Our coaching class discussed the importance of individual and collective identity formation. We also addressed Coach Jackson’s notion of “telling a story” as a team. We discussed:

1. Erving Goffman’s – “presentation of self in society” – front stage selves and back stage selves. We think there are “scripts” we need to follow.

2. 4 types of Identity formation

a. incremental formation – Vance Walberg – hard workers – everyday evidence.

b. dark night of the soul – through challenge – “everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face”– St. John of the Cross.

c. in relation to opponents/context – Bulls “peaceful Warriors” – storytelling, engagement.

d. punctuated equilibrium – a noteworthy event reveals who we are – Example: Bulls vs. Pistons.

3. As all of these types of identity formation may be playing out, coaches are critical in shaping the trajectory as “a story we’re writing.” We are the authors of the script.