Values Added Teambuilding: A Process to Ensure Understanding, Acceptance, and Commitment to Team Values

Teambuilding frequently includes setting team goals and identifying a team mission, but often neglects the important role of shared team values. Shared values positively impact a team in a number of ways, including increased identification with the team, increased trust in team members, and guidance to coaches and athletes in how to respond to situations on and off the playing field/court. This article describes a process that may be used by coaches to purposefully identify team values and to ensure athletes understand, accept, and are committed to those values. Teams that utilize this technique on an annual basis ensure that the values they embrace are relevant, salient, and will guide them toward goal accomplishment. Likewise, as new athletes join the team, this process helps to ensure that they understand and are committed to team values.