A deeper look into the success of the Clemson Football Program: Part One- “windshield mentality”
For the second time in three seasons, Clemson University and its head football coach Dabo Swinney national champions. This series offers a deeper look into how Swinney and the Tigers are able to sustain their amazing success in the ultra-competitive field of division one college football:
As a reminder to focus on the future, Swinney implemented what he refers to as a “windshield mentality” in the Tigers Locker Room after the 2016 National Championship season, directing the vision of the program to what lies ahead opposed to what has previously happened (Vandervort, 2017). The “windshield mentality” is illustrated in the team meeting room via a picture of a car windshield: and within it the tasks that are approaching in the coming days and weeks (Myerberg, 2017). In the rear view mirrors the following stats are written in small font: (a) 2016 national champions; (b) 2016 ACC Champions; ( c ) 28–2 during the past two seasons; and (d) six-10 win seasons (Gordon, 2018). According to Swinney an emphasis on forthcoming events keeps the program hungry, focused, driven and from getting complacent (Fletcher, 2018).
Coach Nelson serves as a high school football coach who is pursuing his doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology. He has worked for a division 1 athletic department, professional sport franchises, a Fortune 100 Company and has won numerous awards for his LEADership abilities.
His mission is to positively influence the world through Love, Effort, Attitude and Discipline (#LEAD). To learn more about the LEAD philosophy follow him on Twitter Levi Nelson or reach out via email at rln10@zips.uakron.edu He’d love to learn about or help you in your journey!
References
Gordon, J. (2018, Feb 9). Positive University with Jon Gordon and Guests [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://positiveuniversity.com
Myerberg, P. (2017, April 30). For Clemson’s Dabo Swinney. It’s always about what’s next. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/acc/2017/04/05/clemson-tigers-spring-dabo-swinney/100080662/
Vandervort, W. (2017, August 30). Clemson’s ‘Windshield Mentality’ is back. Retrieved from https://theclemsoninsider.com/2017/08/30/clemsons-windshield-mentality-is-back/
