Coach

In a conversation yesterday with a friend of mine who is our middle school softball coach, she mentioned how she handles team selection and notification. I thought it was perfect, especially for middle school and the self-discovery and differing levels of confidence.

On the day that team selections are announced, the girls are gathered in the gymnasium. 

A short speech is given, specifically around the idea that no matter what it says inside the envelope, that if they have a passion for the sport, and they really want to grow as a player, that they should take what is inside seriously and know that this day is not the end of the road. They specifically mention a former player, who is now a star at the high school, who was cut from the same team as a 6th grader.

Then, inside the envelope are three pieces of paper.

One says, "Congratulations, you've made the team" or "Unfortunately, you did not make the team."

Another is a "standards-based" report card of skills required of softball players, with scores noted by the coaches over the course of tryouts.

And finally, the last is a narrative, written for every player based around not just skills but attitude and mindset.

The players are allowed to open their envelopes whenever and wherever they choose - right there in the gym, in the school bathroom, or that night at home in their bedroom.

She said that the number of "parent phone calls" has been almost completely eliminated.

Now that's growth mindset at work.