frighten me.

Practicing what I preach.

Shipping on time. Shipping packages, projects, emails, and work.

Staying in shape.

Becoming a better boyfriend, boss, student, and family member.

Doing what’s right over what’s easy.

Drinking water.

What healthy habits have you formed?

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3 Sport Coaches

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Corey Winkoff

It’s rare to hear of a three sport athlete these days. Specialization in youth sports has forced athletes to make decisions which sport to focus on earlier and earlier. Some players are choosing to focus on one specific sport before they get into Middle School, playing that sport year-round.

The impact of specialization in sports stretches beyond the athlete. Unfortunately, it effects coaches as well.

As parents guide their children to specialize in sports, spend money to make their children better, and increasingly involve themselves in their child’s organized sports experience; the pressure to win in High School sports begins to increase. As parent’s see their children compete in school, they expect their teams to be nothing short of competitive. As the added pressures of being competitive and winning in High School sports increases, quality High School Varsity coaches are forced to develop a year-round training schedule for their sport, as opposed to just working with Varsity athletes in season.

As coaches start to work with their players year-round, the opportunity to coach multiple sports begins to fade. The idea of a quality 3 Sport Coach has turned into a 1 sport Head Coach. These Head Coaches, most of whom serve as Linchpins within their communities, are now dedicating all their effort into developing studletes in one specific sport.

With parent pressures, year-round schedules, and specialization in sports, will soon be the time that quality High School coaches decide it’s worth it to coach Varsity sports?

To me, the biggest travesty would be seeing the most qualified and indispensable coaches go from being a 3 Sport Coach, to not one at all.

How can we help promote the importance of multi-sport athletes and coaches within schools? For ideas, please comment below…

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21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Corey Winkoff

Yesterday, FLG 2020 Girls Coach Bob Schmitt walked into the FLG office with a book titled, The Hard Hat. After I inquired about the book Bob was holding, he said, “this is a must read, once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down.” Boy was he right. I simple could not put the book down once I dove inside. In The Hard Hat, author Jon Gordon features:

The true story of George Board, his team and their legacy
Insights from George’s teammates
Exercises to help you build a great team
21 ways to be a great teammate

Jon Gordon takes the story of someone who did so many things the right way to educate readers on what it takes to be a great teammate, young man, and society member. I hope that George Boiardi’s legacy continues to spread and educate future generations of studletes. Below I’ve summarized Jon Gordon’s lessons on being a great teammate. This post is in honor of a true studlete, role model, and leader.

21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate *From Jon Gordon’s The Hard Hat in honor of George Boiardi

As a team member, one of the things you control each day is your effort. Effort is a cornerstone value that you can control and allow oneself to be the best.
While well done is greater than well said, don’t just show effort, demand it vocally to your teammates.
The key to success is be a life-long learner. Stay humble and hungry along the way.
Try to be the best you can be. Pursue excellence. Give more percent of yourself each opportunity you get.
Stay positive and spread that positivity.
Don’t complain.
Work hard for your team. Put your team first. Give credit where credit is due.
If you want commitment, be committed.
Be consistent in your attitude, effort, and actions.
Before you expect the best of yourself, you can expect the best from your team.
If you respect everyone, they will respect you
Be an energy fountain, not a drain.
Without communication, you can’t build trusting relationships
Connect with your teammates. Get to know them as people on and off the field.
Greatness is a focus a focus on making oneself better and ones team better.
Be selfless.
Show you care, don’t just say how much you care.
Be a loyal friend to your teammates.
Love your team first. Commit to that. They will then love you back.
Be willing to sacrifice some of your wants for what the team needs.
Leave the place better than you found it.

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