8 Core Principles 1. RESPECT - Being a respectful employee is unconditional respect for the company, coworkers, students, and parents. Respect doesn’t mean always having to agree with the other person or concede to their requests, but taking a moment to step back and understand other points of view, attempting compromise where possible, and keeping problems in perspective with the big picture. A respectful employee is punctual, trustworthy, and actively pursues opportunities to be kind and helpful whenever possible. A respectful coach disciplines fairly and consistently, recognizes a student’s need to be challenged and have successes, and understand when students have special requirements to do their best. 2. COMMUNICATION - The best communicators are proactive, addressing situations immediately before they affect other areas. They go directly and only to the person who can solve the problem in a disagreement, de-emphasize tact and focus on equal parts of candor and respect, and seek first to understand another party’s perspective before sharing his/her own. Coaches who communicate well with their students have clear expectations, give corrections in achievable steps, and give parents a clear picture of student progress and challenges on a regular basis. 3. GROWTH - No employee should remain stagnant in a coaching position, rather, s/he should be in a constant state of growth and initiative. Good coaches are constantly seeking new ways to improve themselves as a teacher/role model for children and aren’t afraid to push their “safe zones.” There are always new techniques to learn about coaching gymnastics, working with children, and improving the business. A coach who is truly committed to growth will not only seek out these opportunities but will share them with others. 4. RESPONSIBILITY - Above all, coaches are role models for students. They consider how this responsibility carries over from their professional to their personal life, and behave accordingly. They also take their responsibilities seriously at the gym in everything from being on time for class to cleaning up after practice. Coaches also have a responsibility to keep themselves balanced by scheduling themselves to stay happy, healthy, and successful. 5. SAFETY - In any athletic activity, the activity isn’t worth the time if it can’t be done safely. Gymnastics has its inherent risks, but every coach should make extraordinary efforts to keep these risks to a minimum. 6. ENTHUSIASM - Enthusiasm means energy, but does not necessarily mean hyperactivity. Enthusiastic coaches catch students doing things right, keep classes in perpetual motion, and inject creativity, variety, and fun into every day. 7. PROFESSIONALISM - A professional coach will recognize that a gymnastics school is a business and consistency and integrity are keys to success as a business. Professionals will work with customers and put extraordinary effort into converting a disgruntled client into a fan. When they receive a question, concern, or complaint, they own it and are responsible for seeing it through to resolution. 8. TEAMWORK - A strong team member supports coworkers, volunteering to help others when they are in need, and encourages teamwork among his/her students, and communicates with other coaches about solutions to similar problems.