Dugout Culture: It's as big a part of women's softball identity as the bright yellow ball and the blazing under-handed pitch.
Though the NCAA has put a clamp on the in-game choreography and costumed antics, the dugouts in women’s softball games (particularly the NCAA tournament) are full of cheering, chanting and song. The scene is dripping with well-gelled camaraderie in promoting a positive clubhouse environment.
Pair the Gift of the Goose with a bat and a glove, and you’ve got softball dugout culture.
What’s the culture in our own dugouts? Sketch comedy or choreographed dances may not be at play — but a positive clubhouse should always be a priority.
3 Ways to Promote a Positive Clubhouse Environment:
1. Be enthusiastic. Cheer each other on.
The Gift of the Goose is one that keeps on giving.
As Ken Blanchard states in “Gung Ho,” next to cheering, congratulating for accomplished success is an important instrument to intrinsically motivate people. Three suggestions for implementation the gift of the goose are: making sure the congratulations are TRUE (Timely, Responsive, Unconditional and Enthusiastic).
2. Communicate regularly… and purposefully.
Every organization strives for better communications. It’s vital to receive communications (email a primary example) and respond in a manner that’s quick, complete, and grateful.
Think about your own email communications and ways you can craft more professional messages. Here’s 5 tips.
- Ensure your response is timely.
- Be clear and concise with your message.
- Make the subject line specific.
- Realize the fine line between appropriately casual and immature.
- Realize your tone might be misunderstood.
3. Be a solid utility player.
Every fan loves a solid utility player. Someone on your team who can play multiple positions. Someone like former University of Arizona standout Leticia Pineda.
Pineda could play just about anywhere, and unbelievably well. She is the only DI athlete to be named first team All-American at three different positions: catcher, third base, and first base. She helped guide the Wildcats to the WCWS in each of her four years, winning championships in 1996 and 1997.
Mastered your role? Don’t be afraid to fill in at another position when called upon. Don’t just focus on your own success — help others win in their jobs. Everyone’s got a quota, everyone has objectives, but taking a step back to help someone else win at their job?
The fans will love it. So will your clubhouse mates.