Finding Your Team Identity

If you don’t know me, I’m Brian Smith.

As Head Wrestling Coach at Mizzou, I’ve spent years building a program around more than just talent. These athletes are some of the greatest men I know. They’re full of integrity, discipline, and grit. The Tiger Style method is about performance and culture. It’s about building character that shows up on and off the mat.

“Are you livin’ it?” is a question I ask my athletes almost every day. It’s about living out Tiger Style, and more importantly, living a life you’re proud of.

Today, I want to discuss one big culture question and let you in on where I’ve been. 

Let’s get into it. 

FROM GOOD TO GREAT

The first step in living Tiger Style is finding your identity. But how? How do you help your team define and live out its identity?

It’s a lifelong journey, but it starts with you —

1. Observe leaders you respect. 

Identify 1-2 people you admire and if you can, get as close to them as possible. 

Pat was my coach at Michigan State my freshman year. He knew I wanted to coach someday, so during a summer camp, he told me to be in the "hip pocket" of a top high school coach. So I found my guy and followed him around everywhere. I ate lunch with him, watched him interact with his athletes, and took notes.

Let’s just say, I learned a lot!

2. Find what works (and what doesn’t). 

Next, pay attention to what resonates with you. Notice the coaching styles you naturally connect with, as well as those that don’t feel right. Ask questions about why coaches do things the way they do. Both perspectives are valuable, and the contrast will help you shape a leadership identity that’s truly your own.

3. Start livin’ it!

Once you have a picture of how you want to lead, start livin’ it one piece at a time. When I started coaching, I was very much coaching like my dad, who was more "old school." Over time I realized that being tough and disciplined was important, but so was building strong relationships with everyone in the organization. That had always meant a great deal to me.

My last word: Finding your identity is about always having a purpose in what you are doing and continuing to grow and improve.

OFF THE MAT

Outside of coaching Mizzou’s wrestling team, I speak to coaches, executive teams, alumni associations, healthcare leaders and more about a simple message: 

Success comes from building a strong culture.

I’d love to speak to your team or organization. 

You can learn more below. 

Thanks for tuning in.

You can connect with me on LinkedIn or respond to this email. I’d love to hear from you.

— Coach Smith