Jerry has tremendous skills

This past season I approached Jerry Ervin about becoming part of our football staff in the role as a Leadership Coach. It might have been one of the best moves I have ever made in my 17 years as a head coach. Jerry has tremendous skills in multiple areas. He took our Leadership Council to the next level. His vision, and the direction that he provided to our players was absolutely amazing. I truly believe that the leadership skills that Jerry provided our players this season made the difference between us being an average team, to making us one of the top teams in Arizona. Jerry is an amazing guy and is a master in his profession.

Daniel H.

In sports, how a team performs is not just determined by skill, talent and effort, but a key component of any team’s success or failure is also determined by the culture and values of the team, as well as the attitude, behavior and overall communication and leadership skills of the coaches, players and support staff.

To become a High Performing Sports Team and consistently operate at peak performance levels, intentional effort must be put forth to build key leadership qualities and skills within the coaches and players. The Sports Team Development Program is designed to help teams to assess their current state and develop plans to improve in key leadership areas like:

  • Communication

  • Goal Setting

  • Problem Solving

  • Commitment

  • Developing Culture

  • Teamwork

  • Plan and Execute

  • Leading Others

  • Self Reflection

  • Conflict Resolution

The Sports Team Development Program is a 3 – 6 month highly interactive and engaging program. It starts with assessing and fine tuning key team foundations including a team’s vision, mission, goals, values, expectations, etc. In addition, assessment tools and leadership based resources will be used to assess various team leadership styles and communication preferences. During the season, motivational teachings and meetings will be held periodically with coaches and players to continue to build leadership capability and to help the team navigate through the stages of team development. During the post season, meetings will be held to capture lessons learned that can be applied for making any necessary improvements for the next season.

Below is a sample of topics that will be covered:

  • Characteristics of High Performing Teams
  • Understanding and Navigating Through the Stages of Team Development
  • Establishing a High Performing Team Charter
  • Launching a Player Leadership Team
  • Characteristics of Effective Leaders
  • Understanding Leadership Personality Profiles and Communication Styles
  • Effective Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution
  • Developing a Action Plan

By the end of the program teens will:

  • Create a Team Charter for their mission, vision, values, goals, expectations, etc
  • Establish a Player Leadership Team that will work with the coaches to help lead the team
  • Gain understanding of leadership/ communication styles and how to best utilize and leverage them
  • Assess the current state of the team and begin working towards building a high performing team
  • Develop a plan of action that will be updated throughout the season
  • Establish metrics of success and measure against them throughout the season

Coming Soon

Program Overview

The Sports Team Development Program is a 3 – 6 month highly interactive and engaging program.  It starts with assessing and fine tuning key team foundations including a team’s vision, mission, goals, values, expectations, etc.  In addition, assessment tools and leadership based resources will be used to assess various team leadership styles and communication preferences.  During the season, motivational teachings and meetings will be held periodically with coaches and players to continue to build leadership capability and to help the team navigate through the stages of team development.  During the post season, meetings will be held to capture lessons learned that can be applied for making any necessary improvements for the next season.

Program Topics

Below is a sample of topics that will be covered:

  • Characteristics of High Performing Teams
  • Understanding and Navigating Through the Stages of Team Development
  • Establishing a High Performing Team Charter
  • Launching a Player Leadership Team
  • Understanding your DISC personality type
  • Characteristics of Effective Leaders
  • Understanding Leadership Personality Profiles and Communication Styles
  • Effective Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution
  • Developing a Action Plan
Program Outcomes

By the end of the program teens will:

  • Create a Team Charter for their mission, vision, values, goals, expectations, etc
  • Establish a Player Leadership Team that will work with the coaches to help lead the team
  • Gain understanding of leadership/ communication styles and how to best utilize and leverage them
  • Assess the current state of the team and begin working towards building a high performing team
  • Develop a plan of action that will be updated throughout the season
  • Establish metrics of success and measure against them throughout the season
Program Dates & Costs

Coming soon.

Player Leadership Team

One of the activities within the High Performance Team Development Programs is to establish a Player Leadership Team. Below gives a high level overview of the Player Leadership Team.

The Player Leadership Team is group of players that are selected from within a team, usually by the coaches and/or players. They are selected based on a set of leadership criteria that is determined by the coaches. The size and structure of the player leadership team varies by sport and overall size of the team.

Most teams are run and governed by the traditional top down approach, whereby the coaches set the vision, mission, goals, strategies.  They also come up with ideas to improve the team and come up with solutions to the team’s problems.  Then they push all of this down to the players.  This traditional approach has and can continue to get some results, but it doesn’t maximize the potential that lies within the team and it doesn’t foster a culture whereby players feel like they have a part in helping to shape the team and provide input to help the team develop and grow.  High Performing teams have learned that the best approach is to engage the players in such a way that they feel  a sense of empowerment and ownership to help the team grow and continually move towards achieving its goals.

  • To increase the level of engagement and ownership from the players on the team
  • To be intentional about improving the communication and relations between coaches and players and the players amongst themselves
  • To provide a forum, whereby, coaches and players can come together to talk about team progress, brainstorm ideas for improvement and develop solutions to any problems
  • To build leadership knowledge and skills for the players that are selected to be on the Leadership Team
  • To create a leadership team of players that will act as an extension of the coaches to help deliver key messages and to help motivate the other players and hold them accountable

  • Increased player engagement, ownership, passion, commitment, responsibility and accountability
  • Improved team relations, leadership, teamwork and communication skills
  • Improved practice and game execution based on the team’s defined success criteria

Player Leadership Team

One of the activities within the High Performance Team Development Programs is to establish a Player Leadership Team. Below gives a high level overview of the Player Leadership Team.

What is a Player Leadership Team?

The Player Leadership Team is group of players that are selected from within a team, usually by the coaches and/or players. They are selected based on a set of leadership criteria that is determined by the coaches. The size and structure of the player leadership team varies by sport and overall size of the team.

Why is it important to have a Player Leadership Team?

Most teams are run and governed by the traditional top down approach, whereby the coaches set the vision, mission, goals, strategies. They also come up with ideas to improve the team and come up with solutions to the team’s problems. Then they push all of this down to the players. This traditional approach has and can continue to get some results, but it doesn’t maximize the potential that lies within the team and it doesn’t foster a culture whereby players feel like they have a part in helping to shape the team and provide input to help the team develop and grow. High Performing teams have learned that the best approach is to engage the players in such a way that they feel a sense of empowerment and ownership to help the team grow and continually move towards achieving its goals.

What are the objectives of a Player Leadership Team?

  • To increase the level of engagement and ownership from the players on the team
  • To be intentional about improving the communication and relations between coaches and players and the players amongst themselves
  • To provide a forum, whereby, coaches and players can come together to talk about team progress, brainstorm ideas for improvement and develop solutions to any problems
  • To build leadership knowledge and skills for the players that are selected to be on the Leadership Team
  • To create a leadership team of players that will act as an extension of the coaches to help deliver key messages and to help motivate the other players and hold them accountable

What are the benefits of a Player Leadership Team?

  • Increased player engagement, ownership, passion, commitment, responsibility and accountability
  • Improved team relations, leadership, teamwork and communication skills
  • Improved practice and game execution based on the team’s defined success criteria

Testimonials

A phenomenal leadership trainer

Jerry Ervin is a phenomenal leadership trainer. He has incredible passion and purpose in delivering a program that creates teen leadership. Our son has been a participant in his programs for the past 2 years. One at Jerry’s home, and a football leadership program at the high school. The programs are inclusive and welcoming. They foster mutual respect for all and for improving one’s self-image. Jerry’s programs are hands-on and experiential. They offer many opportunities to reflect and expand on key principles. When our son comes home, he is energized and inspired. The program challenges our son to be better and to make his world better. We see him implementing the principles he as learned with Jerry at home, at school, and with friends. One of the key principles is, “As you work on improving your own life, bring others with you.” Our son makes a conscious effort to do this with his friends and in his community. We know that anyone who participates will be transformed in a positive way.

Sam C.

Enthusiastic and dynamic leadership coach

Jerry Ervin is an enthusiastic and dynamic leadership coach. My son has participated in his youth leadership program which Jerry has proven to be passionate towards these teens providing them with the tools they need to get them through their life challenges in school, sports, and their life journey.

Marilyn T.

Jerry Ervin is a Godsend

In today’s challenging climate of rapidly changing technology, increasing pressure to excel and “win at all cost” societal messages, teenagers can feel as though they will never measure up. Jerry Ervin is a Godsend. His leadership program is only out shined by his heart to make a difference. He has a unique approach to communicating with teens while challenging them to pursue excellence and constantly improve, becoming an even better version of themselves. The participants leave the program knowing that their validation does not come from the outside world, but rather an inner beauty and strength that they might share with others. He demonstrates leadership, teaches it and instills it that it might impact others well beyond the scope of his program.

Our family highly recommends Jerry as an integral part of any youth oriented organization which strives to make a true difference in the lives of their children and teens. Jerry certainly has made a difference in ours.

Gary C.

His message was on point

Jerry spoke to the Ahwatukee Boys Team Charity in January. This is a group of boys from 7th through high school, and his message was on point in terms of bringing it to a level they could consume, it was engaging, and it forced them to think. Jerry weaved in relevant personal anecdotes that reinforced his material and drove home the point on how these young leaders in the making should think about goals, careers, and a general approach to life. It was all about having purpose, and a by product of his message was appropriate for the adults/parents in the room too. Overall, a very productive and informative hour spent.

Mike T.

Jerry’s a real pro

Jerry’s a real pro. Not only is he steeped in knowledge of his subject area, also he engages his audience with enthusiasm and excitement. Jerry prepares extensively and has a talent for finding the hot-button issues among his participants. I highly recommend him.

Dave B.

Jerry has been an amazing mentor

Jerry has been an amazing mentor to both of my sons over the last 3 years. His youth group is helping to develop great character and leadership, and is reaching far beyond the kids that attend. As a parent, i am always looking for positive influences and role models for my children and words cannot express how grateful my family is to Jerry.

Elliott G.